CFC Annual DODEA Art Contest Winners Announced
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Professional Partners
NAVSUP FLC
Marines Conduct Bilateral Training
Critical Support During the U.S. President's Visit
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N A S SIG O N E L L A
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JUNE 9, 2017
Vol. 34 No. 22
NAS Sigonella Holds Summer Safety Stand Down by MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Safety personnel and volunteers at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella hosted a summer safety awareness standdown for service members and civilian employees in the base theater, June 7. During the summer months, people are more likely to be injured or killed in accidents related to outdoor activities, including swimming, barbequing, motorcycle riding, working outdoors, traffic accidents and exercising. Captain Brent Trickel, command-
ing officer of NAS Sigonella, started the summer safety stand-down with a short speech about the importance of safety during the summer months. “I’ve sat through at least 48 safety stand-downs in my career, some were pretty good and interesting, some were on the other side of the spectrum,” said Trickel. “Is this going to be stuff you’ve heard before? Some of it will be I’m sure. But what we try to do is to put something in your brain to where when you’re out over the summer doing whatever you’re doing, you’ll think of something you learned—or apply one of the lessons you heard—at the safety stand down.”
At the end of his speech, Trickel shared with the audience personal stories about how alcohol impairs judgment and can put people in risk of non-judicial punishment, accidents, or even death. “I’ve had way too many captain's masts on my 13 months of the job so far and obviously it’s because somebody made a conscious decision to do something wrong,” said Trickel. “But for the majority of them, if a fellow shipmate had called them out earlier in the day, maybe they wouldn’t be standing in front of me in captain's mast. The government is paying you to live in Italy right now, what an awesome opportunity. Do not screw
SIGONELLA, Sicily (June 7, 2017) – Capt. Brent Trickel speaks to service members and civilians aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella during the Summer Safety Stand-Down. 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)
Overseas Housing Allowance Utility Survey Open, Your Input Matters
The Allowance Branch of the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) is asking service members stationed at Naval Air Station Sigonella who reside off base in privately-leased or rental housing to take part in the annual housing survey online. The month long survey is used to measure utility and recurring maintenance expenses incurred by service members stationed overseas, who reside in private housing. The data collected will help to ensure Overseas Housing Allowances (OHA) rates are properly set for service members in Italy. “It’s extremely important that service members take the survey if they are eligible,” said Chief Warrant Officer Telly Myles, NAS Sigonella Admin Officer. “Their input is critical and has a direct impact on how much of an increase or decrease personnel will receive in their paychecks.”
it up by making a bad decision.” The stand-down continued with presentations from Security on roadside safety, the fire department on fire safety, the hospital on heat injuries, Moral Welfare and Recreation on pool and water safety, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) along with Fleet and Family Support Center on child safety. “A lot of people do the GMT and sometimes they sigh because these trainings can be boring,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Raul Sierra, one of the coordinators of the safety stand-down. “We try to keep it active with the summer safety stand-down, cutting it down to 90 minutes and getting a lot of people that are good at their job to go present for about 10 minutes. This way we have a lot of subjects, keeping people awake and attentive.” After all of the presenters spoke, the stand-down continued outside the theater, with booths from different departments offering unique material, information, and services. “Outside the stand-down we have fire simulator and motorcycle simulator, where you can get a feel for what riding a motorcycle is like and some safety tips,” said Sierra. “Fleet and Family Support Center and Housing are also out there, there’s a safety table all about fall protection and machine guarding, and then the Navy Exchange (NEX) are showing their specials and what safety equipment they have, like motorcycle gear.” According to OPNAVINST 5100.19E, at a minimum, commands shall conduct one safety stand-down per year. Additional safety standdowns may be warranted at the discretion of the commanding officer. “This is the best time of the year,” said Sierra. “We want you to be careful while you’re out there, and pay attention here, so you can enjoy it.” For more information on Navy safety readiness, visit: www.public. navy.mil/NAVSAFECEN/. For the latest news and information from around NAS Sigonella, visit: www.facebook.com/nassigonella
While taking the survey is voluntary, maximum participation in this survey is essential as the utility allowance will be updated based on the results and determine what service members are paid. “The biggest negative for not choosing to complete the survey will be if the allowance is decreased; and the decreased amount is below what a service member actually pays for housing and utility costs,” said Myles. “Then they will be responsible for coming out of pocket to cover the difference.” To prepare for the Utility Expenses portion of the survey, gather actual bills or records of utility and recurring maintenance expenses for the last 12 months. The survey runs from June 1-30 and is available at http:// www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/ohaSurvey.cfm?ID=jun-util and estimated time to complete the survey is 20 minutes.
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Direct Line
Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Buon giorno, Sigonella! “I hope everyone was able to enjoy a slice of the Memorial Day weekend. I very much appreciate how busy it was with the G7 Summit and Presidential visit going on and I thank everyone for their dedication and determined efforts to ensure NASSIG success! Some installation and tenant command personnel had to depart, bringing their aircraft to points distant to free up parking space for arriving heads of state, and missing the POTUS All Hands call (probably a once in a lifetime opportunity). Still, others stood the watch, ensuring mission success, security and safety of our community and guests. Finally, family and friends sacrificed precious time in the middle of a traditional holiday weekend to show the world The Sigonella philosophy of always being “inspection ready” was felt in the relatively low amount of
stress and additional work required to make it all happen. This is a credit to our entire extended community, including our host nation military, staff and law enforcement counterparts, for your high level of daily preparation making us ready for any and all contingencies. Sigonella, you performed admirably and deserve full recognition as the best! If these events weren’t enough to stir your patriotism, this past week marked the 73rd Anniversary of DDay and the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway. If you’ve lived your life with only Hollywood as your instructor on these epic events, I recommend heading to the NAS I MWR Library where you can find literature, books and documentaries on these and many other history-shaping moments. As we move into the summer months, please put what you learned
at the Safety Stand Down into practice. You have the knowledge and power to reduce risk and mishaps, keeping yourself, your Shipmates and your families safe and healthy using deliberate risk management and planning along with smart decision-making. This includes taking precautions and staying aware of your surroundings in accordance with your Antiterrorism Level I training as you go about your business or vacations, whether overseas or in CONUS. Lastly, I congratulate the Sigonella Middle-High School Jaguars graduating class of 2017, whose ceremony is tonight at 6pm in the NAS I Piazza, and the Navy College graduating class of 2017, whose ceremony will be held June 13th at 11am in the NAS I Chapel! These graduates have all completed
demanding courses of education, deserving some serious recognition. Of course, their education will not stop at these benchmarks. We wish all of these graduates the best for their futures. Thank you all, and have a wonderful and Safe Summer Season! Keep up the greatness that makes NAS Sigonella the best installation in the Region!
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 “BZ for NEX employee”: I respectfully temperatures in the various spaces throughout the facility. We are operating on
request to submit a Bravo Zulu to Maria Grazie Spagnola at the NAS 1 NEX. On 14 May 2017, while I was looking for a certain cosmetic, (Mary Kay), she took the time to help me find what I was looking for, even though it was outside of the department where she worked. Without her assistance, I would've been lost. In addition, she had earlier assisted me in finding the right kind of jewelry for my wife’s anniversary last year. Thanks to her knowledge and patience, I got her a gift that she was so excited about and she wore it to work the following day! Sincerely, Michael Mckenna
Response: Dear Mr. Mckenna, Thank You very much for your kind words regarding NEX associate Maria Grazia. Maria Grazia takes great pride in delivering Premiere Customer Service on a daily basis to the patrons in the Sigonella Community. Your comments have been passed on as will a Letter of Appreciation for her efforts. Thank You again for the recognition of service. Comment regarding “Regarding Temperature at the Gym”: Is there any way to improve the temperature issues in the NAS 2 upstairs cardio room? I have been stationed here for over 3 years, and despite assurances that it is being dealt with, have seen no improvement. The room averages between 78-80 degrees even when empty. The rest of the building seems much cooler in comparison. With the summer months coming this is becoming an issue for users. Thank you. Response: Thank you for taking the time to submit your concern regarding the temperature in the cardio room at the NAS 2 Flight Line Fitness Center. The MWR Fitness staff apologizes for the sometimes uncomfortable temperatures in the facility. The fitness staff performs temperature checks each day to monitor the
industrial standards for Fitness centers in correlation with Navy Public Works guidance of 75-78F (24-26C) for fitness spaces. When the staff records a temperature of 78F (26C) or higher, a Public Works trouble call is submitted. Based on the temperature recorded, the trouble call is assigned a category ranging routine to emergency, which determines how soon the issue will be addressed by the Public Works Department. The only issues that can be fixed immediately, classified as an Emergency, by PWD standards is when the temperature is 86F (30C) or higher. The Fitness staff will continue to closely monitor this issue to ensure the safety of our customers. If you have further concerns or issues you can contact the MWR Fitness Director, Bill Gatlin, at 624-0504 or william.gatlin@eu.navy.mil.
Comment regarding "restrooms" at Food Court:
The women's restroom at the food court only has two toilets with seats. The other two have been missing seats for at least a week now. Many of the women's bathrooms here also don't have locks, which makes using the bathroom extremely difficult because of the lack of privacy. This also makes it difficult for young children, who are often too short to squat over a toilet, to use the bathroom.
Response: Thank You for your comment regarding the restrooms at the NAS 1 Food Court. We routinely assess the condition of the restrooms both within the Food Court as well as the Main Store as part of our janitorial service multiple times daily. We went through the process of reporting the needs to Public Works and they have since been repaired. We will continue to be diligent to ensure all facilities "ICE" continued on Page 3
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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
Name: Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Christopher Sullivan Department: Hazardous Waste Operations Manager Hometown: Lancaster NY
Since October 2016 if anyone aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella needed to dispose of hazmat or hazwaste, they had to go to Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Christopher Sullivan to get the job done. Sullivan is the Hazardous
Waste Operations Manager, maintaining positive control of hazardous waste that is generated around NAS Sigonella, collecting the waste into Temporary Waste Storage Area (TWSA), then coordinates with contractors and DLA to get the material recy-
"ICE" continued from Page 2 meet and exceed the needs of the community. Thank You again for your comment and in aiding us in delivering Premiere Customer Service. For future Food court related questions or concerns, please contact the Sigonella Navy Exchange General Manager John Sisson at +39-095-56-4379 or at John.Sisson@ nexweb.org.
Comment regarding “Temperature in Bldg. 560”:
Building 560 on NAS II is currently without air conditioning. The Marine Corps Combat Logistics Detachment uses this building for their Battalion Aid Station (BAS). Medical regulations dictate that the temperature be maintained at a level that is conducive to treating patients. Currently, it is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit not only in the BAS but most of the Marines and Sailors’ living quarters. This is unacceptable. Fixing the A/C will increase the ability of the BAS to provide Role I coverage to patients and
9 June 2017
Time17:00-19:00
BBQ Marinai Housing 2nd Recycling Day
cled and disposed of properly. “I see a lot of oil, fuel, empty oil containers, a lot of car batteries, absorbent materials for cleaning up hazmat, and printer cartridges,” said Sullivan. “As far as hazwaste, we get a lot of aerosols and liquid based paint.” In order to hold his position, Sullivan had to go through the Overseas Hazwaste Operations Manager Course, Hazardous Spills Incident Response Management Course and also hold the 9595 NEC for hazardous material control management. “With hazmat and hazwaste there is a lot that goes into it,” said Sullivan. “You have to be able to store it, dispose it and use it correctly, because you never know if you’re going to have any incompatible substances stored in close proximity. If not it can be catastrophic.” Along with the initial satisfaction Sullivan gets from properly disposing of poten-
tially dangerous materials, the feeling of keeping the environment free from hazmat keeps Sullivan motivated. “The more material I collect every day is less material being improperly discarded in the environment,” said Sullivan. “I try to make sure if anyone has any question I, encourage them to ask me. If I don’t have the answers then I will research it and find out.” When Sullivan isn’t at work he enjoys going to the gym, playing video games, and working on cars. “I wouldn’t say I’m the best in the world but if I can learn something new about my vehicle or someone else’s I’d learn it by doing it,” said Sullivan. “Oil changes, break changes, all that simple maintenance: I can do. If I was to take apart the engine I’d need a little while and a tech manual but I could do it.” When asked whether or not Sullivan liked his job, he replied “Life is simpler when you’re fixing stuff.”
increase the wellbeing of over 100 Marines and Sailors aboard NAS II as a part of the Marine Corps Combat Logistics Detachment.
Response:
Thank you for your bringing the air conditioning in Building 560 to our attention. Public Works Department had no record of a trouble call for that building. In checking with our Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Shop, the system in B-560 was not functioning due to a part that must be replaced. We have ordered the part from the manufacturer and will ensure that it is replaced as soon as it arrives. We were able to make a temporary fix to the unit but at best it is a band-aid solution until the needed part arrives. Again, thank you for bringing this to our attention and thank you for your patience while we trouble shoot this issue. For any further building issues please call the Public Works Department Trouble Desk at 624-6013.
Comment regarding “BZ for Auto Hobby Shop Employee”:
I would like to give a Bravo Zulu to Paul who works at the Auto Hobby Shop. He is very customer service oriented and reserved the first available appointment for a lift when I discovered they were all busy. He was also very happy to help me rent the right tools and give me all the right pointers and assistance to get my oil changed in a very expeditious manner. Overall his bright, positive attitude makes Sigonella a much nicer place to work. And, the mission of the Auto Hobby Shop is so important in keeping us rolling along! Response: Thank you for taking the time to recognize Paul’s great customer service. Our folks at the Auto Hobby Shop work hard to ensure the Sigonella community receives the best “CO Customer Service!” Your comments and those like them are a nice thank you for our employees.
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 Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer 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 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 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.
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CFC-O Names Winners of Seventh Annual DoDEA Art Contest SIGONELLA, Italy – The Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas (CFC-O) announced the winners of the 2017 CFC-O Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Elementary School Art Contest. Due to the talent and quantity of artwork received, contest judges expanded the designation of winners from one grand prize winner in each grade to a first through third place winner in each division, kindergarten through fifth grade. A special congratulations goes to the two local winners from Sigonella Elementary School: – Isabelle Schmitt, second place, first grade – Angela Bradley, second place, third grade The complete list of 18 winners along with photos of their artwork can be found on our Facebook
page and on our website at www.cfcoverseas.org. Overseas DoDEA contestants submitted original artwork to help inspire charitable giving through the CFC-O. Hundreds of submissions were received from nine schools. Contestants were judged by a panel of DoD members based in Washington, D.C. First-place winners in each grade will receive a framed copy of their original artwork and all participants in the contest will receive an Award Certificate signed by Amanda Huckins, the Director of the CFC-O, and a participation sticker. About the CFC and CFC-O The Combined Federal Campaign is the only authorized charitable-giving drive for employees in the Federal workplace. Established by Executive
Isabelle Schmitt, 1st Grade, Sigonella Elementary School, Second Place Winner.
Order in 1961, it continues to be the largest and most successful workplace fundraising campaign. Over the years, the CFC has become a powerful way to help neighbors in need around the corner, across the nation and throughout the world. The dedicated uniformed and civilian personnel serving overseas connect with the CFC through the Department of Defense Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas. The CFC-O, administered by Global Impact, is one of the most successful charitable workplace giving campaigns in the world. The five overseas combatant commands pledged more than $4.7 million in 2016 to provide life-saving and life enriching services benefiting millions of people. For more information, visit www.cfcoverseas.org.
Angela Bradley, 3rd Grade, Sigonella Elementary School, Second Place Winner, 3rd Grade.
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Capt. Brent Trickel, commanding officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, presents a shadow box to Emilio Mangiameli during his retirement ceremony. Mangiameli served the Navy Gateway Inn and Suites for 41 years and retired as the front desk supervisor. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)
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Italy police under fire for letting mob boss greet fans Story by AP
ROME— Police in southern Italy are under fire for allowing one of Italy's most-wanted mob bosses to greet his fans after his arrest and let them kiss his hand. Police arrested Giuseppe Giorgi early last Friday in a bunker inside his home in San Luca, the base of some of the most notorious clans of the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta mob. A video shown on Sky TG24 showed police jumping for joy after the arrest. But another showed them letting an uncuffed Giorgi greet well-wishers outside his home as they escorted him out. One reached out for Giorgi's hand and kissed it to show respect. Italian magistrate Federico Cafiero de Raho says police couldn't have foreseen the gesture and insisted the arrest was a sign of police strength even amid such "tribal rites."
More than 1,500 Juventus fans injured in stampede in Turin Story by http://www.telegraph.co.uk More than 1,500 people were injured when panic swept through a crowd of Juventus fans watching the Champions League final in a piazza in the northern Italian city of Turin, authorities said last Sunday. The Turin prefect said in a statement that the crowd "was taken by panic and by the psychosis of a terror attack," fearing that a loud noise was caused by attackers. The source of the loud noise that triggered the stampede remained unclear, officials said. Italian media has speculated it may have been a firecracker. The noise triggered panic among thousands of fans gathered in Piazza San Carlo to watch the match pitting Juventus against Real Madrid on giant TV screens. Fans were trampled as they tried to flee. Most of the injured were treated for cuts and light contusions. Three, including a young boy, were in serious condition, officials said. During the second half of the match, which local club Juventus went on to lose 1-4 to Real Madrid, video cameras show a sudden rush in the middle of the crowd that caused a surge that flung people against barriers. Many fans then began to run out of the center of the square, screaming in fear. Afterwards shoes and bags littered the ground, people were seen limping and searching desperately for friends and relatives, the witness said. Police have set up an information point to help people find their loved ones, and they are investigating what caused the panic.
Florence City Centre Becomes a Picnic Area for Tourists Story by Corriere.it It’s 12:15 pm, and on the benches outside the north side of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence we count 18 rolls, 9 beers, and 5 assorted tubs of rice, couscous and salads. Ice-creams alone number over 20, and the figure is set to rise exponentially over the next couple of hours. Outside the Baptistery, meanwhile, takeaway pizzas are leading ham rolls by 5 to 3, and the benches are upholstered with grease-drenched paper. At 12.30, in Via Cimatori, also thanks to the popular sandwich bar I Fratellini, making your way up the street is an exercise in slalom skills. Instead of flags we encounter a coachload of tourists sitting on the ground in groups of ten, tucking into their rolls. Meanwhile, in Via del Corso, opposite Santa Margherita, the dominance of takeaway pizzas is being threatened by the appearance of the first plastic plates, both on the church steps and on the street running alongside. At
"FLORENCE" continued on Page 15
Make sure to mark on your calendar for Calcio Storico which will be held in Florence on June 10, 11 and 24 (final match). The Calcio Fiorentino is an early form of football. Giovanni de Bardi wrote the official rules of Calcio for the first time in 1580. Originally the Calcio was played for rich aristocrats and even Popes knew about it. Now, the tournament is held the third week of June at the La Santa Croce Square. Four teams representing the neighborhoods of Florence face each other in the first semifinals. The winners advance to the final played every year on June 24, the day of the Saint Patron of Florence, San Giovanni. The final winner is honored with a cow. The teams are formed by 27 players and the ball can be played either with feet or hands, they can fight using tactics such a punching, elbowing and all martial art techniques, but forbids kicks to the head an fights of two or more against one. The playing field is a giant sand pit with a narrow slit constituting the goal running the width of each end. The Calcio Storico was not played for 200 years reviving in 1930. In 2006 the tournament was suspended for 2 years after big riots between the White team and the Blue Team. For more information, tickets and detailed festival schedules visit http://www.calciostoricofiorentino.it (Photonfestival.com)
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Future USS Gerald R. Ford Delivered to the Navy From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) aircraft carrier in Newport News, Virginia, May 31. Delivery followed the ship's successful completion of acceptance trials May 26. "Congratulations to everyone who has helped bring CVN 78 to this historic milestone," said Rear Adm. Bri-
an Antonio, program executive officer for aircraft carriers. "Over the last several years, thousands of people have had a hand in delivering Ford to the Navy -- designing, building and testing the Navy's newest, most capable, most advanced warship. Without a doubt, we would not be here without the hard work and dedication of those from the program office, our engineering teams and those who performed and oversaw construction of this incredible warship. It is because of them that Ford performed so well
Official U.S. Navy file photo of PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) April 14, 2017.
during acceptance trials, as noted by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey." "Well done to our shipbuilding partners, Ford's crew and everyone who supported them," said Vice Adm. Tom Moore, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, who also embarked for acceptance trials. Ford is the lead ship of its class and the first new-design aircraft carrier delivered to the Navy since USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in 1975. It is also the first aircraft carrier to join the fleet
since USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) delivered in 2009. The future USS Gerald R. Ford honors the 38th president of the United States and pays tribute to his lifetime of service to the nation in the Navy and in the U.S. government. The next generation of aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford class delivers unprecedented flexibility to the fleet. Due to a larger flight deck, the ability to host more aircraft, additional weapons and aviation fuel storage, and the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and Advanced Arresting Gear, Ford will be able to increase sortie rates by one-third when compared to the Nimitz class. Further, the Navy's newest aircraft carrier generates three times the amount of electricity as previous classes and is designed to rapidly add capabilities as new systems become available over the course of its projected 50-year service life. Ford will be commissioned into the fleet this summer, formally placing the ship into active service. Following this, there will be a "shakedown" period where the ship will conduct several at-sea events to provide longer underway periods for the ship's crew to operate and train on ship's systems. In addition, planned deferred work will be performed, and any deficiencies identified during trials will be addressed during in-port periods. Ford is expected to be operational in 2020 following achievement of initial operational capability.
Bush Supports OIR Efforts in US 5th Fleet By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mario Coto, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs
U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush's (CVN 77) support for Operation Inherent Resolve in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO) has been "critical" to the efforts to defeat ISIS, shipboard leaders said. "The defeat and destruction of ISIS was our primary concern and our ship-air wing team performed superbly," said Capt. Will Pennington, Bush's commanding officer. "Moving that effort into the 5th Fleet AOO allowed us to not only continue that critical fight but to also demonstrate our commitment to our allies and partners in a critical region of the world." The Bush and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 has conducted more
than 4,700 sorties and used 813,000 pounds of ordnance in support of OIR, made two port calls and traveled more than 27,000 nautical miles. Aside from their OIR mission, the ship has provided for the safety and security of a volatile yet important region for trade and commerce. According to Cmdr. Michael Puffer, Bush's navigator, these operations make a difference. "Our presence in the region helps ensure freedom of navigation and provided a stabilizing effect in support of our partners," he said. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group continue to conduct sorties in support of OIR and U.S. national security interests.
ARABIAN GULF (May 22, 2017) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 launches from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). The ship is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mario Coto/Released)
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Olympic Athletes Visit Sigon
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nella
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NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin: SUNRISE YOGA SESSION
FIRST AID/CPR/AED (BLENDED LEARNING)
Command, Department or Organization: MWR, USO and HEALTH PROMOTION Date of Event: WEDNESDAY, 21 JUNE Time of Event: 0600-0700 Location of Event: NAS 2 TURF FIELD Point of Contact Name: LT Katrina Lutfy Point of Contact Phone Number: 6244950 Point of Contact Email Address: katrina.e.lutfy.mil@mail.mil Additional Information: MWR, the USO, and Health Promotion are teaming up to bring the International Day of Yoga to Sigonella! On June 21, from 0600-0700 on the NAS II turf field, we'll sweat together as the Sun rises for the Summer Solstice! Our invigorating, one-hour yoga practice will be led by MWR's fantastic Heather Jones-Proctor. Active duty service members and their family members are welcome! If you have your own yoga mat and water bottle, please bring them. We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, June 21, at 0600. Namaste!
Command, Department or Organization: American Red Cross Date of Event: June 17 Time of Event: 12:00pm-2:00pm Location of Event: Red Cross Classroom Bldg. 318 2nd Floor Point of Contact Name: American Red Cross Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4900 Point of Contact Email Address: Sigonella@RedCross.Org Additional Information: CPR/AED: Learn how to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies in adults, children and infants, including the use of automated external defibrillators (AED). First Aid: Learn how to respond to common first aid emergencies, including burns, cuts, head, neck, and back injuries. Cost: $55 Deadline to register: June 14
Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services 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
Weekly Traffic Report: May 29 - June 5, 2017
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
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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.
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CFC Participating Charities Feel the Love from Sigonella By combined federal Campaign-overseas
The Combined Federal Campaign- Overseas (CFCO) donation period ended Dec. 31, 2016, and charities are starting to feel the love, as distributions began April 1, 2017. Thanks to your generosity, $ 91,767.05 from donors in Naval Air Station Sigonella will be distributed to thousands of CFC-participating charitable organizations on the local, national and international level that have come to depend upon this annual support. CFC funds enable these organizations to continue their mission and in turn, help those in need. For the millions of beneficiaries, this help is life changing. Although most charities and their beneficiaries will not know who you are, they are very grateful for your support. “CFC relieves a huge burden,” said the spokesperson for one of the CFC-participating charities. “It is also very special knowing that there are people out there working hard and wanting to support those in need.” Recently, the CFC offered recipient charities the opportunity to provide feedback. The campaign received an outpouring of gratitude. A few of the responses include: • “The CFC campaign and the money donated by federal
employees helps support our mission by providing additional funding for companion animals to make them more adoptable. The money is used for various programs such as medical care, behavioral training, and hospice care and to provide support for other shelter programs.” – CFC animal charity • “The CFC means that our organization can continue to end homelessness and offer services that would equip families with the necessary tools they need to create a better way of life.” – CFC housing charity • “With the CFC, we have been able to continue to offer the scholarships to children who wish to go on to higher education.” – CFC education charity • “CFC donations cover most of our yearly costs of buying and maintaining the equipment for a K-9 Search and Rescue Team.” – CFC
search and rescue charity • “2016 CFC contributions will help us achieve our mission: to fund the most innovative novel research to prevent, treat and cure lupus.” – CFC medical research charity Federal employees have demonstrated unparalleled generosity over the years by contributing more than $8 billion through the CFC during its 55-year history. In 2016, Federal employees overseas embodied the spirit of the campaign theme Show Some Love and pledged more than $4.7 million to their charities of choice. Thank you for being a part of this important tradition. To see more of the feedback received from CFC-participating charities or to read success stories from charity beneficiaries, please visit cfcoverseas.org or connect with the campaign on social media via Facebook.
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GAMEZONE Treasure Island
MUTINY PARROT PIRATES PISTOL QUARTERMASTER SAIL SCHOONER SEAFARING SEAMEN SHIP SKELETON SPY-GLASS SQUIRE TRELAWNEY THE BLACK SPOT TREASURE WALRUS
MEDIUM
COAST COMPASS COVE CREW CUTLASS DR. LIVESEY GUINEAS HISPANIOLA ISLAND ISRAEL HANDS JIM HAWKINS JOLLY ROGER LOGBOOK LONG JOHN SILVER MAROONED MUSKET
EASY
ADMIRAL BENBOW INN APPLE BARREL ASHORE BEACH BEN GUNN BILLY BONES BLACK DOG BUCCANEER BURIED GOLD CABIN BOY CANNON BALLS CANNONS CAPE CAPTAIN FLINT CAPTAIN SMOLLETT CHEST
DIFFICULT
Find and circle all of the words and names from the book Treasure Island. The remaining 46 letters spell a secret message.
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Professional partners: COFUMACO and SPMAGTF-CR-AF Marines Conduct Bilateral Training by Sgt. Samuel Guerra U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa
THIES, SENEGAL — Members of Senegal’s Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando and U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa combine forces during a four-week bilateral exercise to strengthen partner nation capabilities at Thies, Senegal, recently. Marines and sailors with SPMAGTF-CR-AF Ground Combat Element served as instructors and led infantry based practical application exercises with the COFUMACO to better enhance their war fighting capabilities. The unit focused on reinforcing the importance of small unit leadership and tactics, while conducting live-fire ranges, known distance engagements, movement to contact drills, combat marksmanship program and squad-level maneuvers. “Our team is here to help develop new combat procedures the COFUMACO can implement when dealing with enemy forces in a variety of deployed [environments],” said Staff Sgt. Frank Navratil, a team chief with the unit. “We’ve utilized separate ranges allowing them to execute these newly taught techniques and observed their performance to [detect any deficiencies] and correct them.” Throughout the exercise, Marines evaluated the four
COFUMACO squads on their proficiency regarding land navigation skills, patrolling techniques and the employment of the M60 machine gun and M16A2 rifle at known and unknown distances. The Marines also worked to build a cadre or proficient small unit leaders to reinforce the lessons learned during the training and bolster the COFUMACO’s ability to operate independently after departing their country. “Practicing these combat skills [sharpens] that muscle memory on how to properly react in combat to engage hostile threats,” Navratil said. “Upholding these basic infantry fundamentals is crucial to making them that much better and proficient in their jobs if they find themselves in real world scenarios.” This bilateral training afforded the two nations an opportunity to learn from one another. This was the first deployment for some of the Marines, allowing them to step away from their comfort zone and experience working with a foreign military. The unit ultimately discovered that by working together we advance shared goals and our commitment to work together as allies. “No matter how experienced you may be, working with allies and learning their tactics provides leaders with more options to utilize on the
U.S. Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force – Crisis Response – Africa coach members of Senegal’s Compagnie Fusilier de Marin Commando during a fire and maneuver range at Thies, Senegal. Marines with SPMAGTF-CR-AF and the COFUMACO conducted a four-week training exercise that included advanced combat firing techniques, a machine gun range and a live-fire platoon attack range. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Guerra/Released)
battlefield,” said 1st Lt. David Beltz, theater security cooperation Senegal team leader. “Yearning for additional knowledge only strengthens the warfighter and makes the Marine Corps a more effective fighting organization.” Both nations have a proud history of conducting these
combined arms exercises. Over the years COFUMACO and the Marines have developed a robust relationship. They have grown together and share a partnership that is easily visible and exemplifies the embodiment of camaraderie. “Since the first day, I have seen motivation on both sides,
and I have felt the brotherhood,” said Capt. Goumalo Sall, a company commander with the COFUMACO. “On behalf of the COFUMACO and myself, I sincerely thank [the Marines] for everything they have taught us. We look forward to working with them again, it is always a pleasure.”
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NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Provides Critical Logistics Support During U.S. President’s Visit to Sicily By Tia Nichole McMillen, NAVSUP Public Affairs Officer
11:58 p.m. It’s pitch black on the tarmac. Lt. Cmdr. Erika “Mo” Schoenthal raises her binoculars to the sky. A soft mechanical hum infiltrates the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella airfield. From below the aircraft, onlookers watch the plane’s flaps extend outward until the spoilers are ready to bring her safely to the ground. With a pronounced thud she lands and gently glides along the runway. The President of the United States of America is here. For Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella’s site Sigonella Director, Lt. Cmdr. Schoenthal, providing logistics support for the president and other foreign dignitaries is another (albeit exciting) day in the office. NAVSUP FLC Sigonella played a major support role providing fuels, customs support, hazardous material (HAZMAT) support, and transportation during the dignitaries visit in support of the G7 Summit held in Taormina, Sicly. Specifically, the team started its preplanning phase last December, when the White House pre-advanced team visited Sigonella to capture capabilities and to conduct a site survey for the upcoming visit. Prior to the summit, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella’s fuels division refueled 21 aircraft bringing gear and equipment for a total of 174,000 U.S. gallons of fuel. “The G7 Summit was an awesome experience and being able to support such a great cause was an honor. The fuels division’s motivation and teamwork shined ‘clean, clear, and bright’, just like the fuel we gave them,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate-Fuels 2nd Class Rita Doakes. During the summit, the team refueled 18 aircraft, including fuels support and coordination to Air Force One and Two, as well as aircraft from partner nations Japan and France, U.S. Air Force and Italian Air Force helicopters, totaling 26,000 U.S. gallons of fuel. The team provided 37,000 gallons of fuel
to Italian Air Force fuel trucks for their refueling efforts; and coordinated customs support for armed Secret Service agents and the press plane at the Catania Airport, to include weapons clearance and a liaising service for Italian customs support to Sigonella. After the presidential town hall featuring U.S. and Italian Armed Forces, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella’s work was not finished. After the event, the team defueled 13,000 U.S. gallons of fuel from nine helicopters and assisted Air Force One fueling teams in draining Air Force fuel trucks in preparation for shipment. During this time, the team also refueled six C-17s with more than 100,000 U.S. gallons of fuel. “I think this is one of the most challenging logistics support activities I’ve ever led. With so many partners and so many key players, it was imperative that we all understood both what we owned and how we needed to support one another,” said Lt. Cmdr. Schoenthal. “Our job as supply officers is to make sure our warfighters get what they need when they need it. In this case, it was ensuring the Commander in Chief arrived safely and was able to meet his mission,” she said. NAVSUP FLC Sigonella is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP GLS, which provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support. NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics to a global navy. The command is made up of more than 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.
SIGONELLA, Sicily U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force fuelers sit on the tarmac at Naval Air Station Sigonella as President Donald J. Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the G7 Summit in Taormina, Italy. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
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"FLORENCE" cont’ from Page 6 San Firenze, the table is laid for lunch, as a teacher gets her pupils to sit down on the steps of the former law court: 30 children, 30 rolls. At one o’clock in front of the church, we find four continents’ worth of street-side eaters: Japanese, Americans, North Africans and Florentine locals. San Firenze is top of the league table in this street food free-for-all in the heart of historic Florence. Following close behind is Santa Croce, where at 1.30 a Tom Hanks lookalike in Castaway style enjoys his lunch almost naked at the foot of Dante’s statue, accompanied by four French tourists who have decided to have a bite to eat leaning against the main door of the church, gazing towards the stands erected for the Calcio Fiorentino match. And then there is Via dei Neri, the nerve centre of city picnic culture, with barely three feet separating diners, lining the pavement between the corner with Piazza del Grano and the intersection with Via Setti. The Uffizi branch of this open-air canteen is also open, with tourists eating around the statue of Perseus and at the corner of Via Lambertesca, in Via Proconsolo and Via de’ Benci. It’s only two o’clock and the lunch break is in full swing. The banquet continues on the other side of the Arno. It is one o’clock when the first diners arrive at Santo Spirito: a group of schoolchildren flop down on the ground, just behind the statue of Cosimo Ridolfi, and have lunch. A little further on, around the fountain, American tourists leave evidence of their visit in the form of assorted waste: empty plastic bottles, paper bags, and leftovers for hungry pigeons to fight over. At 1.30, despite the sultry weather, many decide to sit down in the square in front of the church, equipped with pizza cartons, knives and forks, as Brunelleschi’s last great work is transformed into a trattoria with a view. Meanwhile, tourists swarm along the pavements between the flowerbeds at the edge of the square. Piazza Pitti is also hosting a mass buffet, as dozens of holidaymakers – barefoot, naturally – rest their backs against the art gallery and enjoy a moment of relaxation as they bite into pies. On the steps of Santa Maria del Carmine, now a fairly quiet area, a couple of local highschool girls – not day-trippers this time – are eating a light packed lunch. Unlike most of the tourists, they at least seem concerned about their waistline.
Low-cost flights to be launched between Rome and the US Story by The Local Travellers flying between the US and Rome will soon be able to take advantage of three new low-cost routes announced last week. Norwegian, Europe's third-largest low-cost carrier, has announced flights between Rome's Fiumicino airport to Los Angeles and New York, starting later this year. The first two routes will launch on November 9th, with a third connection between Rome and San Francisco scheduled for February 6th, 2018. To begin with, there will be four connections each week to New York's Newark airport, and two flights each to Los Angeles and San Francisco - but the airline said it hoped to offer more frequent flights over time. The best news for budget-conscious passengers will be the low prices of the tickets. A one-way ticket across the Atlantic will start at €179 (to New York) and €199 for the two other destinations. The first 115,000 tickets went on sale last Wednesday. The announcement comes as Italy's own budget airline, Alitalia finds itself in crisis after employees rejected a rescue plan. Its administrators have begun taking bids for a takeover, and the deadline for companies to express interest is next Monday. But Alitalia also announced this week that it would extend its own service between Rome and Los Angeles, which currently operates between April and October, to the entire year, thanks to a codeshare agreement. At the moment, that connection is the only one between Italy and the West Coast of the US.
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