57th year, No. 27
New commander to lead U.S. Naval Hospital Naples
Serving the Nato, Naples and Gaeta military communities in italy
Friday, July 13, 2012
Fall in love with the sea in Marechiaro
By Lt. Kamalan Selvarajah, U.S. Naval Hospital Naples Public Affairs Officer
Capt. Craig L. Bonnema, Navy Medical Corps, turned over command of U.S. Naval Hospital Naples to Capt. Matthew W. Pommer Jr. of the Navy Dental Corps Wednesday, July 11. Bonnema handed the reins of the hospital to Pommer during a change of command ceremony at the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples Support Site. Pommer becomes the 20th commanding officer of U.S. Naval Hospital Naples and the first Dental Corps officer to command the hospital after a long line of physicians. As Pommer assumed command from Bonnema, he kept to his promise to “be there, be brief, and be seated.” He said he was “humbled and honored to be the new commanding officer,” and gave the order to “take charge and carry out the plan of the day.” Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, surgeon general of the Navy and Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, presided over the change of command ceremony, delivering remarks in English and Italian. He praised U.S. Naval Hospital Naples on the impressive number of notable achievements attained during Bonnema’s command tour, and presented Bonnema with the Legion of Merit in recognition of his accomplishments. Nathan saved his most emphatic comment for the staff, stating, “You’ve got it right.” Nathan reminded all in attendance that the most important patient is “the next one through the door.” He added in Italian: “I wish you good health, great food, and great family with whom to enjoy both.” Bonnema thanked his wife Margaret, sons Brenton and Bradley, and daughter Lindsey for the love and support they provided during his command tour. He then proceeded to highlight a key factor that enables the Naval Hospital to accomplish its mission in Naples: the relationship with host-nation colleagues. see CHANGE OF COMMAND Page 11
W hAT ’ S I NSIde Weekly crime statistics Review what happened between July 2 and July 8. Page 12
See pages 4-5: Marechiaro, a part of Naples' Posillipo district, is the subject of one of the most famous Neapolitan love songs, as well as a place where locals go to fish and bask in the sun. (Photo by Melissa Kabukuru)
Transition training, USO tours target recent arrivals By Melissa Kabukuru, Panorama editor
A pair of programs this summer aim to help new personnel adapt to living in Naples: one by showcasing local attractions, the other by providing a monthly transition support group. “Transitioning to Naples Training” is a new program that meets monthly at the Support Site, while during the month of August the USO Naples is leading special tours of downtown Naples called “Naples for Newcomers.” Heather Staib-Jerzy, the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples command ombudsman, is organizing the monthly “Transitioning to Naples Training,” which is held at 5 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the Support Site
MWR’s ‘Backyard Burn:’ Getting fit has never been so cool Page 10
Fleet and Family Support Center. The NSA Naples command felt that incoming personnel needed something besides the weeklong Area Orientation to help them adjust to living overseas, StaibJerzy said. “After they recover from jetlag, they say, ‘OK, what now?’” StaibJerzy said. “We want them to have more guidance, and not be so scared about living in a new environment that is different from the United States.” Each meeting of “Transitioning to Naples Training” consists of open discussion time, as well as a presentation by a guest speaker. So far, guest speakers have included representatives from the Fleet and Family Support Center and the base fire department.
The USO Naples is offering “Naples for Newcomers” tours in the month of August that will travel to the area surrounding Piazza del Plebiscito, the largest square in Naples. (Photo by MC1 (NAO) John Parker)
Staib-Jerzy said that she anticipates that future “Transitioning to Naples Training” sessions will address cultural questions as well as ones about resources on base. “The idea is that if they do have any issues or concerns, they
know where to come to get answers,” Staib-Jerzy said. The program is open to military personnel, civilian employees and their family members, she added. see TOURS AND TRANSITION Page 7
FRIDAY High 88 / Low 73 Sunny
SATURDAY High 88 / Low 73 Sunny
Italians join U.S. sailors to celebrate 4th of July Page 6
Zip lining between towns in the Basilicata region Page 13
SUNDAY High 90 / Low 77 Partly cloudy