April 9-15: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
PAGE 4
General Military Training:
CFC-O 2016:
Navy Ends Online GMT Requirements
Raised $4.8 Million Thank you for Showing Love
PAGE 7
N A S SIG O N E L L A
PAGE 12
April 7, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 13
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven S. Giordano Visits NAS Sigonella By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Steven S. Giordano visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and held an all-hands call with Sailors and Marines at the NAS 2 hangar, March 28. During the visit, Giordano hosted a luncheon with the Senior Sailors of the Year at the NAS 2 Galley before talking to troops at an all-hands call. After his opening remarks, Giordano was asked what he hoped his legacy as MCPON would be. “I’ve never thought about the next job, because if I did I would not be operating at my full capacity… I don’t know what will happen at the end of my tenure. You guys will decide how this thing really plays out,” said Giordano. “I don’t have a set agenda or a set goal. I want to keep listening to you, bring that info back and keep pushing things forward.” Giordano fielded questions from the audience and at the top of many Sailors’ minds were concerns about the rating modernization plan, Tricare coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, career opportunities for spouses and questions on how the U.S. intends to maintain maritime superiority in an ever-changing geopolitical environment involving state and non-state actors. “One thing we have that is better than anything is our people. You are the envy of every other military service out there, in any nation. And we will continue developing our forces so we can maintain that competitive edge through you, because the technology and the war fighting strategies are making the world smaller, “said Giordano. Following the all hands call Giordano met with Marines from Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) as well as with Sailors from Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 before touring the Sigo-
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steven Giordano speaks with Sailors and answers questions during an all hands call at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
nella USO facilities. Mrs. Elka Talia Franco-Giordano, Navy Ombudsman at Large, also met with members of the Sigonella community during the March 28 visit. Naval Air Station Sigonella: “The Hub of the Med,” is a U.S. Navy installation and an Italian Air Force base in Sicily, Italy. Just as a ship performs lines of operation that provide a capability, Navy Region EURAFSWA bases perform the same eight lines of operation to provide capability to the fleet,
joint and allied forces. These eight lines of operation are: air operations, port operations, safety, security, housing, MWR, Fleet and Family Services and what is called the core: the fuels, water and power that keep the bases running. Through our lines of operation, our installations are force multipliers that maximize combat capability of operational units. For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit www.navy.mil/ local/cnre/.
USO: Bringing a Taste of Home to NAS Sigonella Service Members By Stacey Geddings USO Center Operations Specialist
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – It was a Thursday evening and the smell of home-cooked dishes permeated Take 5 with a tempting aroma. On March 23, USO Sigonella hosted its first-ever Taste of Home event, and the outpouring of delicious donations from the community provided a smorgasbord of savory main dishes, satisfying sides, and delectable desserts. Enthusiastic volunteers were at the ready – standing by to serve the single and unaccompanied service members of Sigonella. The Taste of Home event is a brandnew event for USO Sigonella; one they will host monthly. Single and unaccompanied service members are treated to a home-cooked meal in the fun and exciting atmosphere at Take 5. But the event isn’t solely about food – service members also had the opportunity to win prizes from the USO while participating in exciting games and trivia. “The guys who were there really appreciated the effort the community put forward,” USO Center Operations Specialist Adriana Marcewicz said. “They were really impressed by the variety of food; there was something for everyone.” One Sailor was reminded of her
mother when she bit into the delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies provided at Taste of Home. Her comment sparked a discussion between other Sailors regarding their favorite desserts from back home. The Japanese curry and enchilada casserole brought tastes from around the world to the service member’s plate. “Our wonderful Sigonella community provided amazing dishes for the service members to enjoy at the USO’s Taste of Home,” said James Hodges, USO Sigonella Center Manager. “Our organization depends on the generosity and selflessness of our Sig’ Citizens, and we look forward to their continued support of this event.” The inspiration for the USO’s Taste of Home event comes from USO’s guiding principle of supporting our troops both at home and abroad, keeping them connected to family, home, and country. The USO recognizes that single and unaccompanied service members overseas are missing the comforts of home-cooked dishes, as well as togetherness and camaraderie. A Taste of Home is designed to bring our service members together, to share time with each other, while enjoying a homemade meal. A USO volunteer, EA1 Patrick Russell commented,” It’s nice to be able
USO volunteers serve up home-cooked dishes and desserts during the inaugural Taste of Home event March 23. The inspiration for the USO’s Taste of Home event comes from USO’s guiding principle of supporting our troops both at home and abroad, keeping them connected to family, home, and country. (Photo courtesy of USO Sigonella)
to show your support to other service members in the Sigonella community. Who doesn’t love a home-cooked meal?” USO Sigonella’s next Taste of Home
event will be held on Wednesday, April 19 from 1730-1930. If you would like to volunteer or donate your dish, please contact Stacey Geddings at Sgeddings@uso.org or DSN 624-6377.
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 2
April 7, 2017
Direct Line
Command Master Chief Mike Kaszubowski Saluti Sigonella, I LOVE BEING A CHIEF! This year will mark my 14th year as a Chief Petty Officer. I remember like it was yesterday – how excited, proud, nervous and humble I was when my anchor was pinned on my collar device for the first time. This year, as the United States Navy Chief Petty Officers celebrate our 124th birthday, I have often found myself thinking back to that day, what it means to be “THE CHIEF,” how I have grown as a Chief, the journeys my anchor has taken me and what lies ahead. It’s been a long tiresome 14 years but every day I wake up, I wake up knowing that I am a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy and I can’t think of a better way to start my day! April 1, 1893 is significant for a couple of reasons. First, the grade of Chief Petty Officer was established and secondly, most enlisted men received a pay raise. The question is often asked, "Who was the first Chief Petty Officer?" In reality, there was no first Chief Petty Officer due to the fact that nearly all ratings carried as Petty Officers First Class from 1885 were automatically shifted to the Chief Petty Officer level. Exceptions were Schoolmasters, who stayed at first class; Ship's Writers, who stayed the same but expanded to include second and third class; and Carpenter's Mates, who had been carried as second class petty officers but were extended to include chief, first, second, and third classes. Therefore, the Chief Petty Officer grade on April 1, 1893, encompassed nine rates.
On April 1st, the U.S. Navy Chief 's mess will celebrate 124 years of the United States Chief Petty Officer. We are not only celebrating another year of chiefs serving the Navy; we are celebrating everything it means to be the Chief. Our anchors are the symbol of a culture and a way of life. Since 1893, chiefs have been charged with the responsibility of leading Sailors to be the best in the world, ready to carry out our Navy's mission when the nation calls. Many people think that USN on our anchor stands for United States Navy. However, this is not the case and I would like to enlighten you. The "U" stands for Unity, which reminds us of cooperation, maintaining harmony and continuity of purpose and action. The "S" stands for Service, which reminds us of service to our God, our fellow man and our Navy. The "N" stands for Navigation, which reminds us to keep ourselves on a true course so that we may walk upright before God and man in our transactions with all mankind, but especially with our fellow Chiefs. The Chain is symbolic of flexibility and reminds us of the chain of life that we forge day-by-day, link-by-link and may it be forged with Honor, Morality and Virtue. The Anchor is emblematic of the hope and glory of the fulfillment of all God's promises to our souls. To all my brothers and sisters who have gone before us, THANK YOU! For those who are serving, THANK YOU! I hope every Chief takes time to think about what that anchor means on our collar, the impact we have, the charge we are charged
with. As I stated above, I love being a CHIEF! Happy Birthday brothers and sisters! NAVY CHIEF NAVY PRIDE! As always Sigonella, Lead yourself exceptionally well, Create opportunities for others to succeed and Have a positive attitude. See you around the base.
Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks. Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program! There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. – or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".
Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding “205 Housing Issues”:
Living out in town, I understand that there may be issues with the power or hot water. But I live in 205 Housing and have had significant issues with the water heater tripping constantly and some days I cannot even reset it. For the past two months we have had to call or message 205 maintenance staff at least once a week, sometimes more, to reset the water heater. At times we have had to turn on the heat in order to get hot water which raises our gas bill. Our current situation has left my family and I disgruntled and just plain unhappy to come home. There have been times I have had to take my son to my neighbor's house, a friend’s house in Marinai, or even my work shower to give him a warm bath and/or shower. I know there is only so much that
can be done, but I think new tenants should be made fully aware of the living conditions prior to moving into 205 Housing. Ironically enough, the unit we live in is actually renovated, but yet there are still many issues with the water heater. It seems unacceptable to be expected to live in these conditions and we are considering moving into Marinai, if possible. Sincerely, Patricia Morris
Response:
Dear Ms. Morris, thank you for taking the time to share your experience and I apologize for the impact this is having on your family. The Housing
"ICE" continued on Page 3
THE SIGNATURE
April 7, 2017
"ICE" continued from Page 2 Office has direct contact with the staff at 205 Housing and the Housing Director, Mr. Faulk, has personally been to 205 to discuss the various issues with 205 staff. There are maintenance staff on-site and after hours contact numbers in order to provide a timely response should problems arise. Furthermore, Mr. Faulk will be taking part in the spring inspections, which includes interiors of various units. The Housing office in conjunction with the 205 staff will be strengthening our walk thru inspection to show how to operate all the utilities including heaters, a/c and gas/ water turn off. Should your problems persist, you are welcome to move onto Marinai at any time. For future Housing-related questions or concerns, please contact the Installation Housing Director Peter Faulk at 624-4070 or peter.faulk@eu.navy.mil.
Comment regarding “Dependent Mail Pickup”:
I do not know if this is a comment directed to NAVSUP, NASSIG or the tenant commands but there needs to be better mail pick up options for family members. Currently only designated command representatives can retrieve the mail, but with small commands and or a high Optempo, these people aren't always available, thus leaving family
Name: Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Colton Wood Department: Emergency Operations Center Hometown: Canby, Oregon Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Colton Wood has helped save, he estimates, hundreds of lives just in the yearand-a-half time period that he’s been
members in a remote location unable to receive personal mail. Not only is this inconvenient, in some situations it could have a financial or traumatic impact. This has been a problem for several years and I know other bases and commands find ways for family members to get their mail. We can do better-- please let me know how we can improve our system here at Sig. Sincerely, Denise Hopkins
Response:
Dear Ms. Hopkins, thank you for your concern and I apologize for the frustration of not being able to access mail like you may have in the past at other bases. The issue at Sigonella comes down to two things: funding and space. While there is space on NAS 1 to accommodate mailboxes there is currently no money to install them. On NAS 2 it is an issue of both funding and space. Additionally on NAS 2 there are safety concerns with the location of the Post Office and the large influx of traffic that would result in installing individual mailboxes. The Post Office is near the flight line and across from a DLA warehouse which has a large amount of truck traffic. The limited parking raises concerns about an increase in vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic, and illegal parking alongside the road near an area of heavy truck traffic. NASSIG, NAVFAC, and NAVSUP are aware of the issue and are looking for a way forward. Unfortunately, it is not an issue that will be able to be resolved soon.
stationed in NAS Sigonella. Like directing a symphony, Wood directs security, medical and the fire department to emergencies in and around NAS Sigonella as an emergency dispatcher. “Without us, if you were to just dial emergency services on your phone it will go to the Italian dispatch center,” said Wood. “You would have to deal with the transla-
tion and the loss of time with them trying to figure out how to help you. We’re here to help speed that process up and by doing that we save lives.” As an emergency dispatcher, Wood works long and sometimes arduous hours. But that doesn’t seem to bother him. “I like my job, I like being on the security schedule believe it or not,” said Wood. “It gives me time to explore the island on my days off. Then when I’m not exploring I like to work out, so it works out perfectly for me.” Before leaving Sicily, Wood has his sights on travelling all over Europe. “I’m in the process of getting my passport right now and since we’re in Europe we’re so close to so many amazing places I can just get a ticket for the weekend and come back,” said Wood. “It’s one of the reasons I joined the Navy so you can’t get much better than that.” Wood joined the Navy because he grew up in the small town of Canby, Oregon and didn’t want to go straight to college. He thought “the Navy will pay for college when I decide to go and I can travel the world a little bit in the meantime, so why not?” “Coming from Oregon where it rains most of the time makes me really appreciate the sun and the heat Sicily has to offer,” said Wood. “I like how fluid the language can be, just walking around the cities like Catania and looking at the buildings—I just really like it here.”
PAGE 3
THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it. Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@ eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or handdelivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers. The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.
PAGE 4
THE SIGNATURE
April 7, 2017
Public Safety Telecommunicators Week By HT2 Corbin Cooney NAS Emergency Management
April 9-15 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.which is dedicated to recognizing a special group of people that you may not have met, but are standing-by 24 hours a day/7 days a week, to receive calls and aid you during emergency situations. These personnel are the Emergency Services Dispatchers, the voice on the other end of a 911 call. They work swiftly to dispatch Sigonella’s Fire, Medical and Security departments. They also provide comfort or basic life-saving support and are the people that are vital in keeping our community secure. NAS Sigonella’s Emergency Dispatchers work out of the Emergency Dispatch Center, located in the Emergency Operations Center, Bldg. 463 on NAS II, on the Flight Line. The Emergency Dispatch Center has experienced various upgrades in the past few months, to more efficiently provide timely Fire or Emergency Services to our community. In addition to new, upgraded equipment, the Dispatch Center has received new software and programs, to include the Computer Aided Dispatch system (CAD) and the Priority Dispatch-
Emergency Medical Dispatch program (EMD). CAD allows our telecommunicators to simultaneously receive calls, view available fire, medical and security units, and have the appropriate units dispatched, on average, within under 30 seconds. EMD works with the CAD system, in that once a medical unit is dispatched, the telecommunicators can provide paramedics with the most accurate information before arrival, so that the paramedics know exactly what awaits them at a scene. Additionally, Dispatchers are able to follow protocols in the EMD program that line-by-line, can deduce a patient's symptoms. By analyzing these symptoms, the program will yield detailed First Aid instructions, in which the dispatcher can then convey to a caller, for them to provide the necessary care to a patient while awaiting the arrival of emergency services. Sigonella's Emergency Dispatchers have received over 30 hours of formal training in these programs, and are continually completing refresher training and quality assurance reviews, to further sharpen their skills and ensure that the finest service is delivered to the Sigonella Community. The staff of Sigonella's dispatch center is composed of DoD civilians, veterans, active duty personnel, and Italian local nationals. Our invaluable local
national civilians are experienced, trained, qualified, and perform duties equal to our DoD personnel, but carry crucial knowledge in knowing the local area, laws, and perhaps most importantly, the language. The local national Emergency Dispatchers complete Sigonella's emergency services pursuit of providing exceptional customer service. Sigonella can count on the capability of its Emergency Dispatchers, in knowing that there is over 15 years of combined experience at any time in the dispatch center. The Emergency Dispatch Center personnel have dedicated many hours, on and off-duty, to advancing their unmatched skills of attention-to-detail, professionalism, and ability to handle significantly stressful situations with ease. If a situation occurs warranting their assistance, these specialists are THE first responders. We, as a community, place trust in them to deliver assistance from emergency services, aid and comfort in times of need, and support to us, our loved ones, and our friends in a moment of venerability. Their commitment to public service is detrimental in preventing loss of life and property. To them, we owe an unending and sincere, Thank You. As part of Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we want to recognize Sigonella's first, first responders: • Mrs. Beth Bruner – EOC and Dispatch Manager • ABH1 Campbell, Jason – Dispatch Supervisor and Leading Petty Officer • Mr. Thomas Dugger – Emergency Dispatcher • Mrs. Cynthia Erdmann – Emergency Dispatch Team Lead • Mr. Myke Erdmann – Emergency Dispatch Team Lead • Mrs. Roberta Fisichella – Emergency Dispatcher • ABHAN Frelich, Madison – Emergency Dispatcher • Mr. Vincenzo Fusto – Emergency Dispatcher • MR3 Garcia, Eric – Emergency Dispatcher • Mrs. Melissa McCarthy – Emergency Dispatch Team Lead • Mr. Charles Mercer – Emergency Dispatcher • Mr. Brian Nickel – Emergency Dispatcher • Mr. Davide Pellegrino – Emergency Dispatcher • Mr. Giuseppe Scandurra – Emergency Dispatcher • Mr. Seth Schoenfeld – Emergency Dispatcher • Mrs. Jeanne Strotman – Emergency Dispatch Team Lead And thank you to the Emergency Dispatchers past, present and future, in Sigonella or around the world that are dedicated to serving the public.
April 7, 2017
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 5
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 6
April 7, 2017
Good Friday Procession in Enna, a centuries-old tradition of devotion Story by Alberto Lunetta
“Stava Batti Matri dolorosa Iuxta Crocella lacrimòsa comu pentébbati filiu” (Mary stood in sorrow weeping next to the Cross when her Son was crucified). The words of this mournful medieval chant, which is sung on Good Friday to remember the sorrow of Mary at the foot of the cross, describe one of the most touching days of Settimana Santa, (Holy Week) during which, street processions and ceremonies are organized in most Sicilian towns. Every year, Holy Week, lasting from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, is one of the most prominent events in the religious life of Enna and Sicily. Street processions featuring decorated religious floats, representing the Passion of Christ, are carried out across the island. Elaborate statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, which are mounted on top of the floats, are accompanied by penitents who mourn the Passion of Christ and rejoice for his resurrection. Enna’s Settimana Santa celebrations come straight from the Spanish Catholic traditions. Spaniards indeed ruled Sicily from the 14th to the 18th century. Today, just as it happens in Andalucia, processions featuring traditional costumes still show the intensity of the devotees’ mysticism. Today it’s Good Friday, a day of penitence. Thousands of visitors swarm Enna to see the fervent pilgrims belonging to different city’s Confraternite (confraternities). They walk slowly in procession wearing colorful robes and hoods through the cobblestone streets of the historic center while town bands play mournful melodies. Brotherhoods are religious clubs similar to medieval guilds, which date back to the period of the Spanish rule. They are in charge of keeping alive the religious heritage of the city. Over the centuries, these associations have been tasked with organizing religious and charitable activities. In the past, they played a leading role in the social life of the town providing spiritual and material assistance to the poor and the sick and even to the ones sentenced to death. In 1740, there were 34 confraternities. Today, there are only 15 and they include Confrati (members of the confraternities) belonging to all ranks and classes with the only exception of women. In the past, confraternities were mainly composed of sulfur miners and farmers. The color of the robes and the mantel worn during the pro- cessions has a particular meaning that can be either related to the cult of their own patron saint or to the role that they played in the past in town. Enna Good Friday processions begin on Friday, April 14 at 4 p.m. with the “Confraternity of the Passion” mournful parade leading once again the procession while carrying the 33 symbols and the insignia related to Jesus martyrdom that are called “misteri.” Some among those include the cross, the purse with thirty pieces of silver, the crown, the lantern, the rooster, the nails, and the scourges, jug of water, gloves, etc. The procession, which leaves from the Church of Saint Leonardo, is headed towards the Duomo or cathedral. As the confraternity proceeds in penitence along via Roma through the narrow streets of the city, the other fourteen Confraternite join this mournful religious parade. The procession follows a definite order. Brotherhoods parade from the most recent to the oldest. Over 2,500 hooded and silent penitents’ walk towards Church of Our Lady of Sorrows hosting a statue depicting the Virgin Mary. Then, this statue is taken to the cathedral where an Urna (urn) containing a life-size statue of dead Christ, was previously placed. At 7 p.m., the procession leaves from the cathedral and reaches the Church of St. Paolini near the cemetery, where a benediction is given with the Reliquary cross, which, according to the tradition contains a thorn from the crown of Christ. Eventually, the procession returns to the Cathedral. Later, the two statues are taken back to the churches. On April 16 (Easter Sunday), in the morning, Pasqua is celebrated at the church of S. Salvatore at 10 a.m. Later in the evening, Paci (peace), a ceremony symbolizing the encounter of resurrected Christ with the Virgin Mary, begins at 6 p.m. Two statues depicting Jesus and his mother are carried on the shoulders of confraternity members and taken from the churches of S. Salvatore and S. Giuseppe to piazza Mazzini where the Paci is eventually staged. As soon as Christ appears, the black veil covering the statue of the Lady of Sorrows comes down. At that point, the statues run toward each other and after that, are taken inside the Cathedral.
"PROCESSION" continued on Page 14
This world Sony-photographic-award winning photo by Salvatore Mazzeo , called “Sicilian Holy Soul,” captures the spirit of the Sicilian Easter traditions set to begin on Monday with the Settimana Santa (Holy Week) in Enna. As it happens all over Sicily, visitors are transported back to the days of Spanish rule to be enthralled by atmospheres of mourning and devotion as well as by colorful processions and ancient rituals. Pasqua or Easter is among the most important events in the city’s religious calendar. Every year, thousands of pilgrims swarm Enna to see about 2,500 hooded devotees, belonging to different city’s Confraternite (confraternities), walking slowly in procession through the streets of the historic center. City bands playing mournful melodies accompany them. (Photo by Salvatore Mazzeo)
THE SIGNATURE
April 7, 2017
PAGE 7
Navy Ends Online GMT Requirements From Chief of Naval Personnel
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced Monday that effective immediately, Sailors will no longer be required to log onto Navy Knowledge Online, Navy eLearning or My Navy Portal to complete General Military Training (GMT) for any topic except Cybersecurity as outlined in NAVADMIN 072/17. Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke said that during Fleet visits he often hears Sailors say online training is ineffective and impersonal. This effort, he said, is aimed at improving leader engagement opportunity, reducing administrative distractions and addressing Sailor's frustration with current online training products. "I want Sailors to know we've heard them," Burke said. "This is about restoring an important leader engagement opportunity - an opportunity to talk about integrity, accountability and character, something today's online products are missing. There is no doubt this approach will yield an even greater competitive edge for the Navy." While there are still annual GMT requirements, individual commands now have the flexibility to complete required training when and how they see fit. Ex-
isting training materials will remain on Navy eLearning and My Navy Portal, providing an outline for commands to use. To maximize training effectiveness, units should look to conduct GMT in small groups, which will allow leaders to engage Sailors with meaningful discussion and focus on character, as part of the Navy's continuing Fleet-centered leader development. Going forward, the Navy plans to overhaul GMT
and other on-line eLearning products to make them more engaging and personalized, but not at the expense of leadership engagement, Burke said. While Suicide Awareness, Equal Opportunity and Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training may require a more formal setting, and may benefit from supplementation by existing seminar discussion material available from "Chart the Course" or "Full Speed Ahead" training, other topics such as Records Management, Operations Security, and Privacy and PII, can be conducted at quarters, all-hands calls, divisional training using existing learning objectives and material to elicit discussion to the point that the leader is satisfied that the learning objectives are understood. While there is no requirement to document the completion of GMT in the Navy eLearning Learning Management System, Commands are encouraged to keep local records. The Cyber Awareness Challenge V4 (DOD-IAA-V14.0) can be found on Navy Knowledge Online, Navy eLearning or My Navy Portal. To learn more, please view NAVADMIN 072/17. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
DoD-VA Research Partnership to Improve Understanding of Active Duty and Veteran Health By Naval Health Research Center Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A new partnership between DoD and VA medical researchers achieve a milestone with its first joint publication, which examines posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in veteran and active duty populations. The study will be published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, June 2017. A new study, the first to compare PTSD symptom trajectories of current and former service members, was authored by researchers from the VA and the DoD's Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), a longitudinal study to evaluate the health of military personnel throughout their careers and after, launched in 2001 and led by the Naval Health Research Center. "The Millennium Cohort Study is one of the largest sources of self-reported health information of current and former service members," said Cmdr. Dennis Faix, director of the Millennium Cohort Study and preventive medicine physician. "Many DoD studies only examine current service members and many VA studies begin examining veterans after they have separated from the military. The Millennium Cohort Study is one of the few studies that straddle this line." In the joint study, DoD and VA researchers found similar PTSD symptom trajectories in active duty personnel and veterans, suggesting consistency in how both groups experience PTSD over time. Of the four trajectories found in both groups, the most common was the resilient trajectory with low PTSD symptom levels. Veterans, how-
ever, were less likely to be classified in the resilient category than those on active duty. "The current study shows the course of PTSD is similar between separated and continuously serving active duty personnel, supporting the use of common treatment methods within the VA and DoD, which will facilitate the transition of patients from one system to the other," said Faix. Collaboration between the VA and DoD on health research that spans military service to separation from service is supported by the breadth of information collected on MCS surveys. "The rich, longitudinal data that MCS researchers have been collecting since 2001 is incredibly valuable for both the DoD and VA," said Faix. "Military service may affect the health of military personnel after they separate. Going forward, working with the VA will allow both agencies to make sure we are getting the best information to develop a comprehensive understanding of the continuum of health in current and former service members." The partnership between DoD and VA leverages MCS data to answer questions that impact the health and wellness of both active duty personnel and veterans. Going forward, DoD and VA researchers are developing plans to share study data across both agencies to execute future research efforts, whether the subjects are veterans or active military personnel. As the DoD's premier deployment health research center, NHRC's cutting-edge research and development is used to optimize the operational health and readiness
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2017) Hospitalman David Vargas (left), a behavioral health technician at Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville, conducts a block design test on a patient to assess functioning of the parietal and frontal lobes. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can severely reduce performance. TBI can occur when an outside force impacts the head with enough force to move the brain within the skull, resulting in a direct injury to the brain. (U.S. Navy photo by Jacob Sippel, Naval Hospital Jacksonville Public Affairs/Released). of the nation's armed forces. In proximity to more than 95,000 active duty service members, world-class universities, and industry
partners, NHRC sets the standard in joint ventures, innovation, and translational research.
PAGE 8
THE SIGNATURE
April 7, 2017
April 7, 2017
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 9
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 10
April 7, 2017
NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS AND PREVENTION MONTH (SAAPM) SELF DEFENSE CLASSES
Command, Department or Organization: FFSC Date of Event: 05 APR 2017, 12 APR 2017, 19 APR 2017 Time of Event: 0700-0900 on 05 and 19 APR 2017; 1700-1900 on 12 APR 2017 Location of Event: NAS 1 Gym Point of Contact Name: Shannon Harden Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4291 Point of Contact Email Address: Shannon.B.Harden@eu.navy.mil, Additional Information: Come out and join us for self-defense classes instructed by MAC Clymer and Team on the first 3 Wednesdays in April. We have 2 morning classes and 1 evening class scheduled to ensure that we accommodate as many people as possible. All hands and all ages are welcome! Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services
THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES OF CHILDREN WORKSHOP
Command, Department or Organization: Sigonella Health Promotion Date of Event: APRIL 21 Time of Event: 09:30-12:00 Location of Event: NAS I Midtown Classroom Point of Contact Name: Giuseppe Licari Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4710 Point of Contact Email Address: giuseppe.licari.ln@mail.mil Additional Information: The Five Love Languages of Children Workshop Do you want to discover the secrets to making sure your child feels loved? The Five Love Languages of Children Workshop is for you! Facilitated by CDR Goldberg, the Hospital's Internal Behavioral Health Consultant, this class is open to all parents, including single and expecting parents! A FREE catered lunch will also be provided. Sign up by April 14. Maximum 16 participants. To sign up and for more information call Health Promotion at 624-4710.
Weekly Traffic Report: March 27 - April 3, 2017
Phone Numbers: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493, RP Duty: 335-786-1950. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel
NAS 1
Mondays AA Meeting: . . . . . . 1800-1900 Tuesdays Protestant Women of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900-1100 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 AWANA: . . . . . . . . . . 1645-1900 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1430 Wednesdays Protestant Men of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0600-0700 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Catholic Ladies' Guild (3rd Wednesday): .1600-1800 Thursdays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . 1200-1530 Choir Practice: . . . 1630-1800 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2030 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1830
Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS): . . . . . . . . . 1045-1200 Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Latter-Day Saints Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600
NAS 2
Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . 1800-2100 Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . 1800-1900 Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . 1800-2000
Ristorante Bella Etna
As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.
April 7, 2017
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 11
THE SIGNATURE
PAGE 12
April 7, 2017
CFC-O 2016 Shows Some Love for Charities by Raising $4.8 Million From Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas
The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas (CFCO) announced last month that generous Department of Defense (DoD) uniformed and civilian personnel serving at NAS Sigonella pledged more than $91,770.00 through the 2016 campaign. The CFC-O provides Federal employees serving in the five overseas combatant commands the opportunity to contribute to more than 2,600 national and international charitable organizations as well as any of the CFC local charities across the United States. “Every year I am humbled by the DoD uniformed and civilian personnel overseas. They continue to go above and beyond the call of duty, by not only selflessly serving their country, but in addition,
giving generously and wholeheartedly to support the causes they care about most,” said Amanda Huckins, Director of the CFC-O. “On behalf of the CFC-O staff and the individuals touched by the dedication and compassion of the men and women serving overseas, I would like to take this opportunity to extend a sincere thank you. You have set a profound example in Showing Some Love to those who need it most.” Pledging through the CFC-O gives those serving overseas the opportunity to extend their service and touch the lives of people in military communities, at home and around the world. As a result of their outstanding achievement, the units in Sigonella have been awarded two Platinum awards, three Gold awards, three Silver awards, and two Bronze awards. These
awards are based on percent participation and dollars raised for countless charities, programs, families, and individuals that depend upon the kindness and compassion of the CFC-O contributors to give help and hope to those in need. About the CFC-O: Dedicated uniformed and civilian personnel demonstrate their generosity each and every day with service to our country and by joining together to help people and communities in need through the Department of Defense Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas. The CFC-O is one of the most successful charitable workplace giving campaigns in the world. The five overseas unified combatant commands pledge millions of dollars each year to reach out with life-saving and life-enriching services benefitting millions of people.
For more information, visit www.cfcoverseas.org. Don’t forget to like us
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cfcoverseas.org #ShowSomeLoveCFC
April 7, 2017
THE SIGNATURE
GAMEZONE
Songs From the Year 2000
MOST GIRLS MUSIC NO MORE OTHERSIDE PINCH ME SAY MY NAME SEPARATED SHE BANGS SMOOTH STAN STRONGER THERE YOU GO TRY AGAIN WIFEY WONDERFUL
MEDIUM
HIGHER HOT BOYZ I LIKE IT I NEED YOU I TRY I WANNA KNOW I WISH INCOMPLETE JUMPIN JUMPIN' KRYPTONITE LUCKY MARIA MARIA MEET VIRGINIA MINORITY
EASY
AMAZED AMERICAN PIE BACK AT ONE BACK HERE BAG LADY BE WITH YOU BEAUTIFUL DAY BENT BREATHE BROADWAY BYE BYE BYE CALIFORNICATION DESERT ROSE FADED GIRL ON TV
DIFFICULT
Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The remaining letters spell a message about Spring.
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
THE SIGNATURE
Kinder Eggs: Customs Surprise By Robert Szostek U.S. European Command Customs Public Affairs Office
WIESBADEN, Germany – People who are thinking of sending or taking Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs stateside this Easter should be aware of the U.S. Customs regulation banning these eggs from import to the U.S. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents will remove Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs from your baggage or any package mailed stateside,” said Tim Sellman of the U.S. European Command Customs Executive Agency. However, he added that other Kinder brand candy products that do not contain the small toy can be mailed without restriction. Those who ship these eggs or similar products can be fined. Sellman also added that shippers have an obligation to declare items they are mailing on the customs declaration forms to avoid penalties.
Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs and similar products are popular treats all over Europe. The hollow chocolate eggs come in a colorful foil wrapper and contain an oval plastic capsule with a small toy inside. The Consumer Product Safety Commission tested many of the toys and determined they present a choking hazard for young children. The Food and Drug Administration also issued an import alert for Kinder Surprise eggs because they are a confectionery product with an imbedded non-nutritive object. The latest figures available on the CBP website show customs seized more than 60,000 Kinder Eggs from travelers' baggage and from international mail shipments in fiscal year 2011. That was more than twice the number seized in fiscal year 2010. Contact the local U.S. military customs office for more information or visit CPSC’s web site at www.cpsc. gov.
April 7, 2017
"PROCESSION" cont'd from Pg. 6 The historic center will be closed to traffic at 2 p.m. on April 14. After that, a free shuttle bus to the event’s are will be available to visitors. Sunday, April 11, marks the day of the melancholic “Spartenza” ceremony, which takes place in piazza Mazzini in the evening around 7 p.m. The two statues, which participated in the Paci on Easter day, are taken back to the churches where they are usually kept. The statue of Christ goes back to church of SS. Salvatore, and the Virgin Mary one is taken Church of San Giuseppe. In Enna, traditional Easter food includes pasta with sardines, breadcrumbs and wild fennel for Good Friday and lamb for Easter Sunday. On Easter Monday, called “Pasquetta” (Little Easter), it will be open-air picnic time with grilled meat and vegetables as well as the scrumptious fired sweet ravioli with ricotta cheese. For more information, detailed schedules and guided tours’ opportunities visit the City of Enna web site http://www.comune.enna.it/
Good Friday tradition in Caltanissetta Story by Alberto Lunetta In Caltanissetta, the mournful Good Friday “Procession of the Black Christ” is definitely one the deepest expressions of the Holy Week spirituality taking place during the “Settimana Santa” or Holy Week. On Apr. 14, devotees dressed in black belonging to all city brotherhoods, clergymen led by the local bishop and “Fugliamari,” (wild herbs pickers) take part in this solemn procession starting at sunset around 7 p.m. in the old part of the city (lower Caltanissetta). Fugliamari carry on their shoulders a black wooden crucifix which is called “Signore della Città” (The Lord of the City” or “Cristo Nero” (Black Christ). Before 1625, the “Black Christ” was venerated as the city patron. Legend has it that, many centuries ago, Fugliamari found this wooden crucifix in a cave between two lit candles. Even if you are not a Christian, this procession will give you a highly emotional and powerful sense of how Sicilians relive the memory of the Passion of Christ. In Caltanissetta, there’s still an old saying that exists for centuries that goes: “E cchi simu o’ venerdì santu?” (Is today Good Friday?). It is still used today when people sing gloomy songs or talk about sad topics.
THE SIGNATURE
April 7, 2017
PAGE 15
School Lunch Prices to Increase Overseas By Kristine Sturkie NEXCOM Public Affairs
The price for school lunches at all Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools outside the continental United States
(OCONUS) will increase $0.25 for the 2017 – 2018 school year. The price increase is due to the rising operational costs and to comply with federal law. “As the designated School Food Authority, the Navy
Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) provides school meals on a nonprofit, breakeven basis, for the DoD Student Meal Program,” said NEXCOM’s Command Master Chief Shannon Howe. “To ensure we can continue to provide meals that contain whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and low-fat milk, the cost of school lunches needs to increase slightly in order to keep up with the increasing operational costs of running the program.”
The lunch price will increase $0.25 each for elementary and secondary students’ meals, making the new prices $2.75 and $3.00 respectively. Families qualifying for the Free and Reduced Meal Program will not see a cost increase. Per federal guidelines, the cost of a reduced-price meal will remain $.40 per meal. The Healthy, HungerFree Kids Act (Public Law 111-296) requires DoDEA schools, as participants in the USDA meal program, to raise paid student lunch prices to a
level comparable to the rates used for USDA reimbursement. To meet this requirement, prices in OCONUS schools will be gradually increased over the coming years. The DoD Student Meal Program meets the same USDA guidelines as schools in the continental United States by providing meals that have the required nutrients for children. For more information on the DoD School Meal Program visit www.mynavyexchange.com/smp.
PAGE 16
THE SIGNATURE
April 7, 2017