The Signature, October 9, 2015

Chapel: Hosts numerous ceremonies

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Navy Ball 2015:

Sig' Swordfish:

240 years of naval history

Swim to a win

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N A S SIG O N E L L A

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October 9, 2015

Vol. 32 No. 38

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter visits NAS Sigonella

By Nicole Ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – On Oct. 6, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and his wife Stephanie visited NAS Sigonella as part of a five-day trip to Europe. During the 3.5 hour visit Secretary Carter met with Col. Vincenzo Sicuso, Commander of the Italian Air Force 41st Stormo; the Italian Minister of Defence and visited the NATO facilities.

Mrs. Carter toured the facilities on NAS 1, including the DoDDS school, the newly renovated Memorial Park, the Midtown MWR complex and chapel before hosting a meet and greet with family members of the Sigonella community.

During this time, Mrs. Carter engaged in an active discussion with the participants concerning base life and the challenges and rewards of living abroad. The dialogue provided a valuable opportunity for participants to exchange views with Mrs. Carter as well as discuss things that were going well, and opportunities for improvement.

After meetings with NAS Sigonella leadership, Secretary Carter hosted a town hall in the Global Hawk Hangar with approximately 250 Sailors, Airmen and Marines, fielding questions on a variety of topics ranging from cyber warfare, the Russian presence, and women in combat roles.

Before concluding his visit, Secretary Carter expressed his gratitude, and that of the American people, for the tireless efforts of the service members in their defense of the U.S. and its inter-

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter hosts a town hall meeting with approximately 250 Sailors, Airmen and Marines at the Global Hawk Hangar at NAS Sigonella on Oct. 6. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

ests. Against a backdrop of unpredictable threats posed from Russia, China, and North Korea, he underscored the importance of maintaining and strengthening ties with partner nations, such as Italy, and reflected on the centrality of this part of the world. “The ‘Hub of the Med’ is more than just a slogan. This is an assignment that has al-

ways been important, but whose importance has only grown steadily over the last few years,” remarked Defense Secretary Carter. “It is a reflection of the imporatnce of what you are doing.

You are not only the Hub of the Med -- You are

"SECDEF" continued on Page 5

Celebrating 240 years of naval history by mc2 ramon go NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Presentation of the colors during the 2015 Navy Ball at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania, Oct. 2. Service members celebrated the U.S. Navy's 240th birthday. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

CATANIA, Sicily – On Oct. 2, NAS Sigonella hosted its annual celebration of the U.S. Navy’s birthday, paying homage to 240 years of naval history and pride. The 2015 Navy Ball was coordinated by Chaplains Lt. Brian Myers and Lt. Adam Bayer, co-chairs of the Navy Ball Committee, in partnership with other organizations who contributed to the event’s success at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania, Sicily.

“I didn’t realize how much time goes into coordinating this event and I couldn’t have done it without the overwhelming support I received,” said Myers. “This event is and always will be a big deal and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Navy tradition and to celebrate its 240th birthday."

During the event, Sailors paid tribute to PoW and fallen comrades, honoring their sacrifice and vowing to never forget.

“Oct. 13, 2015 marks the 240th anniversary of the date the Continental Congress commissioned our U.S. Navy and, today, we are the heir of that Navy and much of our Navy today reflects the preference and sensibilities of these founding plank owners; the plank owners of all plank owners,” said NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Christopher Dennis. “From the Great White Fleet to the height of struggle against fascism, our Navy culture persists in each and every one of us today."

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Direct Line

October 9, 2015

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Marinai's Yard of the Month Winners

Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II

THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II

Buongiorno, Sigonella!

Command Master Chief

Many of you are aware of our strong inclination for planning and preparedness. Our base shines the way it does because every one of us is “all in” when it comes to being ready. Well, NAS Sigonella, you have gone and done it again – you have succeeded by coming up BIG in your preparations and execution this week with two spectacular events: The 240th Navy Birthday Celebration (Ball) and the visit of our Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Ashton Carter.

Last Friday, over 400 NASSIG community members and guests enjoyed what is widely being hailed as Sigonella’s best Navy Ball in years. Every detail, from the menu and table arrangements to the ceremony and maritime décor, were painstakingly scrutinized by the Navy Ball committee to ensure a meaningful event. Our guest speaker, RDML Cathal O’Connor, remarked about how poignant and unique an experience our POW/MIA honors were and later about how vibrant our community is. A sincere and large “Thank you” goes out to everyone who contributed, even in the slightest, to producing such a wonderful 2015 Navy Ball!

Both the Navy Ball and the SECDEF visit hinged upon solid prior planning and coordination up and down many chains-of-command across NASSIG and beyond.

In the case of the SECDEF visit, this effort also included the external agencies of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the U.S. Embassy – Rome, and our hosts the Government of Italy and the Italian Air Force! What was striking about this particular visit was how much we pulled together as a community to support many variations in the plan that occurred as late as the afternoon prior. Also, how flexible everyone was to accept and perform in top fashion at a moment’s notice any changes to the program while it was ongoing! Simply incredible. Simply the best.

While those closest to the spotlight activities ensured Sigonella was represented well, there were many more working behind the scenes to troubleshoot, inspect, monitor, protect, and communicate (a sample of the many tasks). A special “Thank you” goes out to all of you who stood the watch these days, ensuring safety, security, and mission completion.

Without the “in concert” contributions of all, these events could not have happened as well as they did – or at all. You did this, Sigonella. Please take a bow, you’ve earned the credit.

This week was filled with much to be proud of and thankful for. I hope everyone feels that pride when they suit up for another great day of service.

Senior Winner: 2213B Via Pisa Garcia Family

CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil Editor Nicole Ybarra nicole.ybarra@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC2 Ramon Go ramon.go@eu.navy.mil

Senior Runner Up: 2109B Via Sorrento Armet Family

Whether putting on a military uniform, civilian equivalents, or simply those smiles that you wear each day, remember why you are doing it and those depending on you. Excellent service, beyond a doubt, is what you provide each and every day.

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".

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

Junior Winner: 2121A Viale Sigona Hilfers Family

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 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. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publically 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!

MC3 Amber Porter amber.porter@eu.navy.mil

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.

Junior Runner Up: 2103D Via Sorrento Knebel Family

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 hand-delivered 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 anyanonymous 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. cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

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Chapel offers beautiful venue for ceremonies By lcdr edward erwin Religious Ministries Department

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – The NAS 1 Chapel provides a beautiful venue in which a number of ceremonies are conducted every week. Whether it is a retirement or commissioning ceremony, the NAS 1 and NAS 2 chapels offer both the space and the ambiance for the celebration of momentous occasions for service members and their families.

In addition to official ceremonies for various commands, the Chapel as a place of worship furnishes the setting for a number of sacraments and ordinances for Catholic, Protestant, Non-Denominational, LDS, and Jewish observances. Weekly worship services take place at both chapels, and the sanctuaries are packed with congregants who seek strength, hope, and inspiration.

Besides regular services, families celebrate baptisms, Holy Communion, weddings, and child dedication ceremonies. On the one hand, these events are sacred and holy practices of the faith, and on the other hand, they are also what sociologists and anthropologists call rites of passage.

As a chaplain, I have had the privilege to baptize many individuals and perform weddings Christine and Matthew Arnold recently dedicated their baby Samantha Grace Arnold at the NAS 1 Chapel.

Chaplain Erwin served as the presiding minister, and Michael and Lindsay King were the Godparents for for numerous couples. This is a great joy to pre- Samantha. (Left to right) Godparents: Michael King, son Tommy, Lindsay King. Parents: Christine Arnold, side over such important events in the lives of daughter Samantha Grace, Matthew Arnold, and Chaplain Edward Erwin. Photo courtesy of Ed Lucio. people that you care about. At the NAS 1 and NAS 2 chapels, we cannot perform legally recognized weddings due to or 624-3975. Whether you are seeking pastoral counseling, a marriage host nation regulations, but we can conduct a church wedding ceremony enrichment retreat through CREDO, a suicide prevention workshop that is a reaffirmation of the wedding vows legally transacted off base. It (ASIST), a wedding, baptism, retirement ceremony, as members of the has been a tremendous honor to perform the renewal of wedding vows Religious Ministries Department we are available to help meet your spirin our beautiful chapels at NASSIG and to make the dreams of a church itual needs. wedding come true for the happy couple.

Also, I have participated in several baby dedication Need an appointment ceremonies with the proud mothers and fathers of beautiat the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or ful children that we pray over and bless in worship serviccommercial 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. es. There is nothing more endearing than to celebrate the For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the blessing of family in the chapel, and it is one of the memoweekend, holidays, or after office hours, rable rites that parents and congregations always cherish. please call 335-578-8077 If you would like more information about regular if you are normally seen at the hospital or chapel services, you may consult the worship schedule 335-578-8150 posted in the Signature or the chapel Facebook at https:// if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic. www.facebook.com/NavalAirStationSigonellaChapel

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"NAVY BALL" continued from Page 1 Following his remarks, Capt. Dennis introduced the event’s guest speaker, Rear Adm. Cathal S. O’Connor, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, Resources and Plan, who had much to say about his time in Sigonella 26 years ago. He reflected on the significant accomplishments of the Navy during his tour of the base and surrounding community.

“We are a part of a long line of patriots and warriors who have answered a noble calling, the calling that is greater than ourselves,” said O’Connor. “Since the birth of the U.S. Navy, we have been ready to sail out and answer the nation's call when it matters and where it matters, while the backbone of all the efforts have been the people who have made up the team: the

service members, their families and government contractors.”

Continuing with O’Connor’s speech, he quoted remarks by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson during his address to the U.S. Navy Fleet on the occasion of his change of command ceremony.

“The Navy must be at sea, underway.

We must be present in key areas of the world protecting American interest - enabling access to international markets and trade, responding to crisis and providing security,” said Richardson.

In closing, O’Connor remarked, “If that’s not what NAS Sigonella does every day, I don’t know what is."

"NAVY BALL" continued on Pages 8-9

"SEC DEF" continued from Page 1 the hub of the change in mission sets,” concluded Defense Secretary Carter.

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris Dennis, echoed the Defense Secretary's praise, remarking on how once again the community had come together to host yet another impressive high-level DV visit. "Don't just take my word for it," Dennis said. "The Secretary of Defense, our Ambassador, Rear Admiral Scorby, and all the staff involved praise your efforts. Every one of our members directly or indirectly contributed to a very successful day."

Following his visit to NAS Sigonella, Defense Secretary Carter will attend the NATO Defense Ministerial Conference in Brussels and meet with counterparts in the United Kingdom.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Italian Minister of Defence Roberta Pinotti are greeted by members of the Italian Air Force Honor Guard during Secretary Carter's visit to NAS Sigonella on Oct. 6 as part of a five-day European tour. During the 3.5 hour visit, Defense Secretary Carter met with his Italian counterpart, NAS Sigonella leadership and hosted a town hall meeting with approximately 250 Sailors, Airmen and Marines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

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Fall festivals in Zafferana and Cesarò this weekend

U.S. NAVY HEADLINES THE SIGNATURE

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Navy Energy Action Month 2015

From Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Worldwide throughout the month of October, naval commands are using Energy Action Month 2015 as an opportunity to strengthen their workforce's commitment to responsible energy use as an enabler of the mission.

The Navy's Energy Action Month theme for this year is "Power. Presence." The theme makes clear the connection between the energy operating forces depend on and the Navy's commitment to be on station when and where our nation requires, 24 hours a

day, seven days a week. Without the fuel needed to resupply conventionally powered ships and aircraft and the electricity needed to run the shore facilities that support those operational platforms, the Navy's ability to deter threats, put munitions on target and

Bring your entire family and have a wonderful time at the annual Ottobrata Fall Festival that continues every Sunday in October in the town historic center of Zafferana. With thousands of people attending every year, this festival is one of the main autumn events in the Etna area. (Photo by Vittorio Caltabiano)

Fall has arrived in Sicily and it’s big sagra (festival) time!

October is filled with a plethora of mouthwatering autumn food festivals.

In the Catania province, the 37th edition of the traditional Ottobrata Fall Festival, which kicked off last week in Zafferana, will continue every Sunday in October in the town’s historic center. With thousands of people attending every year, this festival is one of the main autumn events in the Etna area. Each Sunday has a different theme. The festival is twinned with the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

After the success of the Sunday event, which celebrated grapes (Sagra dell’Uva), Ottobrata continues this Sunday (Oct. 11) with an exciting experience for anyone who loves “Mele dell’Etna or Cassone,” one of the several varieties of delicious apples grown in the Etna area.

On Oct. 18, the Ottobrata Sunday will celebrate mushrooms and honey (Sagra dei Funghi e del Miele).

The last Ottobrata Sunday will promote the area’s production of wine and chestnuts.

All Sunday festivals will feature local food specialties such prickly-pear, olives, honey, etc. as well as entertainment, folklore shows, guided tours of local attractions, arts and crafts booths including original designs in a variety of art such as: textiles, wearable art, exhibition of decorated Sicilian carts, nativity scenes, hand-crafted ceramics, embroidery products, decorative and functional wood, pottery, jewelry, leather, paintings, drawings, prints, and metal work.

Music shows will be held every night at 8:30 in piazza Umberto. Sicilian folklore parades will be performed every festival day from 5 to 8 p.m. in the historic heart.

Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the Museo degli Antichi Mestieri e del Giocattolo di Latta, a museum showcasing tools from the old crafts and tin toys which is located in the Palazzina Liberty in the town’s park.

Festival booths will be open all day throughout Zafferana’s historic center.

Before you leave the festival, don’t forget to try the delicious Siciliana, a fried calzone filled with tuma cheese and either anchovies or ham that are prepared by local bars and pizzerias. Zafferana is an enchanting town, located in the eastern slopes of Etna, whose name derives from the Arabic word Za'faran (yellow) for its proximity to woods rich in yellowish saffron and brooms.

Zafferana Etnea is a town in theProvince of Catania in the Italian region Sicily, located about 12 miles north of Catania. The town spread around the Priory of San Giacomo,

"FESTIVALS" continued on Page 15

be responsive in humanitarian assistance/disaster relief scenarios could be seriously degraded.

Navy commands will promote the Energy Action Month theme and activities with posters, electronic displays and social media posts that highlight energy saving tips, programs and initiatives. Numerous senior leaders throughout the Navy will release short videos on energy-related topics during October. The content will be posted on https://www.facebook.com/navalenergy and command websites/social media channels.

On the morning of Oct. 14, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will participate in an energy roundtable with David Crane, president and CEO of NRG and Ira Ehrenpreis, Silicon Valley venture capitalist and Tesla Motors board member. Phyllis Cuttino, director, Clean Energy Initiative for The Pew Charitable Trusts, will moderate the discussion. The event will take place at National Defense University's Eisenhower School on the grounds of Ft. McNair in Washington, DC, and is open to the media.

The Navy is also launching a new version of its Energy Warrior app this month, and will release new videos highlighting Navy personnel who are exploring new technologies and pursuing

innovative practices to optimize energy use. The app is available for free download at app stores, and the videos can be viewed on the Navy's Energy Warrior TV YouTube channel, http://www.youtube. com/channel/UCkJiid-zKaa D525DZHuEOsg. In a recent video, Rear Adm. Doug Morton, director of the Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, challenged Navy personnel to find solutions for reducing energy consumption and submit their ideas to energywarrior@ navy.mil.

"Being energy smart gives our Navy a marked advantage over our adversaries," said Morton. "Think about how you and your command use energy, then come up with innovative ideas to reduce consumption."

The U.S. Navy currently uses an average of 3.2 million gallons of fuel daily. Annually, the Navy accounts for 28 percent of DoD's total petroleum use.

Additional information and Navy resources for Energy Action Month are available at http://greenfleet.dodlive. mil/energy/energy-actionmonth/. Follow the coverage on Naval Energy Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ navalenergy and Twitter, https://twitter.com/navalenergy throughout the month of October.

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All Hands News Bulletin

October 9, 2015

Ristorante Bella Etna

To request publication of your message, please send it to thesig@eu.navy.mil Annual Seabee Ball Committee Haunted Maze: “Open a door, and come face-toface with your deepest, darkest fears”.

Located behind the MWR Beer Tent during Autumn Fest Oct. 23 - 24

BREAKFAST Mon-Fri 6:30-8:30 a.m .

Weekend/Holiday 7 -9 a.m.

$5.00 admission from 1700-1900 (Rated-G, lights on and volume low) $7.00 admission from 1900-2330 (Rated-PG13, lights off and volume turned up) Tickets will be available for purchase on the day of the event at the entrance of the Haunted Maze.

LUNCH Mon-Fri 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Weekend/Holiday 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

$1.00 = €1,00 Contact: Barrett Strachan at 624-5792 or Jordan Waite at 624-2285

DINNER Mon-Fri 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Weekend/Holiday 4:30 - 6 p.m.

Sigonella Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid course: Register today to attend the course on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Learn how to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults, children, and infants, including the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). Learn how to response to common first aid emergencies, including burns; cuts; head, neck, and back injuries and more. All course material and certification costs are covered in the fee.

Cost: $55 Last day to register: October 12 For more information contact the Red Cross at 624-4900 or Sigonella@RedCross.

Org

NASSIG Worship Services

ROMAN CATHOLIC • Sunday - 9 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel • TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 11:30 a.m. - Catholic Mass at NAS 2 Chapel Sacraments of Reconciliation / Penance precede each Mass • FRIDAY - 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel LATTER-DAY SAINTS • SUNDAY - 1:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049 JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICE • FRIDAY - 5:30 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel

PROTESTANT - NAS 1 CHAPEL • Saturday - 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services • SundaY - 11 a.m. Traditional Worship;

12 p.m. Sunday School PROTESTANT / Non-Denominational - NAS 2 Chapel • SundaY - 6 p.m.

NIGHT STUDY • MONDAY - AA Meetings - 5:30 p.m., second deck at NAS 1 Chapel; Thursday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel • Tuesday - Italian Class - 7 p.m. at Classroom at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Glee Club - 12 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel • Tuesday - Awana Club - 4:45 p.m at NAS 1 Chapel

Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493 RP Duty: 335-786-1950 NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel

DRIVE SAFELY SIGONELLA

Friday, Oct. 9 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon,

Chicken Tocino with Garlic Rice Lunch: Simmered Corned Beef, Shepherd's Pie Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Pasta Al Forno, Oven Fried Chicken Fillet Sandwich Saturday, Oct. 10 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon,

Corned Beef Hash Brunch: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon,

Corned Beef Hash, Roast Turkey Dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce,

Baked Chicken Nuggets Sunday, Oct. 11 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak,

Oven Fried Bacon Brunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak,

Oven Fried Bacon, Roast Beef Dinner: Chicken Parmesan, Home Made Lasagna Monday, Oct. 12 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Biscuits and Gravy,

Grilled Turkey Sausage Links Lunch: Roast Turkey, Beef and Broccoli Speed Line: Closed Dinner: Baked Beef Ravioli, Baked Tuna Noodle Tuesday, Oct. 13 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Chicken Tocino with Garlic Rice,

Oven Fried Bacon Lunch: Navy 240th Birthday Luncheon Dinner: Lemon Baked fish, Chicken Fried Steak

w/ Mushroom Gravy Wednesday, Oct. 14 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon,

Creamed Ground Beef on Toast Lunch: Breaded Pork Chops, Baked Fish Speed Line: All American Grilled Burgers Dinner: Salisbury Steak w/ Mushroom Gravy,

Cajun Chicken Sandwich Thursday, Oct. 15 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon,

Grilled Minute Steak Lunch: Home Made Meatloaf, Baked Chicken Speed Line: Pasta Bar with choice of Freshly Made

Pasta Sauce Dinner: Chef Melo’s Chicken Alfredo w/ Penne Pasta,

Grilled Pork Chops Friday, Oct. 16 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon,

Chicken Tocino on Garlic Fried Rice Lunch: Chicken Adobo, Sweet & Sour Pork Speed Line: Freshly Made Pizza Dinner: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce,

Baked Chicken Nuggets Breakfast: $3.45

Lunch: $5.55

Dinner: $4.85

As a reminder to everyone: Reminder - 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.

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Swordfish swim to a win at Remembrance Meet by nicole ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

GAME ZONE

COUNTRIES OF EUROPE Find and circle all of the Countries of Europe that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

Note: IRELAND and NORTHERN IRELAND are separately hidden and do not overlap.

Sigonella Swordfish coaches Troy Pepito and Emily Ellison watch as the Swordfish take on the Naples Tiger Sharks during their season opener, Sept. 13.

(Photo courtesy of Troy Pepito)

ALBANIA ANDORRA ARMENIA AUSTRIA AZERBAIJAN BELARUS BELGIUM BOSNIAHERZEGOVINA BULGARIA CROATIA CYPRUS CZECH REPUBLIC

DENMARK ENGLAND ESTONIA FINLAND FRANCE GEORGIA GERMANY GREECE HUNGARY ICELAND IRELAND ITALY LATVIA LIECHTENSTEIN

LITHUANIA LUXEMBOURG MACEDONIA MALTA MOLDOVA MONACO NETHERLANDS NORTHERN IRELAND NORWAY POLAND PORTUGAL ROMANIA RUSSIAN

FEDERATION SAN MARINO SCOTLAND SLOVAKIA SLOVENIA SPAIN SWEDEN SWITZERLAND TURKEY UKRAINE SERBIA/ MONTENEGRO VATICAN CITY WALES

This weekend the Sigonella Swordfish will host eight teams from around Europe at the Pentathalon Meet. From the Southern Division: the Vicenza Maco Sharks, the Naples Tiger Sharks, and the Aviano Sea Dragons. From the Rhineland Division: The Stuttgart Piranhas. From the Benelux Division: the Lakenheath Barracudas. And from the Tyrolean Division: the VGC vipers and the Wiesbaden Wahoos. (Photo courtesy of Troy Pepito)

EASY

MEDIUM

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The water was calm as the swimmers took their position on the starting blocks, awaiting the gun, staring ahead with disciplined focus. The gun went off, signaling the start of the 200 meter freestyle relay, and the first swimmer of the four-person Swordfish team, Shannon Buckley, powered off the block.

Despite the strong start, the Swordfish trailed for the majority of the event, until the final 50 meters when CJ Davis pulled forward, propelling his team to a win aginst the Naples Tiger Sharks by a mere hand touch, finishing in 2:40.99. The Tiger Sharks finished in 2:41.10.

The Sigonella Swordfish went on to win their first home meet, the Remembrance Meet, held Sept. 13 at the NAS 1 pool, with a combined team score of 329 to 239 against the visit-

ing Naples Tiger Sharks.

The Remembrance Meet is held each year in remembrance of 9/11 and marks the opening of the season for the Sigonella Swordfish.

On Sept. 26 - 27, 14 members of the team traveled to Naples for a rematch against the Tiger Sharks and five swimmers traveled to Lakenheath to battle the Barracudas. "We have a really strong team this year and I think we will have many more meets just like the Remembrance Meet," stated Swordfish coach Troy Pepito.

This weekend the Swordfish will host eight teams from around Europe at the Pentathalon Meet. From the Southern Division: the Vicenza Maco Sharks, the Naples Tiger Sharks, and the Aviano Sea Dragons. From the Rhineland Division: The Stuttgart Piranhas. From the Benelux Division: the Lakenheath Barracudas. And from the Tyrolean Division: the VGC vipers and the Wiesbaden Wahoos.

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DIFFICULT

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Healthy vs. unhealthy relationships FROM FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Relationships are a necessary part of healthy living, but there is no such thing as a perfect relationship. Relationships, from acquaintances to romances, have the potential to enrich our lives and add to our enjoyment of life. However, these same relationships can cause discomfort, and sometimes even cause harm.

What makes a healthy relationship?

A healthy relationship is when two people develop a connection based on: • Mutual respect • Trust • Honesty • Support fairness/equality • Separate identities • Good communication • A sense of playfulness/fondness All of these things take work. Each relationship is most likely a combination of both healthy and unhealthy characteristics. Relationships need to be maintained and healthy relationships take work. This applies to all relationships; work relationships, friendships, family, and romantic relationships.

What are signs of a healthy relationship?

A healthy relationship should bring more happiness than stress into your life. Every relationship will have stress at times, but you want to prevent prolonged mental stress on either member of the relationship.

Below are some characteristic that may be present in your healthy relationships.

While in a healthy relationship you: • Take care of yourself and have good self-esteem independent of your relationship • Maintain and respect each other's individuality • Maintain relationships with friends and family • Have activities apart from one another • Are able to express yourselves to one another without fear of consequences • Are able to feel secure and comfortable • Allow and encourage other relationships • Take interest in one another’s activities • Do not worry about violence in the relationship • Trust each other and be honest with each other • Have the option of privacy • Have respect for sexual boundaries • Are honest about sexual activity if it is a sexual relationship Resolve conflict fairly: Fighting is part of even healthy relationships. The difference is how the conflict is handled. Fighting fairly is an important skill you help you have healthier relationships.

What are the signs of an unhealthy relationship?

At times all relationships will have some of the below characteristics. However, unhealthy relationships will exhibit these characteristics more frequently and cause you stress and pressure that is hard to avoid.

This tension is unhealthy for both members and may lead to problems in other areas of your life.

While in an unhealthy relationship you: • Put one person before the other by neglecting yourself or your partner • Feel pressure to change who you are for the other person • Feel worried when you disagree with the other person • Feel pressure to quit activities you usually/used

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Ombudsmen Circle: Supporting service members and their families BY nicole ybarra NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Frequent and oftentimes unpredictable moves across country or continents; deployments and separations; and culture shock in a foreign country – these are some of the unique challenges that service members and their families face during their military careers. However, they do not need to tackle these challenges alone.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Navy Family Ombudsman Program. An ombudsman is a volunteer, appointed by the Commanding Officer (CO) who serves on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are the spouse of an active duty or selected reserve member assigned to the command, and willing to serve as the official liaison between the command and its families. These special people are vital in maintaining the morale and welfare of the command's active duty service members and their families.

“An ombudsman is like a rewarding volunteer job,” said Jerry Richardson, NAS Sigonella Protocol Officer. “They are the point of contact for anything our community may need.”

Your Command Ombudsman is an important advocate for families and single Sailors, helping to disseminate accurate information regarding command policies, community services, available resources, and assistance during deployments. They are not trained social workers, but are there in times of need, providing support and serving as the vital link between command leadership, Sailors and families.

On Sept. 30, NAS Sigonella recognized 10 ombudsmen during a luncheon held in the NAS 2 galley.

On Sept. 30, NAS Sigonella recognized 10 ombudsmen during a luncheon held at the NAS 2 galley. Ombudsmen serve as a vital liaison between the command and its families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released)

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to enjoy • Pressure the other person into agreeing with you or changing to suit you better • Notice one of you has to justify your actions (e.g. where you go, who you see) • Notice one partner feels obligated to have sex or has been forced • Notice arguments are not settled fairly • Experience yelling or physical violence during an argument • Attempt to control or manipulate each other • Notice your partner attempts to controls how you dress and criticizes your behaviors.

• Have no common friends, or have a lack of respect for each others’ friends and family • Notice an unequal control of resources (food, money, home, car, etc.)

• Experience a lack of fairness and equality If some of your relationships have some of these characteristics it does not necessarily mean the end of that relationship. By recognizing how these characteristics affect you, you can begin to work on improving the negative aspect of your relationships to benefit both of you.

When should I seek professional help for my relationship?

If a partner ever tries to harm you physically or

force you to do something sexually, that should be a clear sign for you that it is an unhealthy relationship.

In that situation, you should consider getting help, or ending the relationship. Even if you believe the person loves you, it does not make up for the harm they are putting you through.

Other circumstances include: When you are unhappy in a relationship, but cannot decide if you should accept it, try to improve the relationship, or end the relationship. When you have decided to leave a relationship, but find yourself still in the relationship. When you think you are staying in the relationship for the wrong reasons, such as fear of being alone or guilt.

If you have a history of staying in unhealthy relationships, having a counselor or mental health provider to talk to can help you work out challenges in your relationships and find a solution that is healthy for both partners.

There are many resources available to you. Contact The Fleet and Family Support Center at 624-4291 and request to speak to a counselor or sign up for one of our many classes that promote healthy families and relationships.

This article was adapted from material originally found on the UW-Seattle Hall Health Center website, http://www.hallhealthcenter.com.

founded in 1387 in the upper part of the Valle del Bove, the point of confluence of the lava streams from Etna's eastern craters which frequently have destroyed the town, which has always been rebuilt. Zafferana Etnea was threatened by the 1992 volcanic eruption of Mt. Etna. It is now a summer resort with views of landscapes toward both the mountain and the sea. The second Sunday in August is the Festa of Madonna della Provvidenza.

Zafferana, along with Nicolosi, is now regarded as one of the major tourist stopping points for summer and winter expeditions to the summit of Mt. Etna.

For more information on the festival and detailed schedules visit http://www. ottobrata.it Nebrodi Black Pig and Porcino Mushroom Festival in Cesarò (Oct. 10, 11, 17 and 18) In the Messina province, the 16th edition of the Sagra del Suino Nero e del Fungo Porcino dei Nebrodi (Nebrodi Black Pig and Porcino Mushroom Festival) kicks off this weekend (Oct. 10, 11) in Cesarò at the town's public gardens (villa Aldo Moro).

The event, which continues next weekend (Oct. 17 and 18), celebrates the mouthwatering Nebrodi Black Pig and the Porcino mushroom.

As reported by homefood.it, the Nebrodi black pig's presence in the Nebrodi woods dates back to the Greek period of Carthage (VIII -VI sec. to C.). This animal is a wild pig very similar to the wild boar that lives in a free state, feeding on the foods found in the covered grounds of the woods. Delicious prosciutto, salami and sausages are made from its meat after it is cured with salt.

Nebrodi Black Pig is one of the 28 Sicilian "presìdi slow food" (protected breed threatened with extinction). As reported by slowfoodfoundation.org, Slow Food "Presìdi" indeed sustain quality production at risk of extinction, protect unique regions and ecosystems, recover traditional processing methods, and safeguard

native breeds and local plant varieties. The Presidia directly involve producers, offer technical assistance to improve production quality, organize exchanges among different countries, and provide new market outlets (both locally and internationally). Slow Food is an international member-supported nonprofit association and a worldwide network of people committed to improving the way food is produced and distributed.

Festival specialties will include: risotto ai porcini (porcini mushrooms risotto), arrosto di suino nero dei Nebrodi (roast of Nebrodi Black Pig), pane caldo condito con olio sale e peperoncino (freshly baked bread dressed with olive oil, salt and chili pepper and other delicacies).

Festival highlights include cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs such as Seby Sorbello (Saturday, Oct. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Villa Aldo Moro public gardens); Lucia Marzullo (Sunday, Oct. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. Villa Aldo Moro public gardens); Natale Giunta (Saturday, Oct. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. Villa Aldo Moro public gardens); and Gianluca Barbagallo (Sunday, Oct. 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. Villa Aldo Moro public gardens).

Cesarò is a picturesque Sicilian town located on the slopes of the Nebrodi Mountains (Messina province) and park, near Bronte.

The Nebrodi Park was created in 1993 spreading over an area of forests which makes it the largest in Sicily. Its inhabitants have preserved the uniqueness of this setting, keeping their differences from the rest of the island by their language which still has some features of the French-Lombard dialect. The forest is situated between 1,200 and 1,500 m above sea level.

Cesaro has a special longstanding good relationship with the U.S. Navy which began in 1996 when an HC-4 helicopter helped the population to place a 7,000-pound statue of Christ on top of a mountain.

For more information and detailed festival schedules, visit http://www.comune. cesaro.me.it/.

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