61st year, No. 38
Serving the NATO, Naples and Gaeta Military Community in Italy
Friday, October 7, 2016
Wildcat Cross Country Teams Undefeated By Brenda Dye
The Naples Wildcats Cross Country Teams are off and running. In their first two meets of the season, both the men’s and women’s teams earned victories against Aviano and MMI. With Sigonella traveling to Naples, the Wildcats were counting on a home-course advantage to beat the Jaguars and remain undefeated so far this season … and that’s exactly what they did. It was a gorgeous day for running inside Carney Park on the first day of October. The women’s team was led by sophomore Claire Elliott, who came in first place and ran a season-best time of 21:22, followed by Alex Patmore of Sigonella (22:06). Only 33 seconds later, a parade of Wildcats crossed the finish line: freshman Cate Westbrook (22:39), junior Alyssa Albano (22:44), junior Val Gilfoy (22:57), and sophomore Kylie Harrison (23:06). The men of Sigonella were strong competitors, hoping to cross the finish line first, but the Wildcats demonstrated that they are still Italy’s top team.
The Wildcat men were led by sophomore Daniel Aleksandersen, who came in first place with an impressive time of 16:47, which is the third fastest time in Carney Park course history and the current top 5K time in DODDS Europe, so far this year. Aleksandersen was followed by his teammate, junior Tim Smith, who finished in second place with a personal-best time of 17:30. Josh Connelly, from Sigonella, came in third place at 18:00. Just 9 seconds later, Naples’ captain, senior Alex Johnson, came in fourth at 18:09, followed by John Miaymoto of Sigonella (18:19). The top 5 runners for the Wildcats were completed by junior Josh Lucy (18:48) and senior Bailey Ward (19:25). “We’re definitely at a good place this early in the season,” Coach Chip Noonan said. “We’re training consistently. When we start to taper and ease back mileage, we will really start to see what these runners can do.” The Wildcats biggest test will come this weekend in Vicenza, when Naples competes against cross country powerhouse, Stuttgart, formerly known as Patch.
Navy Announces Enlisted Rating Modernization Plan From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
Naples High School sophomore Daniel Aleksandersen led the pack to win the cross country race against Sigonella October 1, and he went on to set a personal record of 16:47. The team will travel to Vicenza tomorrow. Photo by Athena Plichta
Protecting You and Your Family Against Influenza By Lt. Courtney Coker USNH Naples
includes the influenza A (H1N1) virus, the influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one or two influenza B viruses, depending on the flu vaccine. It is that time of year again for inPeople with the virus can spread it to fluenza vaccines. others up to six feet away. Influenza, or “flu,” is a contagious Most experts think flu respiratory illness. According to the viruses are spread mainly Centers for Disease Control and Preby droplets made when peovention, flu was associated with beple with the cough, sneeze or tween 3,000 and 49,000 deaths per talk. Less often, a person year between 1976 and 2006, and might also get the flu by touching even milder cases of flu have the a surface or object that has the flu potential to adversely impact virus on it and then touching their Navy force readiness and misown mouth or nose. The flu is contasion execution. The vaccine will help protect against the influenza gious. Some people can be infected viruses that research indicates will be with the flu virus, but have no sympmost common during the season. This toms. During this time, those persons
may still spread the virus to others. Vaccination is the best way to reduce your risk of contracting influenza and is now recommended for everyone. Vaccination is the first line of prevention towards ensuring a happy and healthy family. Although not required for the public, it is highly recommended to reduce your risk of contracting the Influenza virus. In order to keep us mission ready and protect the public’s health, flu vaccine is mandatory for all military personnel (Active Duty and Reserves), as well as civilian health care workers providing direct patient care, missionessential DoD civilians, and CDC staff INFLUENZA SHOTS Page 7 CAPTAIN’S CORNER. . . . . . . . . 2
90%
BASE NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 NAVY HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 FFSC CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . 5
50%
SOUND OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MOVIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 JOBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
30% NAVY COOL FOR CIVILIANS . . . . . . . . . . . page 5
WHY AMERICANS LOVE COFFEE . . . . . page 14
USO TOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 WORD SEARCH / COLOR ME 14
Following the completion of its review earlier this year, the Navy announced Sept. 29, it will modernize all rating titles for Sailors with the establishment of a new classification system that will move towards occupational specialty codes similar to how the other services categorize skill sets. “In modernizing our enlisted rating system we are not only giving our Sailors increased opportunities within the Navy, such as a higher level of flexibility in training and detailing, but also increasing their opportunities when they transition out of the service. In aligning the descriptions of the work our Sailors do with their counterparts in the civilian world, we more closely reflect the nation we protect while also making it easier for our Sailors to obtain the credentials they’ll need to be successful in the private sector,” Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said. “We believe that opening enlisted career paths will enhance our ability to optimize talent in our enlisted workforce,” Chief of Personnel Vice Adm. Robert Burke said. “This change is the first step of a multi-phased approach to help us do just that.” Former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael Stevens led the review earlier this year for the Secretary of the Navy on behalf of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson.
NAVY RATES ELIMINATED Page 11