63rd year, No. 6
Serving the NATO, Naples and Gaeta Military Community in Italy Russell Egnor Navy Media Awards – 2016 Best Newspaper in the Navy
Naples Tiger Sharks Capture EFSL Southern Division Championships for the 12th Year By Solange Markvart
The Naples Tiger Sharks won the European Forces Swim League (EFSL) Southern Division Championship title for the twelfth year in a row, shattering both league and team records. The Tiger Sharks hosted swimmers from all over the Southern Division (Aviano, Lisbon, Naples, Rota, Sigonella, and Vicenza) February 3, 2018, as they converged on Naples for a long day of competitive swimming. The competition was fierce as the majority of swimmers from all the teams significantly dropped their personal times, improved their EFSL standings, and for some earned a qualifying time for the EFSL Championship that will take place in London later on this month. From the opening whistle the Tiger Sharks dominated
During an exciting evening of community fun, Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Buonome Chanphouang, better known by her nickname “JP” won the 11th edition of the USO’s Naples Got Talent show at the Naples High School Cafeteria February 11. With that victory, “JP” brought home two round-trip tickets to the United States courtesy of United Airlines, and shared the stage with eight other highly talented contestants who performed for
Mattis, Italian Counterpart Reaffirm U.S.Italian Defense Relationship From DoD News
Naples Tiger Sharks, Cosmo Salicone, 11, sprints toward the wall in the Boys 12 and Under 100 meter freestyle during the 2018 European Forces Swim League (EFSL) Southern Division Championship, which was hosted by NSA Naples February 3, 2018. Photo by Jason Markvart
the competition, scoring 1,370 points, which secured their first place with 350
points over second place Sigonella Swordfish with 1,020 points and third place
Vicenza Mako Sharks with 970 points. TIGER SHARKS Page 7
11th Naples Got Talent By Niki Leiva NSA Naples USO
Friday, February 16, 2018
a standing room-only audience and a panel of esteemed judges. Special celebrity guest, vocalist of 98 Degrees and winner of Dancing with the Stars, Drew Lachey, shared his critiques and praises with contestants as one of the evening’s judges. Opening the evening’s program and continuing the entertainment during intermission, the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Rock Band took the stage with energizing performances including several NAPLES GOT TALENT Page 7
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Buonome Chanphouang won the 11th edition of the USO’s Naples Got Talent show at the Naples High School Cafeteria February 11. Photo by Joe Luthy
CAPTAIN’S CORNER. . . . . . . . . 2 BASE NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 FFSC CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SOUND OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MOVIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 JOBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NAVY COOL VISITS NSA NAPLES . . . . . . . . . . . . page 6
ORIGIN OF PRESIDENT'S DAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14
USO TOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 WORD SEARCH / COLOR ME 14
During their meeting in Rome February 13, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis and Italian Defense Minister Roberta Pinotti discussed the close U.S.Italian defense partnership that is built upon a long history of mutual respect and shared values, as well as robust cooperation bilaterally and through NATO, chief Pentagon spokesperson Dana W. White said in a statement. The two ministers discussed ongoing operations in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, as well as the new U.S. National Defense Strategy, which underscores the importance of the NATO alliance, White said. Praises Italy’s Contributions Mattis praised Italy’s important contributions to coalition operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, where Italy is the second largest contributor of troops after the U.S., White said, adding that Mattis noted the significant role that the Italian national police and army are undertaking to train host-nation security forces. Mattis also applauded Italy’s superior support and cooperation in addressing security threats along NATO's southern flank, especially in the Mediterranean, White said. They discussed deepening cooperation in Africa, and in particular on the stabilization of Libya, where Italy has significant historical experience, and where the U.S. and Italy share a common interest in the formation of a stable, unified government. Mattis also thanked Italy for hosting more than 30,000 U.S. military service members, civilians and family members, White said.