The Signature, October 24, 2014

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SP-MAGTF Africa 14:

Trains Cameroon in riverine tactics!

PAGE 8 PAGE 10

Navy Ball 2014:

Check out the action!

SIGNATURESIGONELLA, SICILY

October 24, 2014 cnic.navy.mil/sigonellaVol. 31 No. 40

THE

Daylight-saving time 2014 will begin for Italy at 3 a.m., this Sunday, Oct. 26. Set your clocks back before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Sigonella Sailors celebrate 239 years

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held its annual Navy Ball on Oct. 17 at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania to commemorate the Navy's 239th birthday. Around 480 service members and citizens from the community helped celebrate the Navy and pay homage to this time-honored tradition.

Capt. Chris Dennis, NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, said the importance of celebrating a Navy Ball is that each year it allows attendees the opportunity to reflect on what the United States Navy is, where we have been, and where we are headed, and how contribute to the U.S and it’s National Security; not only in the past but also the present and into the future.

Behind the success of the Navy Ball was plenty of hard work and coordination. Lt. Jonah Petrinovic, this year's Navy Ball coordinator, said the fundraising goal this year was $35,000. “Traditionally, the cost of the entire Navy Ball is around the range of $30,000 so I wanted to ensure that we had some ‘wiggle room’ for unexpected costs,” Petrinovic said.

This year, the Navy Ball Committee raised a little over $40,000, which allowed NAS Sigonella to have everything needed to host a great Navy Ball. Petrinovic and his team held several fundraisers in the months leading up to the Navy Ball in an effort to make the annual event more enjoyable and to subsidize the cost for Sailors wanting to attend. Fundraising events included car washes, BBQs, bake sales as well as opportunities for people to blow off work and hit the links. Petrinovic said the main contributing factors making this year’s fundraising successful was due to those who volunteered their time to raise funds. With around 15 to 20 volunteers for each of the major fundraising events, there was a lot of community support that led to a successful turnout.

Dennis said it takes an entire community to coordinate a Navy Ball. “It really took a broad amount of coordination and the reason that I think that it was so well done is because that’s what this community does. We communicate and coordinate really well together,” he said.

The Navy Ball is NAS Sigonella’s biggest social event of the year. The guest of honor at this year’s Navy ball, Consul General Colombia Barrosse, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and a friend of Dennis, provided the audience with expressed gratitude for what the Navy and its members do on a daily basis.

Dennis said the general’s words inspired a time of reflection while capturing key elements of what Sailors do. Barrosse also talked about the history of the U.S. Navy in conjunction with how the U.S. Navy is portrayed in a number of different films. She also talked about how we saw the integration of women into our military through these movies and gave us an appreciation for the many powers of social change that the Navy has taken on and successfully accomplished. “You’re loyal, funny, and you will sacrifice your lives for your country. Your honorable, you’re tough and you’re human,” Barrosse said.

Dennis said he felt privileged to toast the Italian President and was likewise honored that Commander Col. Vincenzo Sicuso, Sigonella Base Commander, toasted the president of the United States. He also believed that the execution of the POW/MIA event/display was probably the best he’s seen during his years in the military. “I thought that the actual ball itself was really, really well run. My hats off to all of the many people who were involved in the fundraising, as well as, to the organization and execution of the Navy Ball.”

BY YN3 GABRIELLE MILLYNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella held its annual Navy Ball at the Sheraton in Catania to commemorate the Navy's 239th birthday, Oct. 17. The event was comprised of around 480 Sig Sailors and citizens to help celebrate the Navy and pay homage to this time-honored tradition. To see more check out pages 8-9. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 2 October 24, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 3October 24, 2014

DRIV

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NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICESROMAN CATHOLICSunday■ 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS 1 Chapel)

TuESday, WEdnESday & FRIday■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS 2 Chapel)Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass

FRIday■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS 1 Chapel)

PROTESTANTnaS 1 ChapelSaTuRday■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services

Sunday■ 12 p.m. Sunday School■ 11 a.m. Traditional Worship

LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (naS 1 Chapel)Contact: [email protected] or 624-9049

JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICEFRIday at 5:30 p.m. (naS 1 Chapel)

NIGHT STUDY

■ Italian Class Tuesday at 7 p.m (Classroom at naS 1 Chapel)

■ aa Meetings: MOnday at 5:30 p.m. (naS 1 Chapel) second deck; Thursday at 7 p.m. (naS 2 Chapel)

■ Glee Club Tuesday at 12 p.m. (naS 1 Chapel)

■ awana Club Tuesday at 4:45 p.m (naS 1 Chapel)

naS Sigonella Religious Ministries department Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/navalairStationSigonella Chapel

Chapel Offices: naS I 095-56-3975, naS II 095-86-9049, dSn: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950

Executive Officer, Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney IIDirect LineTHE SIGNATURE

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLACommanding OfficerCapt. Chris DennisExecutive OfficerCmdr. Charles G. McKinney IICommand Master ChiefCMDCM Mike Kaszubowski

EDITORIAL

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul [email protected]

EditorM. Todd [email protected]

Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto [email protected]

PAO Staff Writers \ PhotographersMC1 Tony D. [email protected]

YN3 Gabrielle [email protected]

CONTACT USNaval Air Station Sigonella, [email protected] 624-5440; 095-86-5440PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001

PUBLISHERStampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,Naval Support ActivityCapodichino (Naples), [email protected]. 081-568-7884Fax 081-568-7887

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy. Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: [email protected].

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via [email protected], guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Fri-day proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Buongiorno Sigonella!If you usually skip over the Direct Line

articles, I kindly ask that you please read this one.

There are plenty of “ghoulish” news items out there already this year (especially now that Halloween is fast approaching), but I need to speak to you about some truly scary real-world events that impact on our day-to-day lives. These events could potentially have a more adverse effect on the greater Sigonella community if we allow ourselves to let down our guard.

I’m going to get right to the point: Always maintain positive control of your military, dependent, or base worker identification cards that allow you access to the Sigonella installations. On Saturday, the Naples daily, Il Mattino, reported on the fast-growing traffic of fake identification cards that are being sold to illegal immigrants for up to €3,000. Since the beginning of 2014, several local municipalities in the Naples area have reported thefts of blank identification cards, including a record number 10,000 identity and electronic cards stolen in a single heist just this month! Syrian and other foreign nationals, carrying some of these cards that were stolen from municipal offices near Naples were found in Bari, Milan and even Copenhagen.

So, what does a Naples report have to do with Sigonella? Well, lately there have been several instances of Sigonella Citizens losing their ID cards (more than 105 lost so far for 2014). Whether due to theft or carelessness, all of these losses are preventable. Whatever the reasons, the Il Mattino report shows how serious (and quite frankly, frightening) this issue is. There is a staggering demand in this world for criminal elements to falsify their identity to gain advantage for their cause, whether petty or terrorist. It greatly concerns me that a very large number of our ID cards

may have fallen into the hands of those longing to harm us. While Security does a thorough and professional job, unwanted guests can use stolen or recovered IDs to unlawfully attempt to gain access to NASSIG, including Marinai housing. If this does not strike a chord within you, it should. With all of the ominous world events threatening our safety and security, please, please, please be extremely mindful of protecting your Military ID cards, Flight Line Access badges, passports, or any other types of documentation that might allow inappropriate access to our installation sites. This may require updating your routine, or starting a routine and personal protocols for maintaining 24/7 positive control of your primary identifying documents.

My urge for caution also goes for information protection and awareness in your workplace. Eventually, being careless with work and operationally-specific information, both within and outside the installation, will have detrimental consequences. Safeguarding all information is a best practice that cannot be overstated. As well, I ask that you be mindful of what you put online as well as who is allowed access to view it and your profile. Recently the Public Affairs Office sent out a warning for all military personnel to protect their social media profiles by not putting Personal Identifiable Information (PII) “out there” that can potentially be used by enemies gathering information with the intent to endanger their lives and those of their loved ones.

Many of you are keeping up with the news and are aware of the significant global threats that exist. The Department of State recently released an updated message reminding U.S. citizens to stay alert and “take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.” At

Sigonella, uniform policy changes, increases to on-base force protection postures, and public reminders to increase vigilance while reducing exposure against those intending us harm us have been a few of the ways the region and this installation are increasing our vigilance corporately. And recently base leadership hosted a gathering in front of the NAS 2 fountain where several community members signed our Sig’ Citizen Pledge. As the very first of the three pledges, it included a commitment to “keep a watchful eye for threats to my community at large, as well as to my fellow citizens.” You are all familiar with the term “The weakest link.” We need to all strive to NOT be the weakest link; that point in our community armor that allows the enemy’s sword to penetrate. This is your opportunity, Sigonella, to shine with Honor, Courage and Commitment! Let us band together to ensure the Security of our Fleet!.. Our Fighters!.. Our Families!.. Our Community!

Thank you for joining this effort. I wish you all a very safe, fun, and enjoyable Halloween season! It is my honor to serve with you, Sigonella!

NEX Holiday Return Policy means satisfaction guaranteedBy Kristine M. sturKieNavy Exchang Command

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA- In order to accommodate customers making post-holiday gift returns, NEXs will accept returns through January 31. This extended return policy applies to original purchases made between October 28 – December 24 either in a NEX or through the NEX web store, myNavyExchange.com. Customers are asked to include any packaging material along with the receipt when making a return. Any returns without a receipt will be placed on a NEX Gift Card.

“We understand gifts may be purchased well before they are given during the holiday season,” said Michael Powers, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Director, Retail Operations. “We want to give our NEX customers enough time to relax and enjoy the holidays with their friends and families without worrying about returning a gift by a certain date.”

One gift that won’t be returned is the NEX Gift Card. It can be used just like cash for most merchandise and service purchases at any NEX. NEX Gift Cards can also be purchased and redeemed at myNavyExchange.com. NEX Gift Cards can be purchased in varying dollar amounts and have no fees or expiration date.

WASHINGTON - Operation Homefront is seeking nominations for the 2015 Military Child of the Year Awards.

Officials of the nonprofit organization, which provides aid to service members and their families, said they understand what military children go through in supporting their service members and want to recog nize their contributions.

Parents, grandparents, Scout leaders, teachers, counselors, priests, rabbis, imams, pastors and others can nominate a military child for the honor.

Operation Homefront presents as award to an outstanding military child from each branch -- Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, honoring the award winners at the organization's annual gala in the nation's capital.

The 2015 gala is scheduled April 16. The nominees must be the legaldependents of service members and be between 8 and 18 years old.

They must be able to travel to Washington for the gala.Nominees selected as finalists must provide letters of recommendation

and agree to a background check. Winners receive the award, a $5,000 cash prize and a laptop computer. Nominations close Dec. 12.

Operation Homefront seeks Military Child of Year nominations

OPS volunteers clean Riposto cemetery

Riposto (Catania) - On Oct. 16, a group of volunteers from NAS Sigonella's (NASSIG) Operations (Transient Line) carried out the first ever clean-up at the Riposto cemetery for the upcoming Nov. 2 "Giorno dei Morti"(Day of the Dead), a religious holiday during which Italian's make a visit to the local cemeteries to honor and remember their departed family members. The project which consisted of removing volcanic sand from recent Etna eruptions was part of the ongoing NASSIG Public Affairs Office (PAO) Community Relations (COMREL) projects. Riposto Mayor Enzo Carigliano, who had recently met with the NASSIG PAO team to discuss COMREL projects, greeted and thanked the volunteers for the hard work which prepared the cemetery for this upcoming holiday. (Photos by Irene Campanella)


C A L E N D A R

Oct./Nov.2014

Friday24

Sig Safe8 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.

FFSC

Transition GPS8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FFSC

Saturday25Godfather Tour & Li-

moncello Factory 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

ITT

Mark Wills Concert9:30 P.m.

Autumnfest StageNAS 1

Sunday26Naro and Agriturismo7:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

ITT

Monday27

ICR8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FFSC

Tuesday28

ICR8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FFSC

Healthy Steps Group8 - 9:30 a.m.

FFSC

Wednesday29

ICR8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FFSC

Capstone Event8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FFSC

Thursday30Financial Planning for

the Holiday's8 - 9:30 a.m.

FFSC

31Arrivederci Class8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

FFSC

Catania by Night: His-tory & Wine Tasting4:30 p.m. - midnight

ITT

1 NovemberCatania Shoe Fair

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.ITT

2

3 4

Pre-Deployment Class9 - 11 a.m.

FFSCP o s t - D e p l o y m e n t

Class1 - 3 p.m.

FFSC

5 6Healthy Beginnings

9 - 11 a.m.FFSC

Anger Management1 - 3 p.m.

FFSC

7Sig Safe

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.FFSC

8 9

FFSC: x4291ITT : x4777, x4396

Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243

Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248American Red Cross: x4900

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at [email protected] and let us know!

IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:

There are two ways to submit feed back to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis.

Visit The Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. Also, visit NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on " CO Suggestion Box".

The Signature will anonymously publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. If you are submitting a "BZ", we ask that you provide your name in order for us to properly recognize employee. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box

Comment regarding NGIS:Over the last few months my crewmembers and I have had the privilege of crew resting in Sigonella on several occasions. We always enjoy the professionalism and courtesies that we are extended. That being said, the room temperatures are unbearable and force us to stay awake through the night. Is there anything that can be done to rectify this problem?

Response: Thank you for your feedback. I sincerely apologize for your discomfort. The NGIS temperature is set at 24.5 Celsius in accordance with Commander, Naval Installation Command's policy (My boss's boss). We are working with our Public Works and Housing Departments to attempt to make fine adjustments to the temperature-control systems. As we look to solve this issue, however, we also need to keep in mind DoD fiscal limitations. Our guests' security, safety, and comfort are of upmost importance to us. Again, thank you for staying with us and voicing your frustrations. In the future if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Aprile Cason at DSN (314)624-6829 or commercial (39) 095-86-6829.

Comment regarding CDO and ACDO watch:Why does the CDO and ACDO have to sleep on base during their duty days? I think that if you live in 205 or Marinai that you should be able to go home and sleep there. I understand they just gave the CDO/ACDO a barracks room on NAS 2, but most tend to sleep in their workcenters. I don't believe there is any value added in sleeping on base.

Response:Thank you for your question. I have given this request serious consideration, but I have decided to not allow CDO and ACDO to sleep within the "Triangle" during these watches. While I understand that on the surface it seems like a small concession to allow the CDO and ACDO to sleep in the confines of their own home since both Marinai and 205 are within the "Triangle" and are within a reasonable reach of both installations, the reason why I ask CDOs and ACDOs to sleep on base is because this is a 24-hour military watch. In fact, it is not just a watch, the CDO and ACDO are MY direct representatives ON THE INSTALLATION after hours. This has been codified by NASSIG 1601.1U as well as hundreds of years of sound Navy practice. If an issue arises on base, I want my CDO and ACDO ready to respond to situations or emergencies in the most effective manner. Regarding your comment about sleeping in your own office during watch, it is your choice to do so, but I strongly urge all watchstanders to sleep in the barracks rooms in Building 623 dedicated for these watches. I have instructed the Senior Watch Officer to make sure all watchstanders know the exact location of these rooms, and that they are ready each day.

Comment regarding Public Works:During the hours of darkness, the lighting on the main street of NAS 2 has limited to no lighting over the crosswalks. Can we do something to fix the issue?

Response:Thank you for your comment. I agree, the NAS 2 lighting in the area you described was unsatisfactory and provided potential safety hazards. As a result of your recommendation, two crosswalks located in the vicinity of the CTF 67 building (#633) will be relocated as close as possible to existing area street lamps. The contract has been awarded and they should be completed by the end of November. Thanks again for looking out for the safety of this installation!

Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN

624-CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273,

M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. For non-emergent medical

questions that arise over the weekend, holidays, or after

office hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen

at the hospital or 335-578-8150

if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.


U.S. Navy HEADLINESNavy's new CAP policy-- 5 things you need to know

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Earlier this year, the Chief of Naval Personnel announced updates to the Command Advancement Program (CAP) for active component (AC) and Reserve component (RC) and a shift from a calendar to a fiscal year timeline for CAP and Navy Recruiter Meritorious Advancement Program (NRMAP), starting Oct. 1. These changes are based on Fleet feedback, empower the command triad to advance their top Sailors and are in alignment with ongoing performance-based initiatives.

CAP and NRMAP are intended to reward sustained superior performance, providing command triads further opportunities to advance their top Sailors. Quotas for CAP and NRMAP for eligible commands will be listed in a NAVADMIN that will be posted on www.npc.navy.mil.

Here are five things you need to know about CAP:1. CAP continues to provide commanding officers with the authority to advance eligible rated Sailors in

recognition of their superior performance in paygrades E3, E4 and E5 to the next higher paygrade.2. Beginning Oct. 1, CAP will shift from a calendar year program

to a fiscal year program, with the period of observance from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. The updated policy incorporates a CAP season, July 1 to Sept. 30. The CAP season is the only the time when commands can advance eligible Sailors under CAP.

3. The CAP season aligns with the Navy-wide advancement examination cycles, which allows CAP to be factored in when determining the number of advancement quotas each cycle. The CAP data helps to minimize over promotions thus ensuring future advancement opportunity exists.

4. COs continue to have the authority to set CAP performance standards and select their best Sailors. The Combat Meritorious Advancement program remains unchanged.

5. For Fiscal Year 2015, there will be a hold on CAP for Selected Reserve Sailors due to reductions in end strength and over-manning in multiple rates.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

DEVESELU, Romania (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (CNREURAFSWA) established Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu Friday, Oct. 10, during an establishment and assumption of command ceremony on base.

NSF Deveselu, formerly a disused Romanian airfield, is the first Navy base to be established since Naval Station (NS) Everett in Washington, whose official groundbreaking ceremony was held Nov. 9, 1987.

The installation, scheduled to be operational in 2015, will be part of a NATO's overall ballistic missile defense (BMD) system.

Rear Adm. John Scorby, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, hosted the ceremony.

"This is a historic occasion because ballistic missile threats to the U.S. and our allies are real and growing," Scorby said. "Fortunately, NATO's capabilities and defenses against these threats are also real and growing."

Originally proposed in 2000 by then President George W. Bush, this BDM system, or shield, named the "Aegis Ashore System," is a response by the NATO military alliance to increasing threats posed by the amalgamation of intercontinental ballistic missiles in the Middle East.

Today the Aegis BMD system is the key component in the Obama administration's plan for a phased deployment of a missile defense umbrella in Europe, which is intended to protect U.S. forces and NATO allies from regional threats.

"Naval Support Facility Deveselu will be a crucial component in expanding the effectiveness of NATO's overall ballistic missile defense system," Scorby said. "It will also address the threat posed by short and intermediate range ballistic missiles to U.S., European and Allied personnel and assets throughout the region."

The first of two proposed newly established bases, NSF Deveselu will utilize both a SM-3 missile interceptor battery platform and an Aegis SPY-1 radar platform. The U.S. government said the SM-3 missiles will have no offensive capability and only target incoming ballistic missiles launched by hostile countries.

Capt. Bill Garren assumed duties as the first commanding officer of NSF Deveselu.

"It's an honor to be here and have the opportunity to work with this international team of dedicated professional who are building the future of ballistic missile defense in Europe," said Garren. "We have a lot of work ahead of us but our future success rests on the shoulders of this outstanding United States/Romania team. So, we have all we need to excel."

The land-based ballistic missile defense system in Romania will be almost identical to that used on Navy Aegis-capable guided-missile destroyers and cruisers. It's designed to detect, track, engage and destroy ballistic missiles in flight.

Also contributing to the BMD system, are the Forward Deployed Naval Forces in Rota, Spain. The forward deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and USS Ross (DDG 71) are the first of four Aegis BMD warships scheduled to be based in Spain to bolster the defense system.

To further the scope and reach of protection of the region's defense, a Navy base, nearly identical to NSF Deveselu, will be established in Poland.

"No single nation can combat global threats alone," Scorby said. "We must collectively share information, share experiences and work together for regional stability. U.S., NATO, and European allies stand united in maintaining a Europe that is safe, secure and prosperous."

NSF Deveselu sits on about 430 acres. The site will consist of a fire-control radar deckhouse with an associated Aegis command, control and communications suite. Separately, it will house several launch modules containing SM-3 missiles and be manned by about 200 U.S. military personnel, government civilians and support contractors.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnre/.

Navy establishes new base in RomaniaBy MC2 LuKe B. MeineKeCommander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

Official U.S. Navy file photo.

"Day of the Dead" celebration returns to Sicily

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - “Armi santi, armi santi, io sugnu unu e vuatri tanti. Mentri sugnu 'ni stu munnu di guai, cosi ri morti mittiminni assai!” (Holy souls, holy souls, there are many of you and I’m one. Bring me a lot of presents while I'm in this world of troubles.” This old religious poem, which sounds like a Letter to Santa Claus, is one of the traditional prayers that Sicilian children say before going to bed on the night of November 1, the day before the "Il Giorno dei Morti” (The Day of Dead), an ancient Catholic celebration honoring departed ancestors, loved ones and relatives. There is the excitement, anxiety and hope in their looks, they believe that, during the night, the spirits of the dead will visit their homes to bring them presents.

It might sound scary, but this is neither a spooky Sicilian horror movie nor a Halloween-like scenario. Indeed, it feels like Christmas time.

According to tradition, the spirits of the dead are welcomed in a friendly way, their “annual homecoming” is a time to be symbolically shared with their families and loved ones by eating, drinking, and bringing back the good old memories. It is a way to keep “alive” the connection between the living and the dead.

Giovanni Verga, Italian novelist and playwright, vividly describes this old tradition as following : "On the 'Day of the Dead, walking on tiptoes, mothers put toys and sweets in the tiny shoes of their children while they are dreaming of long lines of white ghosts carrying glittering presents. Smiling young girls try on, in front of the mirror, the earrings or the brooch they were given by their fiancées.”

This holiday is similar to the "El Dia de los Muertos," a typical Spanish and Latin American celebration. Catholic families gather to make a pilgrimage to the cemeteries

Be ready to tempt your taste buds with the traditional “Pupi ri zuccaru” or puppets of boiled sugar which are among the most popular “Day of the Dead” ancient religious holiday’s treats. They are baked into symbolic shapes. You will find them in all pasticcerie (pastry shops) and panifici (bakeries). (Photo by http://www.partecipiamo.it)

and spiritually reunite with their beloved ones. According to some historians, this festive tradition,

which blends paganism and the Holy Scriptures, dates back to early Christian’s times. It was first established by St. Odilo, fifth Abbot of Cluny, in 998 AD.

Sicilian anthropologist Giuseppe Pitrè tells that, in the past, Sicilian children used to leave their shoes on window sills in the hope that their dead relatives would place gifts for them. Traditions say dead relatives, "turn themselves into ants," so they can enter easily into the homes to fill the baskets and the socks prepared by the kids with gifts. Since presents are for the good children, on the night of Nov. 1, kids who misbehaved promise to work on changing.

Over the past few years, the Day of Dead has been often opposed to Halloween, raising concern among Catholics who fear that the latter might overshadow this ancient religious celebration. Halloween parties are annually organized across the country in discos and clubs.

As for every Sicilian holiday and festivals, a plethora of sweets, which catch the eyes and tempt the taste buds, are prepared during this celebration.

The traditional "cosi ruci" (sweets) include "Frutta Martorana" (Martorana fruits), a confection of almond paste made into the shape of different fruits, "N'zuddi" (almond cookies), cocoa-based cookies ("Rame di Napoli," "Totò" and "Bersaglieri"), "Ossa di morti," (bones of the dead) crunchy cookies that were once shaped as skulls and phalanges. They're made by white dough that contrasts with the dark base where the sugar darkens close to the pan during baking and "Pupi ri zuccaru" or puppets of boiled sugar.

Don’t miss to visit the traditional "Fiera dei Morti" (All Souls Day's Fair), which is also known among Sigonellans as “Shoe fair” because of the many stalls selling shoes. It actually features more than 200 booths selling furniture, shoes, clothing, arts and crafts, antiquities, food and more. It will typically open during the last week of October in Catania. Traffic is typically restricted in the fair area. Parking spaces will be set up in the venue’s adjoining streets and will be limited. Car pooling and parking far from this festival area is strongly recommended. Other similar smaller markets will be set up in other towns of the Catania province such as Caltagirone, Mirabella Imbaccari, Tremestieri Etneo and Vizzini as well as in Palermo, Caltanissetta, Siracusa, Agrigento and other towns across the island.

For more information and detailed event’s schedule, visit the City of Catania tourist office website: http://www.comune.catania.it/


U.S. Navy: 239 years young


As a reminder, all dependents are always welcome at the galley!Please provide any negative or positive feedback. There is a suggestion box near the entrance to the galley, next to the serving line.

Friday, October 24*Breakfast: Waffles, Oatmeal, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Grilled Sausage Patties.*Lunch: Rice, Shortbread Cookies, Pork Chops, Baked Fish, New England Clam Chowder, Baked Beans, French Fries, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Italian Roasted Potatoes. Speed Line: Pizza.*Dinner: Rice, Lemon Cookies, Baked Tuna and Noodles, BBQ Pork Ribs, Cream Chicken Mushroom Soup, Spinach, Corn.

Saturday, October 25*Breakfast: Pancakes, Hot Farina, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Turkey Sausage, Italian Roasted Potatoes.*Lunch: Pancakes, Egg Noodles, Eggs to Order, Shortbread Cookies, Bacon, Turkey Sausage, Turkey Pot Pie, Beef and Barley Soup, Greens, Mixed Vegetables, Italian Roasted Potatoes.Dinner: Shortbread Cookies, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Pizza, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Broccoli.

Sunday, October 26*Breakfast: French Toast, Oatmeal, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Grilled Minute Steak, Italian Roasted Potatoes.*Lunch: French Toast, Rice, Eggs to Order, Cake, Shortbread Cookies, Bacon, Grilled Minute Steak, Pork Chops, Beef Noodle Soup, Green Beans, Carrots, Italian Roasted Potatoes.*Dinner: Rice, Cake, Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Cauliflower, Peas.

Monday, October 27*Breakfast: Waffles, Grits, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Minced Beef, Italian Roasted Potatoes.*Lunch: Oatmeal Cookies, Vanilla Ice Cream, Beef Balls Stroganoff, Pizza, Roast Turkey, Chicken Noodle Soup, Mashed Potatoes, Squash, Peas.*Dinner: Oatmeal Cookies, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Chicken, Cream of Potato Soup, Collard Greens, Italian Roasted Potatoes.

Tuesday, October 28*Breakfast: French Toast, Hot Farina, Bacon, Eggs to Order, Grilled Sausage Patties, Italian Roasted Potatoes.*Lunch: Jalapeno Corn Bread, Rice, Cake, Oatmeal Cookies, Tacos, Chicken Fajitas, Beef and Bean Burritos, Spanish Soup, Corn, Refried Beans, Carrots.*Dinner: Rice, Cake, Lemon Baked Fish, Pizza Casserole, Chicken Rice Soup, Vegetable Stir Fry.

Wednesday, October 29*Breakfast: Pancakes, Oatmeal, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Creamed Ground Beef, Italian Roasted Potatoes.*Lunch: Rice, Cookies, Vanilla Ice Cream, Roast Pork, Baked Fish, Grilled Hamburger, Manhattan Clam Chowder, Baked Beans, French Fries, Potatoes Au Gratin, Spinach, Cauliflower.*Dinner: Rice, Oatmeal Cookies, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Chicken Sandwich, Minestrone, Peas, Carrots.

Thursday, October 30*Breakfast: French Toast, Grits, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Corned Beef Hash, Italian Roasted Potatoes.*Lunch: Rice, Cake, Sauerbraten, Chicken Fillet, Cream of Potato Soup, Onion Rings, Mashed Potatoes, Cauliflower, Mixed Vegetables.*Dinner: Cake, Meat Loaf, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Noodle Soup, Carrots, Italian Roasted Potatoes.

Friday, October 31*Breakfast: Waffles, Oatmeal, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Grilled Sausage Patties, Italian Roasted Potatoes.*Lunch: Rice, Macaroni and Cheese, Cake, Lasagna, Baked Fish, Tempura Fish, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cabbage, French Fries, Broccoli. Speed Line: Pizza*Dinner: Rice, Cake, Baked Italian Sausage, Baked Chicken, Egg Drop Soup, Green Beans.

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Countries in Africa with access to coastal and inland waterways like Cameroon have placed great emphasis on riverine operations and patrolling to help ensure the safety and security of their border.

Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from Security Cooperation Team 5 Bravo, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, completed a theater security cooperation exercise with members of the Cameroonian Naval Commando Company (COPALCO) during the month of September.

The skills and tactics shared during the engagement can help develop interoperability between different services. The purpose of the engagement was to increase overall proficiency in riverine operations, patrolling and infantry tactics, as well as noncommissioned officer leadership.

“We showed the [COPALCO] coxswains how to do tighter turns and travel in various formations, such as the column and wedge, which can be used to maximize firepower and safety of boats and

Riverine tactics deter illicit activity on Cameroon waterways

Members of the Cameroonian Naval Commando Company (COPALCO) give a hand signal while practicing patrolling techniques in Cameroon, Sept. 28. Maneuvering in the river, while simultaneously fighting against currents and other natural obstacles is a key component in maritime interdiction. While on a theater security cooperation engagement, Security Cooperation Team 5B with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, worked with the COPALCO on marksmanship, boat operations, and patrolling. (Courtesy Photo)

BY CORPRAL SHAwN VALOSINSpecial-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Foce Africa 14 Public Affairs

personnel,” said Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Yosida Phaypanya.

Maneuvering in the river, while simultaneously fighting against currents and other natural obstacles, is a key component of maritime interdiction operations. It creates the ability for the COPALCO to react in an instant, which can assist with combating drug smuggling and pursuing individuals entering the country illegally.

The team started with marksmanship training, ensuring all safety precautions were taken, and built upon the fundamentals leading up to a live-fire range and timed shooting competition between the NCOs of the COPALCO. This gave the Marines of SP-MAGTF Africa an opportunity to see the unique capabilities the COPALCO NCOs bring to the fight.

Corporals Micah Gray and Isaac Althoff (two coaches with SCT-5B) even gave the commands “Shoot. Move. Fire.” in French.

Riverine training concluded with a final exercise, combining insertion and extraction of troops, river formations and patrolling on shore. The final exercise was followed by the presentation of a ceremonial “oar” to the COPALCO, which represented the Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen of SCT-5B and the service camaraderie developed during training.

“By presenting the oar it demonstrated the partnership we gained at the completion of the exercise,” said 1st Lt. Christopher Kohn, a Clermont, Florida, native and officer-in-charge of Security Cooperation Team 5B. “It definitely was an experience, not only were we able to share some of our knowledge, but I think more than anything my team was able to take away an experience they wouldn’t find anywhere else.”

Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa conducts theater security cooperation and military-to-military engagements while providing U.S. Africa Command a rapid-response capability in North and West Africa.


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Find and circle all of the Baseball words that are hidden in the grid.The remaining letters spell a secret message - a Humphrey Bogart quotation.

APPEALBALKBASEBATTERBUNTCATCHCOACHDEAD BALLDEFENSEDOUBLE HEADERDUGOUTFAIR BALL FAIR TERRITORYFLY BALLFORCE PLAYFORFEITED GAME

FOUL BALLFOUL TERRITORYFOUL TIPGROUND BALLIN FLIGHTINFIELD FLYINFIELDERINNING INTERFERENCELEAGUELINE DRIVELIVE BALLMOUNDOBSTRUCTIONOFFENSEOUTFIELDER

OVERSLIDEPENALTYPITCHERPIVOT FOOT RETOUCHRUN DOWNRUNNERSCOREBOARDSHORTSTOPSTRIKETAGTHROWTIE GAMETRIPLE PLAYUMPIREWILD PITCH

Baseball

SDDC and Transcom working closely together managing POV contractFrom Naval Supply and Systems Command NAS Sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) is the Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) program manager and U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) is the global POV contract administrator. These two commands work closely together in managing and monitoring this critical quality of life contract.

In August, SDDC and TRANSCOM stood up a “Tiger Team” of transportation experts to quickly address the most significant challenges and concerns military customers are facing when shipping their privately owned vehicles, known as POVs. On May 1, International Auto Logistics, known as IAL, assumed responsibility for the Global Privately Owned Vehicle Contract, also known as GPCIII. Under the terms of the contract, IAL is responsible for processing, transporting and storing vehicles owned by military personnel and Department of Defense civilian employees bound for, or returning from, overseas duty assignments.

SDDC officials have acknowledged that the transfer to the new POV contractor did not go as smoothly as it could have. SDDC wants customers to know that they are aware of and understand the issues some have experienced while shipping their privately owned vehicle. Solving those issues is SDDCs No. 1 priority. SDDC also wants their customers to know what they and TRANSCOM are doing to help resolve these issues.

Reasonable customer expectations include on-time delivery, professional and timely customer service, a damage-free vehicle, compensation for damages if they occur, and rental cars for missed required delivery dates (or reimbursement for inconvenience) when they occur.

What happens when customer’s expectations are not met? Service members can reasonably expect, for vehicles overdue up to or

less than seven days past the promised date, to get a rental car. The first step is for military members to contact the local Personal Property Shipping Office (PPSO), Personnel Support Detachment (PSD) or Finance Office.

In accordance with the Joint Federal Travel Regulation (JFTR), reimbursement for rental cars for military members for those first seven days is capped at $30 a day or $210 a week. Under contract agreement, the government then deducts those charges from IAL's bill.

When rental car rates exceed the amount for days one through seven, an inconvenience claim can be submitted to the contractor, International Auto Logistics. The Joint Travel Regulation rental car entitlement does not apply to DoD civilians. However, DoD civilians may petition IAL for rental car reimbursement by filing an inconvenience claim with IAL, beginning on day 8, if the vehicle missed its required delivery date.

Claims: Military members inconvenienced beyond seven days because of a missed

required delivery date can file a claim directly with IAL. Service Members and DoD civilians can also file an inconvenience claim for temporary lodging if, due to delayed vehicle delivery, lodging was required. All receipts should be kept as a record for reimbursement.

IAL will consider reimbursement for amounts exceeding entitlements on a case-by-case basis and, based on circumstances, provide reasonable reimbursement.

Although IAL will pay for inconvenience claims for lodging and rental car expenses, customers may file for other expenses with proper documentation for IAL's consideration.

Members may make a request for a direct bill rental vehicle arranged by IAL, to be considered on a case-by-case basis, dependent on the individual need of the service member. Requests for direct bill rental cars should be directed to IAL at [email protected], Mr. Mike Todd at [email protected], and Ms. Karen Olsen at [email protected]. Customers may also call IAL's Claims Team at 1-855-389-9499, option 3. Requests should include the entitled member’s first and last name, shipping instruction number, and the zip code where the rental car is being requested for pick up.

Requests for Inconvenience Claims should be sent to:

Claims Control Department International Auto Logistics, LLC 1 Joe Frank Harris Blvd Brunswick, GA 31523

For vehicle damages, IAL provides customers an option for on-site settlement for minor damages. Claims for additional damages can be reported within 75 days, but the military claims office will not pay members for the same damages previously claimed.

Service Members, DoD Civilians, or family members who are not getting proper responses or assistance when dealing directly with IAL are asked to immediately contact the local PPSO Supervisor, on-site Contracting Officer Representative at the servicing vehicle processing center, or e-mail TRANSCOM POV Inspector General Customer Support Team.

A TRANSCOM Assessment Team, along with Contracting Officer Representatives, are conducting site visits and surveying container freight sites, Vehicle Processing Centers, and every vehicle at those facilities. TRANSCOM will reconcile their data with IAL's to ensure information on IAL website is timely and accurate. To see what to do if your vehicle is delayed, go to http://www.defense.gov/dodcmsshare/newsstoryphoto/2014-08/hrs_infograph.jpg.

Navy personnel should review SDDC’s “What to Expect” Brochure, available at local PPSOs. For more information, contact your local PPSO at DSN: 624-9650, commercial: 095-86-9650, or e-mail [email protected]


NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - What do children need? We know the answer from our own childhoods.

First and foremost, children need a safe and secure home, free of violence, and parents that love and protect them. They need to have a sense of routine and stability, so that when things go wrong in the outside world, home is a place of comfort, help and support.

For too many children, home is far from a safe haven. Every year, hundreds of millions of children are exposed to domestic violence at home, and this has a powerful and profound impact on their lives and hopes for the future. These children not only watch one parent violently assaulting another, they often hear the distressing sounds of violence, or may be aware of it from many telltale signs.

“Me and my sister are scared,” says one nine-year-old girl who lives in a violent home in the United Kingdom. “Our parents fight a lot and we fear they might split up. They fight when we're upstairs. They don't think we know what's going on, but we do.”

Violence in the home is one of the most pervasive human rights challenges of our time. It remains a largely hidden problem that few countries, communities or families openly confront. Violence in the home is not limited by geography, ethnicity, or status; it is a global phenomenon.

Some of the biggest victims of domestic violence are the smallest.The devastating effects of domestic violence on women are well documented. Far less is known

about the impact on children who witness a parent or caregiver being subjected to violence. These children – the forgotten victims of violence in the home – are the focus of this report.

The findings show that children who are exposed to violence in the home may suffer a range of severe and lasting effects. Children who grow up in a violent home are more likely to be victims of child abuse. Those who are not direct victims have some of the same behavioral and psychological problems as children who are themselves physically abused.

Children who are exposed to violence in the home may have difficulty learning and limited social skills, exhibit violent, risky or delinquent behavior, or suffer from depression or severe anxiety. Children in the earliest years of life are particularly vulnerable: studies show that domestic violence is more prevalent in homes with younger children than those with older children.

Several studies also reveal that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to be affected by violence as adults – either as victims or perpetrators.

Children who are exposed to violence in the home are denied their right to a safe and stable home environment. Many are suffering silently, and with little support. Children who are exposed to violence in the home need trusted adults to turn to for help and comfort, and services that will help them to cope with their experiences. Far more must be done to protect these children and to prevent domestic violence from happening in the first place.

The Family Advocacy Program helps individuals, couples and families develop healthy relationship skills and address common relationship and parenting challenges during every stage of life. Learn more about healthy relationships by contacting the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN: 624-4291, Commercial: 095 56 4291.

http://www.unicef.org/

Behind closed doors: The impact of domestic violence on childrenFrom Fleet and Family Support Center NAS Sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Navy Housing is gearing up for their annual resident satisfaction survey (RSS). Families and single Sailors residing in Navy Housing can voice their concerns and provide helpful feedback to NAS Sigonella’s Housing Department by filling out the annual housing survey that will be issued to the doorsteps of all family housing members’ individual units and also be available online at www.cnic.navy.mil/housing. These surveys will be distributed within the next week and due by Nov. 26. Surveys will be given to all unaccompanied personnel attending the upcoming CMC’s call. Single or unaccompanied members will also receive a hard copy survey that will be placed in member’s rooms in mid-November and will need to be returned by Dec. 23. All members who fill out the hard copy survey will mail it, in the envelope provided, to housing at no charge. The survey asks residents to provide feedback regarding their Navy Housing experience, and measures all aspects of customer satisfaction with Navy Housing. A comment card accompanies the surveys, and residents are encouraged to mention particular issues and request follow-up as a way to seek resolution of these issues. “This is where an individual can go in and feed any information they want, gripe about anything they want, compliment anything they want, make any suggestions that they want,” said Ralph Jackson, Bachelor Housing Director. When asked as to who is eligible to fill out the customer survey Housing Director, Nestor Tumelac, said “All Marinai residents for the family housing portion are eligible. We encourage them to fill out the survey. The same is true for all

of unaccompanied housing residents that live in Building 623 on NAS 2 and Building 170 on NAS 1.”This survey is aimed to benefit all members residing in housing; by ensuring quality of life standards for housing residents are upheld. By completing this survey, service members will have an opportunity to express suggestions on how to improve the Navy Housing experience. “They should take the survey because it gives a higher authority a chance to see what’s on people’s minds, what’s on their conscience, what worries them, what brings them to work every day,” Jackson said. “"It also promotes longevity of our sailors as they continue to ascend the ranks.” Many changes have been made to these annual surveys. “One of those is the safety and security of our residents via the SAPR, and supporting the SAPR program,” Jackson said. ”We’ve included and initiated the quarterdeck watches; we’ve also included support in establishing central control points or primary control points in our barracks to guard against unwanted behavior. Jackson also mentioned the quarterdeck watch program as a good example of a recent resident upgrade that has allowed for increased support in the barracks. “The barracks did not have 24-hour support there,” Jackson said.” We currently have 24-hour support… now.” Another area of improvement made because of a suggestion through last year’s survey was the addition of the Resident Assistance program, that has increased safety monitoring in the barracks being much more of a quality of life issue for our residents in the barracks,” The Resident Satisfaction Survey will be divided into two sections -- family housing and unaccompanied housing

Housing wants to hear from you!BY MA3 KRISTEN POKRINCHAKNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - October is National Audiology Awareness Month and National Protect Your Hearing Month, and U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella found a fun and informative way to celebrate.

With the help of HM2 John Taan and HN Jean Louis, a team from Early Developmental Intervention Services visited the DoDDS Elementary School to interact with students. Over the course of two days, the team interacted with about 250 students covering topics such as how sound travels, how ears work, and how to protect hearing.

The children watched and participated in different experiments to “see” sound.

According to Judy Shannon, the school’s counselor, the event was a great success.

“The teachers felt it was worth giving up the class time,” she said.

Now hear this! It’s Audiology Awareness Month

BY LT AMANDA BOUDREAUxU.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

Lt. Amanda Boudreaux, from U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, facilitates an educational activity in celebration of Audiology Awareness Month at the DoDDS Sigonella Elementary School. (Photo by Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Joseph Castro/Released)

Intl & foster care adoptions, home studies, post adoption services. Hague accredited agency. www.adopt-abroad.com - US 1-888-687-3644.

Renting apartment near Parco Terme di Acireale, 5 rooms, 1 living room, 2 baths, large kitchen, storage room, 2 terraces, car space. [email protected]

For sale: 2004 (December) Mercedes SLK, price €8.500.00. Maria, cell. 333-524-4731.

Classic car for sale, 1987 Alfa Romeo Spider, 1600 cc, red with black interior, red with black interior, 31.000 km, registered as Automobile of Historic Value (ASI)

Excellent condition throughout. Tel. 0942-24826. [email protected] www.chefforyou.eu

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 16 October 24, 2014

The Signature, October 24, 2014

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Transcript of The Signature, October 24, 2014