Panorama Dec. 12, 2014

59th year, No. 47

Serving the Nato, Naples and Gaeta military community in italy

Friday, december 12, 2014

W hat ’ s I nsIde

Italian Choir Christmas Cantata Page 4

Children from Casoria received gifts from NSA Naples volunteers during Buon Natale Dec. 8. Buon Natale is part of operation “Helping Hands for the Holidays.” Volunteers gathered more than 100 gifts to donate to children belonging to low income households within Casoria. (Photo by MC3 Robert Price)

NSA Naples Gives Casoria Children an Early Christmas

By MC3 Robert Price, NSA Naples, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Europe

Service members and their families volunteered with the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples base chapel to visit Chiesa Evangelica Battista di Casoria, to celebrate Buon Natale, Dec. 8.

Buon Natale is part of operation “Helping Hands for the Holidays.” For more than a month, volunteers gathered gifts and food to donate to

under privileged children.

“We are trying to reach the low income families,” Yolanda Morris, Chapel Youth Coordinator, said.

Morris also explained that this is not an orphanage or a group home, but low-income households that might have only one parent or one income.

Families gathered in the church to celebrate, pray and sing Christmas songs. When all the gifts were unpacked, organized and labeled, the youth volunteers lined up with gifts in hand. One-by-one the

children were called up to the stage to receive their donated present and have their picture taken.

“By the grace of God we had enough gifts to give everybody and we had enough food,” Morris said.

“In the end it made it all worth it because one lady was crying and then everybody was coming up crying and thanking me for how happy they were that somebody remembered them during the holidays and gave to their kids.”

See AN EARLY CHRISTMAS Page 4

Naples High School Italian Teacher Shares Lessons Learned at U.S. National Conventions

New Female Hair Regulations Page 6

An Overseas Holiday Season Pages 10-11

Weekly Crime Report Review what happened between dec. 3 and dec. 9.

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By Roberta Pennasilico This year I was honored to be selected as a presenter at two prestigious educational events: The Advanced Placement Program (AP) College Board Convention in Philadelphia in July, and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in San Antonio.

Both conventions are amazing experiences for participating teachers.

The AP Annual Conference is the largest professional development gathering of the Advanced Placement Program and Pre-AP communities, AP Coordinators, school counselors, and administrators from across the United States and throughout the world.

At the ACTFL Convention, in particular, the focus is on Foreign Languages: More than 6,000 educators of all languages have the chance to attend hundreds of inspiring sessions on innovative formats and effective practices for the language classes.

See NAPLES HIGH SCHOOL Page 4

FRIday High 59 / Low 49

satURday High 61 / Low 48

sUnday High 62 / Low 52

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Panorama december 12, 2014

Captain’s Corner

By Capt. Doug Carpenter NSA Naples Commanding Officer

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Base Notes

Naples Receives Results from Radon Study

I frocked nearly 40 Sailors to the next pay grade during a ceremony at Capodichino on Wednesday. Advancement and earning your pay check are two important topics I address to Sailors every chance I get. Advancing Sailors at the frocking ceremony was an honor, and it was great to see a number of family members in attendance to show their support and participation in their loved one’s new position. Other Naples commands held their ceremonies this week as well, so if you see some new faces in the petty officer ranks – give them your compliments for studying hard, working hard, and making one more step towards their long-term goals.

For everyone who didn’t advance, competition can be tough in many rates and the March exams are right around the corner – it’s not too soon to start studying! Knowing all aspects of your profession is an important part of being a good Sailor and a good leader. Additionally, First Class Sailors should be hitting the books hard as they’re only a month away from the Chief’s exam. They know going into the test that only the top 60 percent final multiple scores will be considered selection board eligible.

We are rolling into a weekend full of activities. The annual Army vs. Navy flag football game is being held tomorrow at the high school stadium at 1:30 p.m. The actual Army vs. Navy game is also being held tomorrow with a kickoff time of 9 p.m. local. Plenty of opportunities to show pride and support of your service! The Holiday Village market is also going on tomorrow with merchant and food vendors filling the Village Forum at 10 a.m. in front of the Support Site Chapel. There’s also the Run, Run Rudolph 5K with registration starting at 7 a.m. at Central Park. A one-mile fun run will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K run. Santa is going to be making an appearance tonight at the Naples High School’s Holiday Bazaar, tomorrow with the USO at the Commissary and Sunday at the elementary school. This is a busy time of year for St. Nick, I’m glad he is taking the time to celebrate with our Naples community. Last but not least, we have the Mystic Roots Band, a Pop Reggae fusion group, giving a free performance at 2 p.m. in Central Park on Sunday.

The band is passing through Naples on their Armed Forces Entertainment tour and I trust you’ll show our appreciation for their appearance.

It’s getting into the rainy season and as many of you may have seen in the news, Northern Italy has been hit pretty hard this year with the excessive amounts of rain and rising rivers. Everyone that drives a vehicle should be aware of the varying driving surfaces; they’re a little slicker than you may be used to in the U.S. Be cautious and drive the posted speed limit, which is lower during rain and fog. The materials used for certain roads get the nickname ‘glassphalt’ sometimes for valid reasons, so be cautious and drive at a safe speed.

My Security team and I have mentioned it a few times, but we’re still receiving an uptick in reports of home and vehicle break-ins. Be mindful of your surroundings and don’t leave things visible in either your home or car.

Never leave uniforms or military items in your vehicle and continue to report theft as soon as you’re aware of it. If you happen to catch someone in the act, call Emergency Dispatch at DSN 911 or 081-568-4911 right away.

Don’t initiate an altercation. Be smart while traveling as well. Any major tourist area, airport, train station, bus station or port facility will always be the home of thieves of opportunity. Keep alert and don’t take your eye of your items.

A little savviness goes a long way, so be smart and enjoy the opportunity to travel during your time here. There are many great opportunities coming up with ITT and the USO, so stop by their offices to see what works for you and your family. The lights are up in most towns and the holiday markets are in full swing. Get out and enjoy the season and the Italian culture!

NSA Naples recently received results from a year-long indoor radon monitoring study, which is part of an ongoing Navywide radon monitoring program. Radon detectors were installed in Navy facilities at Capodichino, Support Site, Gaeta, Carney Park, and Navy-managed buildings at Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples in Lago Patria. These detectors were placed in basements and ground-level indoor spaces inhabited, or that could be inhabited in the future, at least four hours daily. Of the approximately 1,600 pairs of detectors collected and analyzed, 24 were above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level and require mitigation. No housing units tested exceeded mitigation action limits.

Mitigation measures are being taken for the 24 sites above EPA action levels and will be re-tested once mitigation is complete to verify radon levels are below the EPA threshold. Approximately 200 radon detectors from the year-long study were not found and are being re-tested for six months. Those sites are currently being re-tested and will also be mitigated and retested if found to be above the EPA radon threshold.

To view the sample results, visit the NSA Naples website at www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nsa_napl es/om/environmental_support.html.

For additional information, call the Public Works Environmental division at DSN 626-6644 or 081-568-6644; or the NSA Environmental Health Officer at DSN 629-6299 or 081-811-6299.

Other information sources about radon can be found at the EPA website: www.epa.gov/radon.

Fire Alarm Reminder Community members are reminded that alarm systems in buildings at Support Site and Cappodichino don’t all send a signal to the Dispatch Center. If an alarm is activated, always dial the emergency number to report it. Housing occupants are also advised that activation of a smoke detector may not activate the building’s alarm. In that event, use the pull station in the hallway to activate the alarms. When alarms are sounding in housing buildings or any other facility, all personnel are required to evacuate and may not re-enter the building until given permission by the on-scene commander. To report an emergency, dial DSN 911 or 081-568-4911. Questions may be directed to the fire prevention offices at either DSN 629-4488 or 626-6626.

Post Office Advisory on Mailing of Nativity Scenes (Presepes) The Presepes ‘Nativity Scenes’ found throughout Naples and Italy contain miniature clay figures that craftsmen have made for hundreds of years. The figurines pose no agricultural risk and can be sent or taken stateside. However, the figures are often housed in a village setting made of natural bark decorated with peat moss, which can contain damaging insects or other pests and are prohibited from being imported into the United States. Nativity Scenes produced using finished wood, plastic, or commercially-cleaned and lacquered straw (except rice straw) can be mailed to the U.S. Customers of the post office can be fined $100 or more if they mail scenes containing moss, bark, pinecones, untreated straw or other restricted materials. For questions, please visit or contact your post office.

AFN 360 Naples Radio Available Online Community members can listen to AFN Naples broadcasts online. Visit http://naples.afneurope.net/ from your office or home and click on AFN 360 Naples or use the AFN Europe App with your Apple iOS or Android device to listen to up-to-date news and upcoming information for our area. This is another way to listen to the Commander’s Spotlight Show, Fleet Master Chief in the Morning Show, PAO, MWR and USO update shows.

Users can also listen to AFN 360 Global, which provides seven music and spoken word stations.

Bicycles and Strollers Collected from Housing Unlabeled bicycles and strollers collected from Support Site Housing from April to September are in the MWR Warehouse parking lot, located between the carwash and the POV lot. If community members feel their item was mistakenly taken or would like to reclaim it, they can visit the parking lot to see if it is there. If located, please contact Housing’s Peter Parillo at DSN 629-4287 or 081-811-4287 to reclaim the bicycles or strollers taken during the periodic collections. The ongoing effort helps clear away objects that may have been left by previous residents or otherwise abandoned. The items not reclaimed will be fixed before being donated to a charity organization.

Panorama associato all’uSPi unione Stampa Periodica italiana

Naval Support Activity Naples Italy capt. doug carpenter cmdr. Jay driskell mcc travis Simmons teresa merola

commanding officer executive officer Public affairs officer Public affairs/comreL Specialist

Editorial Staff Gary Nichols, editor: Free mercato ads: Paid advertising:

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Now- Dec. 24: Adopt a Service Member for Christmas Dinner Are you a single or unaccompanied service member and don’t want to be stuck in the barracks this Christmas? Would you rather spend the day watching football, playing video games and eating too much? Are you a family with a couple extra spots at your dinner table and want to help share the feeling of family and friends? Sign up for “Adopt a Service Member” at the Capodichino Liberty Center and make the holiday extra special for everyone. For more information, call DSN 626-4896 or 081-568-4896.

Now- Dec. 13: Fine Arts Exhibit Child and Youth Programs is hosting a Fine Arts Exhibit at the Support Site food court from Friday, Dec. 5 until Saturday, Dec. 13. Many of the art pieces displayed were made by children from our community aged 6 to 18 years old. Art will be judged locally on Sunday, Dec 14.

Dec. 12: Scheduled Labor Union Protest and Transportation Strikes in Naples Italian Labor Unions have organized a National Labor Strike for Friday, Dec. 12. Labor Unions in Naples plan to hold meetings downtown at Piazza Matteotti and Piazza Mancini from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is recommended that community members avoid the protest areas. In addition, local trams and buses are scheduled to be suspended from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., so expect traffic delays.

Dec. 13: Army vs. Navy Flag Football at NHS Stadium Join your local Army and Navy Flag Football teams as they compete for this year’s annual Army vs. Navy game trophy.

The game will be held at the Naples High School football stadium at 1:30 p.m. The second annual Mascot Olympics will also take place during the game. For more information, call DSN 629-6528 or 081-811-6528.

Dec. 13: Free Photos with Santa at Commissary USO Naples is providing the opportunity for community members to get a free family photo with Santa Claus on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Commissary. The holiday program will take place from noon to 3 p.m. The photos with Santa will be available via a link on the USO’s Facebook page. For additional information, call DSN 626-5713 or 081-568-5713.

Dec. 13: Holiday Village Market The Holiday Village Market was rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to U.S. ID card holders, NATO ID card holders, Italian employees with access card and their immediate family members. For more information, call DSN 629-4390 or 081-811-4390.

Dec. 13: Run, Run Rudolph All ages are welcome to join the Run, Run Rudolph on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Support Site Fitness Forum. Pick up a registration form at either gym and turn it in on the day of the event. Registration begins at 7 a.m. in Central Park with a 1mile run beginning at 8 a.m. The 5K course starts afterwards.

Cost is Free for the 1 Mile Run, while the 5K Course cost is $5 per person. T-shirts will be on sale for $5 each. For more information, call DSN 626-4255 or 081-568-4255.

Dec. 14: Santa Claus Is Visiting the Elementary School The Naples Elementary School will be hosting pictures with jolly old St. Nick in the school’s cafeteria on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is open to the community, whether attending the school or not, and will have refreshments, school spirit gear and Scholastic books available for purchase. For questions, please email NESPTA1@gmail.com.

Dec. 14: Mystic Roots Band Performing at Support Site The Mystic Roots Band, a Pop Reggae fusion band, will be performing a free concert at the Support Site Central Park on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. The show is open to all ages and is brought to Naples by the Armed Forces Entertainment Shows program. MWR will be selling beverages and food on site. In case of inclement weather, the show will be held at the Reel Times 2 Cinema. For more information, call DSN 626-4894 or 081-568-4894.

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Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy Tel. 081-568-7884, Fax 081-568-7887. e-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it - Autorizzazione Tribunale di Napoli No. 3404 del 3.4.1985. Direttore Responsabile: Bruno Brandi. Stampa: Arti Grafiche Boccia SpA, Salerno; Fotocomposizione: Stampa Generale S.r.l. - Tel. 081-568-7884. Stampa Generale is a private firm in no way connected with the U. S. Navy under exclusive written contract with the U. S. Navy.

The editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy. All news and feature articles and announcements submitted to Panorama are subject to editing to conform with contemporary standards of journalistic objectivity, clarity and relevance. We welcome any contributions, suggestions or comments dealing with community issues. Submissions for publication in Panorama will be accepted on the basis of newsworthiness, timeliness and space available. All copy must be submitted in Microsoft Word format in an e-mail to the editor at: naplespanorama@eu.navy.mil. Each submission must include the name and telephone number of the author. deadLiNe For aLL coPy aNd PhotoS iS at cLoSe oF buSiNeSS Friday Prior to PubLicatioN date.

Panorama december 12, 2014

BASE NOTES Continued from Page 1

Dec. 16: Food Handler Class at U.S. Naval Hospital Naples U.S. Naval Hospital Naples will be offering a food handler class on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. The class teaches food-handling safety to individuals who participate in temporary food events such as command food fundraisers, social events, bake sales, or any other short term event that involves preparing and serving food. The class will be located in the hospital’s Classroom 1B. Please register by calling DSN 629-4170 or 081-811-4170.

Dec. 16: Free Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Brunch Bonanza USO Naples is hosting a free Ho-Ho-Ho Holiday Brunch Bonanza at the Air Terminal lounge on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Service members are invited to come out for a complimentary holiday brunch including scrambled eggs and ham, mini croissants, desserts, assorted juices and hot chocolate. There will also be a free drawing and giveaways of USO-branded merchandise. For additional information, call DSN 626-5713 or 081-568-5713.

Dec. 17: Coffee Chat for Naples Elementary School A Coffee Chat is hosted by the Naples Elementary School Parent Teacher Association and will be Dec. 14 from 8:15-

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9:15 a.m. in the school’s Multi-purpose Room. The topic will be Teaching Children to get along. Parents and caregivers will learn effective guidelines in engaging children in cooperative activities; teach skills for getting along and how to discipline aggressive children. If you already have a question in mind, email it to nes.pta1@gmail.com.

Dec. 17- 18: ASIST “Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training” The CREDO team will hold an ASIST Workshop for everyone who wants to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide in our communities. It will be held at the Capodichino Chapel Fellowship Hall Dec. 17- 18. To register or for more information, call DSN 626-5255 or 081-568-5255. You can aslo email CREDO @eu.navy.mil or visit www.facebook.com/ CREDO.EU for more information on other upcoming retreats and workshops.

Dec. 18: Surprise Mom and Dad with a Present for the Holidays Kids can stop by the Support Site Library from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 18 and make their own special gift for their parents. Library staff will help children make a neat present in time for the holidays. For more information, call DSN 629-4361 or 081-811-4361.

Dec. 18: Wildcat Coffee Chat with School’s PTSA A Wildcat Coffee Chat is scheduled for Dec. 18 in the Naples Middle High School cafeteria from 9:30-10:30 a.m. The chat is hosted by the school’s Parent Teacher Stu-

dent Association and will focus on conflict resolution. Parents and caregivers will learn effective guidelines for setting rules, limits, and consequences for their child(ren) of all ages. If you already have a question in mind, email it to Jen Sellers at naplesPTSAteam@gmail.com so your answer is researched properly. Search Naples Middle High School PTSA on Facebook for more information.

Dec. 18- 19: Transition GPS Technical Track Workshop FFSC will be hosting the next Transition GPS Technical Track two-day workshop Dec. 18-19. If you or your spouse is interested in pursuing a technical career after the military, this track can help you define your technical career goals, identify required credentials, find career technical training opportunities and assist you in utilizing your VA education benefits.

You do not need to be in the process of transitioning to attend. The class will be held at the Fleet & Family Support Center on the Support Site from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spouses are encouraged to attend.

For more information or to register, please contact your command career counselor or the FFSC at DSN 629-6372.

Dec. 19: Holiday Mic Night at Old Towne Pub The USO Volunteer Committee presents Holiday Open Mic Night at the Old Towne Pub on Capodichino on Dec. 19.

The free event begins at 8:30 p.m. and is open to the entire community. Come and show off your singing skills, comedic timing or whatever your hidden talent might be. For additional information, call DSN 626-5713 or 081-568-5713.

Italian News Briefs

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Compiled by Teresa Merola

Bad Weather Pushing Olive Oil Production Down

High-Speed Train Service Expanding

This year the Italian production of olive oil has fallen due to adverse weather conditions including high humidity and low temperatures that have facilitated attacks by the olive fly. The central regions of Italy have registered the sharpest drop and the first effects of this negative drop are that consumers around the world are likely paying more for the extra virgin olive oil. Figures from the International Olive Council suggest wholesale prices of Italian oil have risen 37 percent from 2013 and the final price for consumers will likely be more than 60 percent.

The head of the Italian rail company announced a new plan for high-speed trains that it will make easier to travel from major northern Italian cities to Rome’s Fiumicino international airport. As of Sunday, two trains a day will leave for Venice and two will arrive from in what will be a four-hour, 12-minute trip. Frecciargento trains will connect the cities of Padua in three hours and 57 minutes, Bologna in two hours and 59 minutes and Florence in two hours and 14 minutes. The privatization of the government railway agency should also be completed by the first half of 2016.

Milan to Host Expo 2015 Expo 2015 in Milan is one of the most important events that will see Italy at the center of international attention.

Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino switched on Christmas lights in Via del Corso, one of the main shopping streets in the capital. The lights consist of 144 flags of the countries that have adhered to the Universal Exhibition in Milan from May through October on the theme “Feeding the planet, energy for life.”

Prisoners Becoming Rehabilitated With Baking Skills Padua’s Due Palazzi prison has opened Italy’s first bakery behind bars program. The program is designed to help to build skills, confidence and self-esteem to the inmates.

The prisoners sell about 70,000 panettoni, a traditional Italian Christmas cake each year to 200 shops in the country. The new program is showing decreased rates of recidivism from the national average of 70 percent for those involved in the project.

New Mini-Buses to Run in Downtown Naples Eleven new vehicles entered service in Naples with the aim of improving the route of citizens and tourists in the historical center of the city. The new mini-buses are environmentally friendly, they are equipped with a low-floor for the mobility of disabled people, and they can load up 22 people. They provide comfort for passengers and drivers, they are all air-conditioned and they are also equipped with an on-board video surveillance system.

Art Night 2014 in Naples Alleys and squares in Naples will be hosting “Art Night 2014” with important cultural events during the night between Dec. 13-14, 2014. Food and wine events will entertain visitors with its products typically made in Campania region. Churches, cloisters and museums can be visited throughout the night.

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THe INSIDe PAge… VOLUNTEERS NEEDED NAPLES OVERSEAS SUPPORT CLUB (NOSC) is seeking committed members to serve as Vice President of Fundraising, Membership Chairperson, Parliamentarian, and Shopping on the Boot Editor for the 2014-15 board term. For more information, please visit www.noscitaly.com or email noscitaly@gmail.com.

THE TRANSATLANTIC COUNCIL OF THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA is looking for Eagle Scouts in the Naples community to update the National Eagle Scout Association database. All Eagle Scouts, both active and not active in scouting are asked to send an email with their last name, first name, email address, hometown/community, and council/district name where they earned their Eagle rank, to Troop 007 committee chair Jeff Arter at jeffarter@hotmail.com. "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle."

USO NAPLES is looking for outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers to join their committee to make a tangible difference in the community through events and special projects. If interested, please email Luisa Mazzella at luisa.mazzella@uso.it or call the USO Capodichino office at DSN 626-5713.

NAPLES AMERICAN RED CROSS (ARC) needs volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or in taking a CPR/First Aid class, call 081-568-4788 or 626-4788 for more information. You can also "like" our Facebook page - American Red Cross Naples - to keep up with current opportunities.

NAPLES HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB is looking for new board members. Consider offering your time to further the work of the Athletic Booster Club. The club is accepting nominations and applications for the 2014-15 Board. We will call for a membership-wide vote in May, with the new Board installed in June.

The current board is working to have summer and fall kick off plans in place to ease the transition, as well as a healthy bank account to seed 2014-15 Wildcat Athletics.

Job descriptions for president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, membership, Webmaster, publicity/marketing and spirit wear can be found at www.naplesboosterclub.com in the documents section. Please contact president@naples boosterclub.com or membership@naplesboosterclub.com for more information.

FLEET AND FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER is looking for volunteers to assist in the event of an emergency. Volunteers could be called upon if families are relocated to Support Site due to a natural disaster or similar emergency that exceeds what the FFSC staff can support. Volunteers may greet families, inquire about needs, organize supplies, complete paperwork, etc. Being on the list does not obligate anyone to a future event. If you are interested in volunteering for this, please call 081-8116372 or email FFSCNSANaplesItaly@eu.navy.mil.

CLUB BEYOND is searching for volunteers to serve as Adult Leaders. Leaders assist in planning, setup and conducting small group meetings with students in grades 7 through 12. Leadership training lasts a month. If interested, please contact Arturo Paulino at apaulino@clubbeyond.org for an appointment.

NAVY-MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY OPERATION CLIP & SAVE (coupons): 081-568-3913.

ANIMALS WITHOUT LIMITS (AWL) is searching for volunteers who want to help at our Animal Hospice in Lago Patria. We also need volunteers for different projects on the Support Site base. For more information, please contact us at awlrescueteam@ gmail.com or director@animalswithoutlimits.com.

THE AMERICAN SOCCER CLUB (ASC) OF NAPOLI is looking for qualified coaches. Those interested in coaching should e-mail doc@ascnapoli.com.

ONGOING/ON THE HORIZON THE NAPLES MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC BOOSTERS Is your Naples Middle High School student in Band, Choir, Orchestra, or Flag Team? If so, then he/she benefits from NMHS Music Boosters! NHMS Music Boosters is a growing organization that ensures all Naples Middle High School music programs continue performing at the highest levels. Help support Music Boosters with your yearly family membership of $25.00 (other membership levels also available). Volunteers are continuously needed to assist with several projects! Email musicboostersnaples@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook "NMHS Music Boosters" for more information.

The NAPLES MIDDLE HIGH SCHOOL PTSA is looking for volunteers to help provide information, resources and events that strengthen the connections between students, parents, the school and the community. A yearly membership is $10 and joining is a great way to get involved, meet the teachers, other parents and your child's friends. Email NaplesPTSAteam@gmail.com or search Naples Middle High School PTSA on Facebook.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 007 holds troop meetings every Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Support Site Community Center. E-mail the Scoutmaster at scoutmastertroop007@gmail.com or visit these websites at https://www.facebook. com/BSATroop007; https://www.troopwebhost.org/Troop007Naples and https:/ /www. troopwebhost.org/FormHTML.aspx?site=Troop007Naples.

COALITION OF SAILORS AGAINST DESTRUCTIVE DECISIONS (CSADD), Naples Chapter meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. in the NSA Naples Chiefs Mess, located by the quarterdeck in Admin I. CSADD's mission is to create a culture in which our shipmates are helping shipmates maintain a course of success through good decision making. For more information, contact MC2 Ramsaran at DSN 626-5249.

NAVY LEAGUE NAPLES has three missions: to enhance the morale of active duty personnel and their families; to inform Congress and the American public on the importance of strong sea services; and to support youth through programs such as the Junior ROTC that expose young people to the values of our sea services. Personnel interested in joining or participating with the Navy League should contact Betty Reese at 081-526-8051. For more information, visit www.navyleague.org.

More “Inside Page” on Page 9

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Panorama december 12, 2014

Italian Choir – Christmas Cantata

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS

Chiesa Evageliza Battista di Casoria Pastore Carleo Gennaro said it is very rare for the guests to receive a gift from a complete stranger. Gennaro said that his favorite memories from the night were the children’s expressions and reactions when they received a present. Gennaro said he was impressed that so many volunteers helped to make the event possible and they are looking forward to celebrating Buon Natale with the Casoria children next year.

NSA Naples Chaplain Don Biadog said this is the third annual Boun Natale where the chapel has volunteered. Biadog said the number of gifts gathered quadrupled from last year, which helped them to reach further into the community.

“Last year, inside the base, we only had about 30 kids, but this year we have about 100 here tonight,” Biadog said. “It is all about winning the hearts and the minds of these little boys and girls … to share the spirit of Christmas, which many of us believe.”

“Helping Hands for the Holidays” has three remaining events. These events are open to the NSA community. For more information, or to attend a Buon Natale event this holiday season, please visit the base chapel.

NApLES HigH ScHOOL

The Italian Choir “Il Coro Annibale Messore” sings at the Annual Christmas Cantata in the Naval Support Activity Naples (NSA) Support Site Chapel Dec. 7. They are composed of 30 members and have performed at the Saint Peter’s Basilica, Abbey of Montecassino and have accompanied the Roman Philharmonic Orchestra. (Photos by MC3 Jared King)

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I attended several interesting sessions on the teaching of Italian. Some of the sessions were: The effects of Media on L2 Learning, The use of IPads in the classroom, Italian Pedagogy, Content-based resources.

During a session about AP Italian exams, using my experience at Naples High School, I explained that the data shown indicated that the number of students who took the exam this year increased by 20 percent, and this was definitely great news for the Italian educators.

The numbers at Naples Middle High School do reflect this increase, and the projection for next school year indicate a further increase.

I am profoundly proud of being part of the program that sees the AP Italian students in Department of Defense Dependents Schools have the highest average in the more than 2,200 AP Italian exams taken in the world.

During the presentation, “Technology-based activities for AP Italian,” I offered some hints to help fellow teachers design original, effective, AP themerelated lessons in their classrooms, and also shared a few products made by my Italian students.

The attending teachers were very impressed, and I was – if possible – even more proud of our Naples students.

Overall, it was a remarkable experience. I am very honored to have represented our school and the work of my wonderful students. I returned to work even more inspired and enthusiastic about my program.

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Fleet and Family Support Center Events this Week

DANTES Celebrates 40 Years of Service

By Thom Seith, Center Information Dominance Public Affairs The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) commemorated 40 years of service by holding an education celebration at the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Dec. 2.

More than 1,000 people attended the event, which provided education information from DANTES, the Navy Advancement Center, Troops for Teachers, the Navy College Program, Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (Navy COOL), and the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP).

DANTES and their partner organizations help service members and veterans pursue their educational goals and earn degrees or certifications.

Capt. John Jones, Naval Education and Training Command, chief of staff, served as the guest speaker for the celebration.

"DANTES' information, resources and programs have played an integral part in the career success of tens of thousands of Sailors including myself," said Jones. "We'd like to express our gratitude for the 40 years DANTES has been serving the educational needs of service members throughout the Department of Defense and wish them even more success in the future."

During the NATTC event, Sailors from the Pensacola military complex had the opportunity to get valuable information on educational programs and query experts on how to incorporate education and certifications into their career goals.

Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Lisa Kennedy, a student at NATTC, was grateful for the opportunity to talk to the experts from DANTES. "When I joined the Navy, I already had a bachelor's degree

in history, but wanted to continue my education and possibly go to law school," said Kennedy. "With all the overwhelming information during recruit training and indoctrination, it was wonderful to be able to obtain all this good information in a more relaxed setting with such knowledgeable people.

"Mr. Stahl, the DANTES deputy director recommended getting guidance from the Navy College Program counselors, taking College Level Exam Program (CLEP) tests and utilizing the Tuition Assistance (TA) Program to help me reach my goal," she added.

Additional helpful information provided by DANTES during the event included academic accreditation, college financial aid (scholarships, grants and loans), how to search for the right college, virtual libraries and free online books, and educational goal planning.

One part of educational goal planning is consolidating and translating military experience into college credits. Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Aircraft Handling), Johnny Harris, a NATTC data metrics analyst, received guidance on his educational goal planning from Sandra L. Winborne, manager, Military Evaluations Program for DANTES. "Dr. Winborne explained to me how the Joint Service Transcript (JST) documents American Council on Education (ACE) recommended college credit for military training and occupational experience, and that academically, the JST is an accepted record validated by ACE," said Harris. "This and other information she provided has helped me focus on my goals of earning a general education degree, participating in the Troops to Teachers certification program, and eventually teaching at a Reserve Officers Training Corps unit," he said.

DANTES is a Department of Defense agency that provides leadership and support through partnerships across the education community and is located on board Saufley Field in Pensacola.

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From the Fleet and Family Support Center

For more information about local Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) events, visit www.facebook.com/NaplesFFSC.

UPCOMING FFSC NAPLES EVENTS Call 081-811-6372 for more information or to register.

All classes require registration.

• Dec. 12: SAPR DCC & P.O.C., 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Support Site FFSC • Dec. 12: Christmas Alley, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., (Meeting Point is at McDonald’s Café next to Naples airport) • Dec. 15-16: Transition GPS Career Track: Boots to Business, 8 a.m.

to 4 p.m., Support Site FFSC • Dec. 15: Making Rococo (Italian Dessert), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Carpool, • • • • • • •

(Meeting Point is inside Support Site TLA Lobby – Cost is 6 euros to be paid at the restaurant) Dec. 16: Easy Italian, 9 a.m. to noon, Support Site FFSC (three of three) Dec. 16: Federal Employment Process, 2-4 p.m., Support Site FFSC Dec. 16: Couples Communications 101, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Support Site FFSC Dec. 17: Mood Management, 1-4 p.m., Support Site FFSC Dec. 18: Christmas Shopping in Sorrento, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Leaves from Capo – Meeting point is at McDonald’s Café next to Naples airport) Dec. 18-19: Transition GPS Career Track: Technical Education, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Support Site FFSC Dec. 18: Relaxation Techniques for Labor & Delivery, 9 a.m. to noon, Support Site FFSC

Energy Conservation NSA Naples Energy Audit

New allotment rule Protects troops From Lending Scams

By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has directed a policy change in new paycheck allotments to prevent unscrupulous commercial lenders from taking advantage of troops and their families, Pentagon officials said today.

According to a recent Defense Department news release, effective Jan. 1, 2015, the change in DoD’s Financial Management Regulation will prohibit service members from allotting pay to buy, lease or rent personal property, a senior DoD official said.

Improving Protection for Service Members According to the release, this policy change will eliminate that aspect of the allotment system most prone to abuse by unscrupulous lenders that prey on service members.

This will significantly improve protections for all service members and their families, while not significantly reducing the flexibility to use allotments for a number of legitimate purposes, the release reported.

New Allotment Changes DoD officials said that while existing allotments are not affected, service members will no longer be able to make allotments for the following types of purchases: – Vehicles, such as automobiles, motorcycles and boats; – Appliances or household goods, such as furniture, washers and dryers; – Electronics, such as laptops, tablets, cell phones and televisions; and – Other consumer items that are tangible and moveable.

Allotments still can be used for savings account deposits, investments, to support dependents, pay insurance premiums, mortgages, rents, make Combined Federal Campaign contributions, and U.S. government debt repayments.

Another line of protection for service members and their families is included when starting new allotments

through MyPay and manually on DD Form 2558, officials said.

Officials said service members must certify under the Uniform Code of Military Justice that the allotment is not for “the purchase, lease, or rental of personal property of or payment toward personal property.”

From the NSA Naples Energy Management Team From Dec. 1-19 various facilities on board Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples Installations will be surveyed for an energy audit.

An energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy a building consumes and to evaluate measures that can be taken to make the facilities more energy efficient. This assessment will show where corrections and renovations can save the Navy significant amounts of money and energy over time.

Some building occupants will be questioned as to the hours of operation and typical occupancy of a building. These questions are used to determine a facilities’ peak hours of consumption.

After the survey the auditors will use the information to generate reports and propose a series of renovations to improve energy efficiency.

Home energy audits can be conducted to serve the same purpose, but this time it will help reduce the spending of the money in your personal pocket.0

Reviewing the Allotment System The secretary directed the change following an interagency review that began in June 2013 in response to a major enforcement action by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The team comprised DoD representatives from the comptroller, Defense Finance and Accounting Service, personnel and readiness, and general counsel offices in the Joint Staff and secretary’s offices. Non-DoD participants were from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., CFPB, Federal Reserve Board, Comptroller of the Currency and the National Credit Union Administration.

Defense Officials said a 2012 analysis showed that the top 10 financial institutions that received allotments from service members processed almost two million allotments totaling $3.767 billion. Of the top 10 allotment processors, state law enforcement, consumer advocates, and the financial regulators have flagged three particular institutions as suspected abusers of the allotment system. Those institutions received 999,588 allotments totaling $1.380 billion in fiscal year 2012.

Allotment Usage by Rank Officials said the 2012 analysis also found that on average per capita, warrant officers use 5.73 allotments, commissioned officers use 3.55 and enlisted personnel use 3.49 allotments, respectively. The dollar average per allotment is highest for warrant officers ($1,679 per allotment), followed by officers ($1,554 per allotment), and then enlisted personnel ($1,224 per allotment).

The new allotment rule applies to active-duty members and not military retirees or DoD civilians, officials said.

(Follow Terri Moon Cronk on Twitter: @MoonCronkDoD)

Crime Report for Dec. 3 - Dec. 9 From the NSA Naples Command Investigative Division and NCIS

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Naples Community Health Awareness From Naval Support Activity Naples Public Affairs

The Naples Public Health Evaluation (PHE) was an extensive effort to learn more about the potential environmental health risks present in the Campania region of Italy. The Navy established health protective policies based on the study’s findings to protect the health of U.S. personnel and their families, which includes bottled water advisories and health protective lease clauses. The PHE found the potential health risks for living off-base can be mitigated by following established risk-management actions.

updated hair Policies for Navy Women New interactive viewer available From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

This week Navy wrapped up the review of its hairstyle policies for women. The almost yearlong effort was informed heavily

by Fleet feedback and lessons learned from recent Navy and Department of Defense questions concerning hair and grooming standards.

The result of the review was an update to Navy's hairstyle policies to provide clearer guidance on what is and isn't allowed. The updated policies authorize a slightly broader range of acceptable hairstyles, while continuing to emphasize the need for a neat and professional appearance.

The Navy's review and new standards take into account the wide range and textures of hair, including curled, wavy and straight hair. The new regulations provide guidance on hair styles, hair coloring, wigs, and hair accessories for women.

Highlights of the changes and guidelines include: – Hairstyles must allow for the proper fit of headgear and not interfere with the proper wear of protective masks or equipment.

– When in uniform, hair may touch, but not fall below a horizontal line level with the lower edge of the back of the collar. With service dress jumper uniforms, hair may extend a maximum of 1 1/2 inches below the top of the jumper collar.

– Layered hairstyles are authorized, provided that the layers present a smooth graduated

appearance. No portion of the bulk of the hair (except the bun) as measured from the scalp will exceed 2 inches.

– The bulk of the bun shall not exceed 3 inches from scalp.

The diameter of the bun will not exceed 4 inches. Loose ends must be tucked-in and secured. Buns must not protrude through the opening in the back of a ball cap.

– Angled hairstyles may not exceed 1 1/2 inches difference in length from front to back.

– All hairstyles must minimize scalp exposure.

– Two strand braids (a type of twist) are authorized. Braided hairstyles shall be conservative and conform to the grooming standard guidelines.

The Navy took to heart suggestions that grooming standard resources (pictures, websites, guidance) needed a facelift. To better inform Sailors and leadership, Defense Media Activity created a smart-device-compatible hair viewer that provides photographic examples of authorized hairstyles.

Visit www.navy.mil/ah_online/um/femalehair.html to see the interactive viewer.

The hair viewer page is divided into long hairstyles and short hairstyles and illustrates approved grooming standards such as hair dimensions, bulk of hair and width of buns.

This is an interactive viewer-clicking on any of the hairstyles from the home page enables a 360 degree view of the hairstyle.

Moving the cursor left and right across a Sailor's photo rotates the head to show front, side and back of hair styles. Below each

photograph is an explanation of the regulations that are specific to that particular hairstyle.

The online hair viewer should help Sailors better understand the regulation requirements. It is impossible to address every situation and every hairstyle.

The ultimate judgment call still lies with commanders.

In addition to feedback on Fleet policies and Sailor resources, Sailors had suggestions about the hair policies for new recruits. Beginning January 2015, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) will initiate a pilot program to cease mandatory female haircuts at Recruit Training Command (RTC) and Officer Training Command (OTC). The pilot was established after receiving feedback that junior Sailors and officers are not taught proper grooming standards during their initial training. Grooming standards education will be incorporated into the curriculum, but will not impact other training. This will allow women to style longer hair in the same manner that they would wear it daily in the Fleet while providing the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the standards before transferring to the Fleet. If desired, women will still have the opportunity to cut their hair upon arrival and during training at RTC and OTC. Sailor feedback and questions on the new hairstyle guidelines and other uniform policies are always welcome. As always, Sailors can reach out to the Uniform Matters Office by emailing UMO_CMC@navy.mil or usnpeople@gmail.com.

The enduring health protection policies are as follows: • Maintain the July 2008 bottled water advisory for U.S. personnel living off base.

• Maintain the New Lease Suspension Zone (NLSZ) areas, based on U.S. Navy and Italian environmental sampling data. In these zones, U.S. Navy personnel are not permitted to sign new rental home leases.

• Maintain the U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples PHE website and the U.S. Navy Regional Water Quality Board.

• Maintain the health-protective U.S. Navy lease clauses for private off-base rental homes: – Landlords must provide containerized water service from a Navy-approved vendor.

– Leased homes must be supplied by city water or permitted wells.

Landlords must disconnect all non-permitted wells and provide proof of connection to the city water system or that the well is permitted.

– Landlords must clean and disinfect domestic water holding tanks every six months.

• The U.S. Navy will continue to share data with designated Italian public health officials.

Throughout the Public Health Evaluation, the U.S. Navy established health protective policies and took immediate action, when necessary, to protect the health of U.S. personnel and their families.

The risk management analysis determined that many of the health protective policies established during Phase I and Phase II will continue, as well as new policies implemented to ensure continued health protection. The Phase I and II reports, along with fact sheets addressing commonly asked questions and a detailed timeline of study components, are available through a link on the Naval Support Activity Naples website: www.cnic.navy.mil/Naples. If you have a concern about your specific health risk and how the study relates to you, please contact the U.S. Naval Hospital Naples at DSN: 6296299 or commercial: 081-811-6299.

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NEXCOM Launches My Navy Blue Rewards Program

By Kristine M. Sturkie, Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs

The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) announced Dec. 2 its customer reward program for its web store, myNavyExchange.com.

The new My Navy Blue Rewards program rewards customers for shopping online.

“NEX customers are very loyal and special to us,” said Christine Estes, NEXCOM vice president, Omni-channel. “We know customers have a number of retailers they can shop, particularly online. The My Navy Blue Rewards program is our way of thanking customers for choosing to shop the NEX web store.”

To participate in the My Navy Blue Rewards program, customers must be signed up for the myNavyExchange.com e-mail list. Once enrolled in the program, customer online purchases will be tracked over a specific time period and for every $500 spent, the customer will receive a $10 electronic reward that can be redeemed in a NEX or online. Customers can opt out of the rewards program by unchecking the My Navy Blue Rewards option in their e-mail preference profile.

The first rewards period where purchases will be tracked is Nov. 1, 2014 - Jan. 31, 2015, with the electronic reward being distributed via e-mail in February 2015.

More information on the My Navy Blue Rewards program can be found under the Customer Service section on myNavyExchange.com.

For more news from Navy Exchange Service Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/nexcom/.

Santa enthusiasts enjoyed an exciting day at the USO Naples’ Tea Party with Santa Dec. 7 at the Community Center on board the Support Site. (Photo by Hans Kwazneski)

uSo tea Party with Santa Story by Shannon McCaulley

Santa enthusiasts enjoyed an exciting day at the USO Naples’ Tea Party with Santa Dec. 7 at the Community Center on board the Support Site.

This fun, free community event, hosted by the USO Volunteer Committee, featured photos with the big guy from the North Pole himself, Santa Claus, bounce house, gingerbread house ornament making, marshmallow reindeer crafts and Christmas story time.

USO team members, wearing elf hats, served tea, sandwiches, homemade reindeer cupcakes, sugar cookies, hot cocoa, juice and carrots for four-legged guests.

More than 150 community members were delighted by the day’s activities.

“I wanted to say thank you for the wonderful tea party,” said ETC John Broughton, of NSA Naples, who attended the event with his two children. “I told my wife how I missed the states and all the Santa events, then after the USO Tea Party with Santa, I couldn’t believe how much better it was than anything we went to back home.”

Thank you to Santa and the entire USO Naples Volunteer Committee for taking time out of their busy holiday weekend to support this fabulous event for the NSA Naples community.

If you missed visiting with Santa last weekend at the tea party, you still have an opportunity to have your photo taken with him at the Commissary from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, courtesy of USO Naples. For details call 081-568-5713 or 626-5713 DSN.

Five things to Know about reprisal and retaliation From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

Sailors whose official service record may reflect reprisal or retaliation because they reported a criminal offense, including sexual assault or sexual harassment, can request records correction through the Board for Correction of Naval Records.

Section 1709 of the fiscal year 2014 National Defense Authoriza-

tion Act (FY14 NDAA) required the secretary of defense to create regulations to prohibit retaliation.

On April 25, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus issued ALNAV 030/14, prohibiting retaliation against members of the Department of the Navy who report a criminal offense. On Dec. 4, Mabus signed out SECNAV Instruction 5370.7D, Military Whistleblower Protection.

Here are five things you need to know about reprisal and retaliation: 1. Sailors who believe they have been reprised or retaliated against and wish to have their record corrected for action taken as a result of retaliation can visit http://www.donhq. navy. mil/bcnr/bcnr.htm or http://www.public.navy.mil/ BUPERS-NPC/CAREER/ RECORDSMANAGEMENT/Pa ges/BCNR.aspx for instructions on how to do so.

2. Reprisal includes taking adverse personnel actions or withholding favorable personnel actions. It also includes threatening either positive or negative personnel actions. Retaliation includes ostracism or maltreatment by peers. Both supervisors and peers can be guilty of retaliation.

3. Reprisal or retaliation against alleged victims or other members of the armed forces who report a criminal offense is pro-

hibited and punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 92. A violation by civilian personnel may be punishable under regulations governing disciplinary actions.

4. Sailors wishing to report reprisal or retaliation can speak with their local inspector general (IG) office on matters involving allegations of suspected retaliation.

5. Sailors can also visit the Department of the Navy's IG website at http://www.secnav.navy. mil/ig to report reprisal or retaliation through the complaint hotline. It is important to note that the IG won't investigate retaliation; a complaint can be filed with the IG, but the investigation will be referred to the appropriate command.

It is imperative that Sailors report crimes or sexual harassment without fear of reprisal or retaliation, and victims receive the appropriate level of care and support.

Commanding officers, executive officers and officers-in-charge can consult with their staff judge advocate, office of General Counsel Attorney, region legal service office or legal services support section with any questions. Sailors and civilians deserve a responsible, professional, and safe environment in which to work, live and serve our country.

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M ORE I NSIDE PAGE …

ONGOING/ON THE HORIZON THE NAPLES TOASTMASTERS CLUB provides materials and experience to improve competent communication and leadership skills. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the first & third Tuesdays of the month at the Support Site Community Center. Guests are always welcome. For more information, visit www.naplestoastmasters.wix.com/toastmastersnaples or like us on Facebook "Toastmasters Naples Italy."

NAPLES AREA FIRST CLASS PETTY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION is composed of members from different rates with one mission. As a service organization, we enhance community relations, promote awareness of our duties as Sailors, and fortify the professional and social welfare of our service members. We normally convene every other week alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays. Visit us and learn how you can participate and feel free to bring a friend! For more information, please contact YN1 Gordon at DSN: 626-7733.

THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, San Gennaro Council 14853 meets at 1230, the third Sunday each month at the Support Site Chapel Offices. E-mail Bob Kenney at kofcnaples@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ #!/groups/sangennaro14853/.

CLUB BEYOND is a youth group run by Naval Support Activity Naples Religious Ministries. Club Beyond is open to children in grades 7 through 12, and meets Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel Fellowship Hall at the Support Site. For more information, please contact Arturo at apaulino@clubbeyond.org.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS hosts English-speaking AA meetings on and off base in the Naples area. For more information, please call 339-267-7075 or visit www.alcoholics-anonymous.eu/countries/italy.htm.

NATO LIONS RUGBY CLUB is looking for new players. All abilities wanted. Practice is held every Wednesday at Carney Park at 5:45 p.m. Show up with shoes, shorts and a mouth guard. Training and development will be provided.

If you have any questions, email Mark Woodall or co-manager Andrew Bohnsack at markwoodall82@hotmail.co.uk or andrew.bohnsack@ gmail.com.

NAPLES OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION NEEDS REFEREES Anyone interested should contact Nigel Alexander at 081-721-5413 or 346-680-3282 or by e-mail to nalexander@afsouth.nato.int.

HARRY S. TRUMAN LODGE No. 649 meets 6:30 p.m. every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m. FMI, contact Kevin Baker at 338-479-7023 or hst649sec@ yahoo.com, or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/HST649.

WOMEN, INFANTS, CHILDREN (WIC) OVERSEAS PROGRAM is offered at NSA Naples. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum or have an infant or child under the age of five may qualify for the program. WIC Overseas is a nutrition education program that provides nutritious supplemental foods.

Contact WIC Overseas at 081-811-4962.

THE NAPLES AREA SECOND CLASS PETTY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION meets twice a month to discuss upcoming community outreach opportunities and charity events. For more information, contact MA2 Aaron Kurschner at DSN 626-2871 or ABH2 Brent Paucke at DSN 626-5382.

NAPOLI NATION FAN CLUB is a group that helps community members attend SSC Napoli soccer games, promotes intercultural relations and provides SSC Napoli information to the community. Membership benefits include SSC Napoli gear, discounted tickets and entry to Napoli Nation functions. FMI, visit www.facebook.com/groups/USASSCNapoli.

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST WORSHIP SERVICE takes place Saturdays at Support Site Chapel from 9 a.m. to noon. The schedule is: Sabbath School lessons, 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.; songs and praise, 10:45 to 11 a.m.; Divine Service, 11 a.m. to noon.

For more information, please contact Paolo Fleurant at 328-194-6897 or naplesadventistsgroup@yahoo.com.

CONNECT THE TOTS CLUB unites families with children from newborn to preschool age within the Naples military community. Club events include monthly coffee mornings and birthday parties, weekly playgroups, craft activities and more.

For more information, visit www.meetup.com/ Connect-the-Tots-Club.

CATHOLIC WOMEN OF THE CHAPEL meets monthly in the Support Site Fellowship Hall for prayer, fellowship, and learning. Child care provided. We also meet Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for Rosary and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. for bible study.

For more information, e-mail cwocnaples@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page: Catholic Women of the Chapel - NSA Naples, Italy.

PUBLIC SPEAKING WITH TOASTMASTERS The Naples Toastmasters Club meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month. Meetings are held at the Support Site Community Center at 6:30 p.m. FMI, contact the Toastmasters president at 342-010-6263.

GAETA/NAPLES AREA GIRL SCOUTS Now accepting registration for the 201213 school year. We are still in need of leaders and co-leaders. Training and support provided. FMI, contact naplesgs@yahoo.com.

FILIPINO-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NAPLES, ITALY meets at noon the first Sunday of every month at the Support Site Fellowship Hall. For more information, contact Ron Nacianceno at 081-568-1746 or 335-760-4446. Also check out the group’s Facebook page, Fil-Am Naples.

THE U.S. MILITARY RETIREE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN ITALY (USMRASI) is the only association in Southern Italy representing the interests of U.S. retired military personnel and their survivors. If you are not a member and are eligible, please join the USMRA-SI at usmra-si.tripod.com. Point of contact: Wylie Miller, 329-208-7315.

THE NAPLES CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL ASSOCIATION meets every month to support families who have chosen to educate their own children. We offer weekly park/pool days, a mom's night out, and field trips to explore Bella Napoli and beyond.

Interested? Considering homeschooling? For more information, please contact Carla Kuhlmann at NaplesITHomeschool@gmail.com. Check out our Facebook page Naples Christian Homeschoolers.

MEDITATION SITTING GROUP is held from 7 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday at the side chapel at the Support Site. Newcomers should stop by at 6:30 p.m. Participation is free. FMI, e-mail Laura Hitchcock at laura.poodle@ gmail.com.

REGISTER FOR GRADUATE DEGREE ON-SITE PROGRAMS The University of Oklahoma offers the Master of Human Relations on-site graduate degree program. Courses meet in a series of four evenings and one weekend. For more information, contact the OU office at DSN: 626-6672 or visit the office at Capodichino in the Admin II building.

REGISTER FOR ON-SITE UNDERGRADUATE CLASSES Visit the colleges for more information about what classes and programs are offered. UMUC Maryland can be reached at 081-568-6673/74/75; Central Texas College is at 081-568-6761.

CALLING ALL NAPLES NURSES! Please consider joining the Naples Area Nurses Association (NANA). NANA is an organization of nurses that work together to fundraise, participate in social events, and provide support throughout the U.S. Naval Hospital Naples and NSA Naples community. FMI, contact Lt. Shelley Beltz at shelley.beltz @med.navy.mil or Lt. Jenny Paul at jenny.paul@med.navy.mil.

THE WELFARE & RECREATION ASSOCIATION is available to meet associates every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its location on the first floor of Building 450 upstairs from Capo Landing. FMI, visit http://www. wraitalia.it.

SECURITY NOTE: All DoD military or civilian personnel hosting an event off base must complete a Special Event Force Protection Plan (SEFPP) 45 days in advance, regardless of organization, if the event will involve 50 or more personnel, include distinguished visitors or involve personnel wearing uniforms. FMI, contact the AT/FP Division at 081-568-5525 or visit the division office in the Capodichino Security Precinct, Bldg. 403.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES AT U.S. NAVAL HOSPITAL NAPLES Tuesday Silent prayer (7:15-7:45 a.m.) in the hospital chapel. Traditional hymn and praise and worship music will be provided during this time. Wednesday Roman Catholic Mass (11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) in the hospital chapel. Call 081-811-6451 to confirm that Mass is being held. Thursday Men’s Fellowship and Bible Study (6-7 a.m.) in the hospital galley.

SURE START is a unique program committed to providing the highest quality of education for command-sponsored children of enlisted personnel (priority to E1-E4) who are 4 years old by Sept. 1. FMI, call Karen Rodrigues at 081-811-4682 or the school at 081-811-4037.

Friday, Dec. 12 4:30 p.m. Penguins of Madagascar, PG 5 p.m.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, PG-13 7 p.m.

St. Vincent, PG-13 8:30 p.m. Beyond The Lights, PG-13, Premiere Saturday, Dec. 13 Penguins of Madagascar 3-D, PG 4 p.m.

Big Hero 6, PG 6 p.m.

Dumb and Dumber To, PG-13 7:30 p.m. Beyond The Lights, PG-13 8:30 p.m. Exodus: Gods and Kings, PG-13

Monday, Dec. 15 Closed, No Movies

Sunday, Dec. 14 Big Hero 6, PG Ouija, PG-13 Horrible Bosses 2, R Exodus: Gods and Kings, PG-13

TOURS OPeN TO BOTH U.S. MIlITARy AND NATO I.D. CARD HOlDeRS

Tuesday Dec. 16 Closed, No Movies Wednesday, Dec. 17 4:30 p.m. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, PG-13 6 p.m.

Exodus: Gods and Kings, PG-13 7 p.m.

Beyond The Lights, PG-13

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

Upcoming USO Tours Capodichino Office 081-568-5713 Support Site Office 081-811-4903 www.uso.it

Thursday, Dec. 18 4:30 p.m. Big Hero 6, PG 6 p.m.

Dumb and Dumber To, PG-13 7 p.m.

Exodus: Gods and Kings 3-D, PG-13 Friday, Dec. 19 4:30 p.m. Penguins of Madagascar, PG 5 p.m.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, PG, 7 p.m.

Horrible Bosses 2, R 8:30 p.m. The Hobbit: Battle of Five Armies 3-D, PG-13

USO DAILY TOURS Dec. 12 Christmas Lights of Salerno €19 Dec. 13 Olive Oil Tasting and Lunch in Benevento .........................€45 Dec. 14 Wine Tasting (family special) €45 Dec. 19 Wine and Dine in a Cave.......€45 Dec. 20 Rome of the Caesars ..............€58 Dec. 21 Pompeii and Cameo Factory .€42 Dec. 24 Single Sailor Christmas Eve Mass in Rome..................€FREE Dec. 27 The City of Bethlehem...........€25 Dec. 28 The Underground of Naples..€34 EXTENDED TOURS Dec. 24-25 Christmas in Rome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .€187 Jan. 17-18 MLK Weekend in Florence and Pisa . . .€175 Feb. 13-16 President’s day in Budapest . . . . . . . . . .€486 Feb. 13-16 Carnevale in Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TBD Feb. 28-Mar. 1 Perugia and Assisi Weekend . . . . . . . . .€188

Movie Descriptions THE HOBBIT: BATTLE OF FIVE ARMIES PG-13, Action-Adventure, 150 min. Cast: Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen.

This final battle brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield, and the Company of Dwarves. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the Company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. Enraged, Smaug rains his fiery wrath down upon the defenseless men, women and children of Lake-town. Obsessed above all else with his reclaimed treasure, Thorin sacrifices friendship and honor to hoard it as Bilbo’s frantic attempts to make him see reason drive the Hobbit towards a desperate and dangerous choice. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Unseen by any but the Wizard Gandalf, the great enemy Sauron has sent forth legions of Orcs in a stealth attack upon the Lonely Mountain. As darkness converges on their escalating conflict, the races of Dwarves, Elves and Men must decide: Unite or be destroyed. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middleearth hangs in the balance.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOM PG, Comedy, 120 min. Cast: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais. Get ready for the wildest and most adventure-filled Night At the Museum ever as Larry leaves New York City for London, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.

ANNIE PG, Comedy, 119 min. Cast: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhan Wallis, Rose Byrne, Bobby Cannavale, Adewale AkinnuoyeAgbaje. Annie is a young, happy foster kid who’s also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they’d be back for her someday, it’s been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan. But everything’s about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks – advised by his brilliant VP, Grace and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor, Guy – makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he’s her guardian angel, but Annie’s self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it’s the other way around.

BIRDMAN R, Comedy, 119 min. Cast: Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan.

This film is a dark comedy that tells the story of an actor – famous for portraying an iconic superhero-as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself.

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PART 1 PG-13, Action-Adventure, 123 min. Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks. Action / Adventure 123 min.

Katniss Everdeen is in District 13, after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President

No Children Under 10 Admitted to R-Rated Movies

Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage.

EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS PG-13, Action-Adventure-Drama, 150 min. Cast: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul, John Turturro, Sigourney Weaver. Moses rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

BEYOND THE LIGHTS PG-13, Drama, 116 min. Cast: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, Colson Baker, Danny Glover. This is the story of Noni, the music world’s latest superstar.

But not all is what it seems, and the pressures of fame have Noni on the edge – until she meets Kaz Nicol, a young cop and aspiring politician who’s been assigned to her detail. Drawn to each other, Noni and Kaz fall fast and hard, despite the protests of those around them who urge them to put their career ambitions ahead of their romance. But it is ultimately Kaz’s love that gives Noni the courage to find her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be.

INTERSTELLAR PG-13, Action-Adventure, 169 min. Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, John Lithgow. With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human history; traveling beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars.

DUMB AND DUMBER TO PG-13, Comedy, 110 min. Cast: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels, Kathleen Turner, Laurie Holden, Rob Riggle. 20 years after the dimwits set out on their first adventure, they head out in search of one of their long lost children in the hope of gaining a new kidney.

BIG HERO 6 PG, Animation, 108 min. Cast: Ryan Potter, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, Genesis Rodriguez, T.J. Miller. An action comedy adventure about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion-a robot named Baymax-Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city.

HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 R, Comedy, 104 min. Cast: Jason Sudeikis, Jason Bateman, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Chris Pine. After barely escaping with their lives when their plans to murder their bosses goes out of control, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide that they’ll be better off launching a business of their own. But a slick investor has other plans, and when he manages to snake their successful venture right out from underneath them, the three friends launch a notvery-well-thought-out plan to kidnap the investor’s adult son and trade him for control of their company.

If you have been sexually assaulted or need to speak with a S.A.P.R. victim advocate, call 335-640-6621 24/7 for information and support. The DoD Safe Helpline can be reached toll-free at 001-877-995-5247.

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Panorama december 12, 2014

Rome, especially during the holidays, should be on everyone's bucket list. The Roman Forum, located in the heart of ancient Rome and surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings was for centuries, the center of Roman public life. (Photo by MC3 Robert Price)

an overseas holiday Season

By Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW) Nicholas A. Robbins, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

Once again, the holiday season is upon us.

It’s a time for friends and family, good meals, old stories, and, for the staff of Navy Region Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia (CNREURAFSWA), a time for travel. An undeniable perk of being stationed in one Italy’s southernmost regions is the opportunity to spend your holidays in some of Europe’s most historic and culturally rich locations.

Would you like to spend Christmas Eve in the presence of the Pope? You

got it. How about shouting “Happy New Year” from the main chamber of a Castle? No problem. There are endless ways to spend the Holiday season in Europe and the CNREURAFSWA staff in Naples is taking full advantage.

Seven days in Eidelweiss, Germany, is just the ticket for N1 Administration Department’s own Personnel Specialist Second Class Andrew J. Riester and his family. Originally from Dow City, Iowa, Riester is ready to dive into the European holiday vacation spirit.

“I chose Edelweiss because everyone I’ve talked to said it was an awesome place to visit. They have some pretty cool excursions that you can go on to

see different parts of Germany,” Riester said. “I want to snowboard in the Alps. That’s a big thing on my bucket list and that’s what I plan to do.”

The Riester family is also looking forward to shopping in the famous Innsbruck Christmas markets as well as taking a scenic carriage ride to the Neuschwanstein castle, a 19th century Bavarian engineering marvel which sees an average of 1.3 million visitors each year.

Riester said he never imagined spending the holidays in Germany with his family. Dow City boasts a population of approximately 400. His graduating class was only 18. It is a town where Reister said you knew everyone. To be here in Naples,

With more than 330 guest rooms, the edelweiss lodge and Resort is just the place to enjoy some rest and relaxation with your family. (Photo by MC3 Robert Price)

preparing for a family vacation to Germany, is nothing short of unbelievable.

“I never thought I’d leave Iowa,” he said.

Conversely, living abroad has always been a part of the plan for Sarah Bernstrom, the N1 Administration Department Foreign Labor Program manager. When a job opportunity opened in Naples, she and her husband, Bernie, put their hometown of Washington, D.C. in the jet stream.

“I’m a civilian, but I had heard about the opportunities for working overseas, which was something I have always wanted to do – learning about and immersing myself in another culture,” Bernstrom said.

Bernstrom has lived here for three years and knows all about spending the holiday season in Europe and partakes in many different traditions and celebrations.

“The 13th of December is Santa Lucia’s Day, so if we feel up to fighting the crowds, we may try to see the lights at Limatola,” she said. “My sister is coming to visit from Los Ange-

les and we will spend Christmas Eve in Rome. We like to stay near Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiore.”

It is this incredible opportunity to travel that has been one that she has enjoyed fully since arriving in Italy.

“Road trips are amazing here,” she said. “There are a dozen or more UNESCO world heritage sites that are a four-hour drive or less from Naples.”

While she loves travel, Bernstrom is no stranger to opening her home to friends and family here in Naples.

Each month she has as many as two or three sets of guests visiting from the United States and Northern Italy. She looks forward to being back in Naples for the New Year so she can host friends for the incredible firework show from her rooftop in Pozzuoli.

As a true veteran of overseas service and one who has taken full advantage of the travel opportunities found therein, the CNREURAFSWA Staff Judge Advocate Cmdr. James Link, is enjoying his third Christmas in Naples. He and his wife, along with their two children, always look forward to exploring the various

Panorama december 12, 2014 Christmas Markets that spring up in towns all over the region each winter. “[Christmas Markets] are usually held in the squares of various towns and cities and there are usually a lot of vendors selling their local crafts,” Link said. “There are very few things that are mass produced. It’s not vendors from big stores. Depending on where you go, they may have nativity scenes, or they may have Christmas ornaments – just a lot of Christmas stuff and most of it handmade or from little ‘Mom and Pop’ shops.”

For this holiday season the Link family is planning on a trip to Sorrento to see what the Amalfi Coast looks like at Christmas time. Along with the access to easy European travel, Link said seeing the various small towns alive with Christmas decor is a personal favorite of his and is one of the many things he will miss during the holidays upon transfer.

“If I want to spend Christmas is Bavaria, it’s doable, whether I drive or catch a cheap flight out of the Naples airport. That’s what I like,” Link said. “We typically spend Christmas Day here in Naples and then go somewhere immediately afterward. I like being able to spend the Christmas season in different places.”

And that, the unique opportunity to spend this holiday season in any number of countries and cultures, is one of the many things Riester, Bernstrom and Link value about being stationed at and living in Naples.

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Christmas markets in Naples not only offer gift ideas, decorations, local handicrafts, but also festive food and wine. (Photo by Melissa Kabakuru)

gO NAVy

BeAT ARMy! Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDg 75) assemble on the ship's forecastle Dec. 2 for a photo in support of the upcoming Army-Navy college football game. The Black Knights from the U.S. Military Academy will meet with the Navy Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy Dec. 13 for the 115th Army-Navy game. Navy has beat Army for 12 years straight and plans to continue the winning streak. Donald Cook is forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, and is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of U.S. national security interests in europe. (Photo by MC2 Karolina A. Oseguera)

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Panorama december 12, 2014

Le feste / The holidays Practice your vocabulary. Find the Italian words.

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+ R + + + + + + + + + + + + +

a F n h R a O F R P a R L Z O

h I I Z t P G I J e R d h y y

a O I h V Q W s U J e L W y s

Answer to last week’s puzzle

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eSAMe / exam IMPARARe / To learn INSegNANTe / Teacher lIBRO / Book PeNSARe / To think SCRIVANIA / Desk STUDeNTe / Student ZAINO / Backpack

ScuoLa/SchooL

Officials at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced today the laser weapon system (LaWS) - a cutting-edge weapon that brings significant new capabilities to America's Sailors and Marines - was for the first time successfully deployed and operated aboard a naval vessel in the Arabian Gulf.

The operational demonstrations, which took place from September to November aboard USS Ponce (AFSB[I] 15), were historic not only because they showed a laser weapon working aboard a deployed U.S. Navy ship, but also because LaWS operated seamlessly with existing ship defense systems.

"Laser weapons are powerful, affordable and will play a vital role in the future of naval combat operations," said Rear Adm. Matthew L. Klunder, chief of naval research.

"We ran this particular weapon, a prototype, through some extremely tough paces, and it locked on and destroyed the targets we designated with near-instantaneous lethality."

During the tests, LaWS - a collaborative effort between ONR, Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division and industry partners -- hit targets mounted aboard a speeding oncoming small boat, shot a Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) out of the sky, and destroyed other moving targets at sea. You can view the video at https://youtube.com/watch?v=sbjXXRfwrHg Sailors worked daily with LaWS over several months since it was installed, and reported the weapon performed flawlessly, including in adverse weather conditions of high winds, heat and humidity. They noted the system exceeded expectations for both reliability and maintainability.

The system is operated by a video-game like controller, and can address multiple threats using a range of escalating options, from non-lethal measures such as optical "dazzling" and disabling, to lethal destruction if necessary. It could prove to be a pivotal asset against what are termed "asymmetric threats," which include small attack boats and UAVs. Data regarding accuracy, lethality and other factors

from the Ponce deployment will guide the development of weapons under ONR's Solid-State Laser-Technology Maturation program. Under this program, industry teams have been selected to develop cost-effective, combat-ready laser prototypes that could be installed on vessels such as guided-missile destroyers and the Littoral Combat Ship in the early 2020s.

Researchers say the revolutionary technology breakthroughs demonstrated by LaWS will ultimately benefit not only U.S. Navy surface ships, but also airborne and ground-based weapon systems.

While laser weapons offer new levels of precision and speed for naval warfighters, they also bring increased safety for ships and crews, as lasers are not dependent on the traditional propellant and gunpowder-based ordnance found on ships. Lasers run on electricity and can be fired as long as there is power.

They also cost less to build, install and fire than traditional kinetic weapons -- for example a multimillion-dollar missile.

"At less than a dollar per shot, there's no question about the value LaWS provides," said Klunder. "With affordability a serious concern for our defense budgets, this will more effectively manage resources to ensure our Sailors and Marines are never in a fair fight."

The Navy already has demonstrated the effectiveness of lasers in a variety of maritime settings. In a 2011 demonstration, a laser was used to defeat multiple small boat threats from a destroyer. In 2012, LaWS downed several unmanned aircraft in tests during naval exercises. Specific details on next steps and timeframes are being determined as the data from the current demonstrations are analyzed.

The announcement confirms continued significant progress on directed-energy weapons, and meets the timeframe announced by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert at the 2013 Sea-Air-Space Expo.

Greenert will be the opening speaker at the upcoming Naval Future Force Science and Technology EXPO in February 2015, where many of the innovative technologies coming to fruition for the Navy and Marine Corps will be on display.

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By David Smalley, Office of Naval Research Public Affairs

t O P L V O a J y e I F a B R

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historic Leap: Navy Shipboard Laser operates in arabian Gulf

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The Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (ASB(I) 15) conducts an operational demonstration of the Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored laser Weapon System (laWS) while deployed to the Arabian gulf, Nov. 16.

(Photo by John F. Williams)

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Panorama december 12, 2014

Subject matter experts Needed and critical for Writing Navy advancement exams

Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) participate in the Navywide September advancement exam. (Photo MCSN Christopher Frost) From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) released the latest schedule Dec. 9 for upcoming Advancement Examination Readiness Reviews (AERRs) held between January and June.

Chief petty officers (E7-E9) identified as fleet subjectmatter experts (FSME) are highly encouraged to apply and participate in this process, which helps identify the most qualified advancement candidates. FSMEs are critical to ensuring that Sailors are being tested on current, relevant, and important advancement examination topics.

"All chiefs should consider serving as an FSME, it's critical to the process and I believe equally as important as selection board duty," said NETPDTC's Command Master Chief, Master Chief Electrician's Mate Eric Riddle. "All Navy ratings have AERRs periodically to update the exam bank and to write advancement exams, so every chief in the Navy has the potential to make a substantial contribution to their rating."

AERRs are held at NETPDTC at Saufley Field, in Pensacola. Temporary additional duty (TAD) travel in support of AERR events is considered mission critical and is flag approved. All costs pertaining to TAD are funded by NETPDTC. "Without exception, the feedback I've received from AERR panel members has been extremely positive as time well invested," said Cmdr. Brenda Stencil, Navy Advancement Center (NAC) director. "Virtually all of the panels have members who are back for their second or third time, demonstrating dedication to the process and their belief in its value."

Currently, the following ratings are scheduled for

AERR events between January and June: ABH, AC, AD, AE, AG, AM, AME, AO, AS, ATI, ATO, AWF, AWO, AWR, AWS, AWV, BM, BU, CE, CM, CS, CTR, CTT, DC, EA, EN, EO, EOD, ET, ETV, FC, FT, GM, GSE, HM, IS, IT, LN, LS, MA, MM (conventional), MM (nuclear), MME, MMW, MR, MT, NC (counselor), NC (recruiter), OS, PR, PS, QM, SB, SH, SO, STG, SW, YN. The application to volunteer as an FSME for advancement exam development must be endorsed by the commanding officer or officer in charge, as well as the command master chief, senior chief or chief of the boat prior to submission to NAC. The AERR fleet liaison, Peter Pappas, coordinates with learning center rating managers, detailers, and type commander (TYCOM) representatives to select the best nominees.

To take part in the AERR process, log into NKO then use the following link: https://www.nko.navy.mil/group/navy-advancementcenter/advancement-examination-readiness-reviewaerr-. This link provides the scheduled dates for the ratings listed above, eligibility and nomination package requirements, and other pertinent information regarding AERR events.

Potential SME's should submit their nomination packages to Peter Pappas, NETPDTC N33A, via email peter.pappas@navy.mil. Pappas may also be contacted with further questions at (850) 473-6121 or DSN 753.

The latest AERR schedule, including specific dates for each rating listed above, will be continuously updated and available on the Navy Advancement Center's (NAC) Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) page and on NAC's Facebook page. Quarterly updates will be announced via news release, online and through social media, and will no longer be published as a naval administrative message (NAVADMIN).

13

In the Spotlight LT. CMDR. BILLIE SMITH Lt. Cmdr. Billie Smith hails from Honolulu, Hawaii, and was commissioned in 1995 as a Nurse Corps Officer.

Smith plans to retire in 2014, but she’s made the most of every minute she has been a Navy Nurse, having served in a variety of positions and duty stations during her very successful career.

Some of them include a staff emergency room nurse position at U.S. Naval Hospital Rota, Spain, where she obtained her board certification in emergency nursing; a flight nurse position on Naval Support Facility, Diego Garcia, in the British Indian Ocean Territory; a deployment to Fallujah, Iraq, in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and, in 2007, she was selected for the Duty Under Instruction Program to obtain her master’s degree in nursing.

After she returned to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va., Smith was one of only two active-duty nurses functioning as an inpatient Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in the Intensive Care Unit, a pioneering role for Navy Nurses.

In 2012, she reported to U.S. Naval Hospital Naples, Italy, where she is currently serving as the Department Head of the Multi-Service Ward. She enjoys hiking in Europe with her husband, Ron, her son, Alexander, and their dog, Lacey. So far they have been to 21 countries.

“We are Napoli Nation soccer fans and Alexander plays ASC soccer here too,” Smith said. “What a great opportunity this tour has been for the whole family.”

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Panorama december 12, 2014

Jobs

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HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICE (HRO) To find out what positions are currently open, please contact our front desk at DSN 626-5409 or commercial 081-5685409. Copies of vacancy announcements will be posted at the Human Resources Office, located in the Admin I building at Capodichino, first floor. The customer service hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) at Support Site will also have vacancy announcements and they can be easily viewed at the HRO Website: http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/about/Jobs.html Applications are accepted at the Security Pass and ID Office at Capodichino, or at the HRO, located in Admin 1, Capodichino, or by mailing to: HRO, PSC 817 Box 29, FPO AE 09622, or at Fleet and Family Service Center (FFSC) located on the TLA first floor, at Support Site. HRO must receive mailed applications by closing date of the vacancy announcement.

PLEASE NOTE: Customer service operation hours for the following HRO services are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: • ID/CAC Cards (DD1172-2) • Requests for an Official Passport (DD1056) • Logistical Support Letters • Work Certificates

U.S. POSITIONS CONUS hires currently residing in the Naples/Gaeta commuting areas MUST apply through USAJOBS to receive consideration.

CLOSING Dec. 18, 2014 IT Specialist (PLCYPLN/ SYSADMIN), GS-2210-12, ANN# EUR15-967386-KB-R1, Full Time Permanent Transportation Assistant (Passenger), GS-2102-06, ANN# EUR15-984299-AG, Full Time Permanent IT Specialist, GS-2210-11, ANN#EUR15-989515-EG, Full Time Permanent Ballistic Missile Defense Coordinator, GS-0301-13, ANN# EUR15-989722-EG, Full Time Permanent

LOCAL NATIONAL (LN) POSITIONS If you have any questions, contact the front desk at 626-5409 or 081568-5409. You can also contact the HRO Naples helpdesk at: http://cnic.navy.mil/Europe/Abou t/Jobs/AboutWorkingHere/index. htm. You will be contacted within 24 hours, so please be sure to provide your contact information.

Thank you and we appreciate your input, whether negative or positive so that we can find ways to improve the HRO services, or continue to provide excellent service. As a reminder, an HRO Representative is available for the bi-weekly “Meet & Greet” at the NSA, Support Site Base, Navy Exchange Food Court area from 8-9 a.m. Please feel free to come by, pick up a copy of a vacancy announcement that you may be interested in applying for, or ask questions. If the HRO representative is unable to provide you a response, he/she will bring the question back to the HRO office and you will be provided an answer or a call back the same day.

NON-APPROPRIATED FUND (NAF) POSITIONS Fleet & Family Readiness NAF Local Naples job announcements within CNREURAFSWA may be viewed at: http://www.cnic. navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/ab out/jobs.html. The necessary application forms are also available on line. For any questions you have you may call 081-568-4164/

2505/5612. The applications may be e-mailed to CNREURAFSWA_ NRBO_N9_Personnel@eu.navy.mil

NSA NAPLES US NAF POSITIONS Recreation Aid, NF-018901ANN#15-016 flexible, Bowling Center, Support Site. Job Summary: Provides oversight of activities and necessary services to authorized patrons. Closing date: Open Until Filled Food Service Worker, NA-740804, ANN#15-003 flexible, Bowling Center, Support Site. Job Summary: Performs a variety of tasks such as grilling or frying pancakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, bacon, eggs, sausage, by watching while the items are cooking, turning as required; regulating temperature and removing when done. Closing date: Open Until Filled Education Aid/Technician, CY1702-I/II, ANN#15-004, (Multiple Positions) flexible, Child Development Centers, School Age Care, Youth Programs, Teen Center and Youth Sports Capodichino/Support Site. Job Summary: Provides appropriate developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from six weeks to 18 years in a Child and Youth Program setting Performs routine, day-to-day care of infants and children ranging from six weeks to five years. Assembles of gathers materials and equipment necessary to execute School Age Care for children ranging from six to 9 years, School-Age Care Pre-Teen for children ranging from 10 to 12,, Teen Center Program for children ranging from 13 to 18. Receives and releases children to/from authorized parents, guidance. Closing date: Open Until Filled Education Aid/Technician, CY1702-I/II, ANN#15-005, (Multiple Positions) regular full time, (Eligible for Post Allowance) Child Development Centers, School Age Care, Youth Programs, Teen Center and Youth Sports Capodichino/Support Site. Job Summary: Provides appropriate developmental care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from six weeks to 18 years in a Child and Youth Program setting Performs routine, day-to-day care of infants and children ranging from six weeks to five years. Assembles and gathers materials and equipment necessary to execute School Age Care for children ranging from six to nine, School-Age Care Pre-Teen for children ranging from 10 to 12, Teen Center Program for children ranging from 13 to 18. Receives and releases children to/from authorized parents, guidance. Closing date: Open Until Filled Education Technician (Leader), CY-1702-II, ANN#14-143, regular full time, (Eligible for Post Allowance) Fleet and Family Readiness Program, CYP Division, School Age Care. Job Summary: The purpose of the CY Program Leader (CYP) is to provide appropriate development care and instruction for children and youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years in one or more CY programs.

This includes the provision of guidance, assistance, and mentoring for the CY Program Assistants. Closing date: Open Until Filled Recreation Aid, NF-0189-01, ANN#15-019, flexible, MWR Liberty Division, Naples, Italy. Job Summary: Employee helps customers in the recreation center with recreational event. Closing date: Open Until Filled Recreation Aid, NF-0189-01, ANN#15-022, flexible, MWR ITT Division, Naples, Italy. Job Summary. Provides customer service and disseminate travel & tour information to patrons and sells tickets. Closing date: Open Until Filled Recreation Assistant, NF-018901/02, ANN#15-035 flexible, Fleet & Family Readiness Center, Gaeta,

Italy. Job Summary: Serves as a primary front line customer service representative of the overall program as such, must continually present information in a high professional and customer friendly style. Closing date: Open Until Filled

NEX EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Gricignano, Bldg. 2091-B Call 081-813-5252/5253/5254 / DSN: 629-4774 Hours: Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For a current list of U.S. vacancies and the on-line application visit: https://www.NavyExchange.jobs To assist your job search go directly to the location field, open the drop down menu and click on Italy, then click on SEARCH FOR JOBS button. You will see all the jobs in Italy (mostly Naples area); just make sure you are NOT applying for a position located in Sigonella (Sicily).

For any questions or concerns please call the numbers above.

U.S. NAF POSITIONS AVAILABLE GRICIGNANO MAIN STORE Ann#14000014 Cashier Checker/CC/NF-01/FLEX – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $8-$9.50 Job Summary: Associates engaged in the operation of cash registers to record sales in retail checkout areas.

Ann#140005GD Cashier Chebcker/CC/NF-01/FLEX FT – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $8-$9.50 Job Summary: Associates engaged in the operation of cash registers to record sales in retail checkout areas. Note: Seasonal through February 2015.

Ann#1400022V Customer Service Clerk/CS/NF-02/FLEX – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $9 – $11 Performs a variety of customer service duties including special orders, foreign currency exchange, Western Union, merchandise returns, gas sales, layaways, etc.

Ann#14000013 Sales Clerk/ CL/NF-01/FLEX – Open Until filled – Pay Rate: $8-$9.50 Job Summary: Responsible for selling general merchandise to customers and ensuring merchandise is properly stocked and displayed for the Cosmetics, Health & Personal Care, Sporting Goods, Garden, Christmas Shop, Pets, and Cough and Cold departments.

Ann#14000015 Sales Clerk/ HL/NF-01/FLEX – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $8-$9.50

Job Summary: Responsible for selling general merchandise to customers and ensuring merchandise is properly stocked and available.

Ann#14000019 Sales Clerk/SL/ NF-01/FLEX PT – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $8-$9.50 Job Summary: Responsible for selling general merchandise to customers and ensuring merchandise is properly stocked and displayed for the Jewelry, Men’s, Ladies, Shoes, Cosmetics, Handbags, and Children’s departments.

Ann#140000A9 Store Worker/ CL/NA-02/FLEX – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $10.34 Performs various duties including loading/unloading merchandise, verifying type and quantities; prepares merchandise for stocking and stocks shelves; assists in conducting periodic inventories; assists customers.

Ann#140000LT Store Worker/ CS/NA-02/FLEX – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $10.34 Performs various duties including loading/unloading merchandise, verifying type and quantities; prepares merchandise for stocking and stocks shelves; assists in conducting periodic inventories; assists customers.

Ann#1400029V Security Guard/ 52/NF-01/FLEX – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $9-$11 Job Summary: Ensures enforcement of security measures; conducts inspections; prepares reports concerning security related incidents, etc.

Ann#140000GM LP/Safety Investigator Asst. (Trainee)/52/NF01/FLEX FT – Pay Rate: $10- $12 Job Summary: Responsible for the protection of Navy Exchange assets through investigative strategies and the auditing of controls designed to prevent and minimize loss potential. Utilizes various surveillance techniques. (POTENTIAL JOB PROGRESSION) GRICIGNANO MINIMART Ann#140001KG Sales Clerk/MM /NF-01/FLEX – Open Until filled – Pay Rate: $8-$9.50

Job Summary: Responsible for selling general merchandise to customers and ensuring merchandise is properly stocked and available.

Ann#1400046V Supervisory Sales Clerk/MM/NF-02/RFT – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $10-$11 Job Summary: Provides work direction and supervision for a group of associates within assigned departments/location engaged in performing various clerical, retail and services functions.

CAPODICHINO NEXMART Ann#140001HE Sales Clerk/MM /NF-01/ FLEX – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $8-$9.50 Job Summary: Responsible for selling general merchandise to customers and ensuring merchandise is properly stocked and available.

EUROPE DISTRICT PROCUREMENT Ann#1400053R Procurement Assistant/H9/NF-02/RFT – ONE VACANCY – Open Until Filled – Pay Rate: $10 Job Summary: Assists buyers in planning merchandise programs; reviews and updates stock assortment; places purchase orders; prepares advertising; disseminates merchandising information; initiates retail price changes; merchandise transfers. Develops and analyzes sales data; follows up on shipment problems; coordinates promotional events. Pay will increase to $11 after six months successful performance.

U.S CONSULATE NAPLES The U.S. Consulate General in Naples is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for a position as “Political Specialist,” available immediately on a full-time schedule. The incumbent of this position will be responsible for tracking, analyzing, advising and reporting on Southern Italian politics, particularly as they affect the national context. Qualifications required and all information on the position are available at https://webservices.usembassy.it/erecruitment/