NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - This is a story some don’t want you to hear. Those involved politely declined to be interviewed and asked not to be mentioned by name. But we know it happened. Official reports verify it. Eyewitnesses confirm it.

This is a story about salvation, about a community that rallied together to help a stranger in need.

This is a story about a life saved.This is Sigonella.Here are the facts: On Sept. 13, a woman was driving to a birthday party when

she noticed a man fall off his bicycle outside of Naval Air Station Sigonella 1 gate. She immediately rushed some 250 yards to the base to alert Security. U.S. Emergency Medical Technicians were dispatched, who continued lifesaving interventions begun by two U.S. Navy Information Technicians who happened to be nearby. Meanwhile, the base’s Security Liaison was en route to the location. Upon his arrival, the liaison diverted traffic and contacted Italian EMTs to secure transport to a local Italian hospital while U.S. EMTs transported the patient to U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella for further treatment. An Italian ambulance was later escorted on base by Security who transported it to USNH Sigonella to pick up the patient. The Security Liaison then provided linguistic assistance between Italian and U.S. EMT teams, and the patient was escorted to the NAS 1 Annex Field where a helicopter landed to take the patient to a local facility.

The official diagnosis was myocardial infarction – a heart attack. The time

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Around Sigonella

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MWR exercise classes:

Coming changes!

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Slovenia:

The underappreciated jewel of Europe!

SIGNATURESIGONELLA, SICILY

September 26, 2014 cnic.navy.mil/sigonellaVol. 31 No. 36

THE

Community comes together to save lifeBY HM2 MATTHEw CLUTTERU.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

The Signature sat down recently for an interview with Capt. Karen Vigneron, Commanding Officer, Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center (pictured), and Lt j.g. Bill Garcia, NAS Sigonella PSD Officer In Charge, to discuss some of the ongoing changes in the way the Navy’s Personnel Support Detachment is conducting business. (U.S. Navy photo by PSD Yokosuka/Released)

Q&A with Navy Pay and Personnel Support CO

An Italian Medavac helicopter takes off from the NAS 1 Annex Field, Sept. 13. A local national cyclist who suffered a heart attack earlier in the day was airlifted to a higher level of care in Catania after he was found outside of the gate on NAS 1. Due to the efforts from local Italians and NASSIG personnel, the cyclist survived.(Photo courtesy of Charles G. McKinney II)

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Signature sat down recently for an interview with Capt. Karen Vigneron, Commanding Officer, Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center, and Lt j.g. Bill Garcia, NAS Sigonella PSD Officer In Charge, to discuss some of the ongoing changes in the way the Navy’s Personnel Support Detachment is conducting business. During the conversation, Vigneron and Garcia spoke to an assortment of pertinent topics, and answered questions ranging from making appointments online, to the Command Pass Coordinators (CPCs), as well as future changes in how the Navy will move toward personnel self-service and automation.

Q: Capt. Vigneron, why can’t PSD just go back to the old ways of doing business so people can walk in and be served when it’s convenient for them?

Capt. Vigneron: We understand that many of our Sailors were raised in the old culture of walking into a PSD and being served, but this has proven to be an inefficient way to do business. We now ask that Sailors use their Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) as a first line of interface before coming into a PSD. I will explain why in a second. Just like signing up for a doctor or dental appointment, we now ask Sailors to use the online appointment calendar to schedule their appointment. The best way to do business is for Sailors to first seek out their Command Pass Coordinator (CPC) to obtain information, and the reason for that is to keep the Sailor at their workplace. It’s more efficient for the command, and it’s easier for our clerks to get work done and not have constant interruptions. We know it works because we have seen the saved man hours not only for our clerks, but for those who would be otherwise waiting around for an unscheduled appointment.

Q: Why do customers need to use their Command Pass Coordinator (CPC)?

Capt. Vigneron: The short answer is that because we are ordered to use them. Five-and-a-half years ago the Chief of Naval Personnel put out a NAVADMIN that stated every command needed to have at least one CPC and use the Transaction Online Processing System (TOPS) to transfer the Sailor’s information from command to PSD. The CPC is a force multiplier that helps expand the workforce for the betterment of PSD and the Sailor, while TOPS is useful because it is a tracking system that has supervisory oversight so PSD supervisors know what is going on with every servicemember’s record. CPCs handle paperwork for: check-in and check-out procedures, pay increases, and updating Page 2, Page 13, SGLI, ESR, as well as other updates to important paperwork. CPCs are not needed for new IDs. For that we are asking our Sailors to sign up on the DEERS/Rapids website at: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/

BY LT PAUL NEwELLNAS Public Affairs Officer

"Community" continued on page 14

"Q&A" continued on page 10

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 2 September 26, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 3September 26, 2014

DRI

VE

SAFE

LYSI

GO

NEL

LA

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: sigonellalds@gmail.com 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) sec-ond deck; THuRSday at 7 p.m. (naS 2 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

Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris DennisDirect 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 Newellpaul.newell@eu.navy.mil

EditorM. Todd Butlermichael.butler@eu.navy.mil

Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunettaalberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil

PAO Staff Writers \ PhotographersMC1 Tony D. Curtisanthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil

YN3 Gabrielle Millygabrielle.milly@eu.navy.mil

CONTACT USNaval Air Station Sigonella, Sicilythesig@eu.navy.milDSN 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), Italystampagenerale@tin.itTel. 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: stampagenerale@tin.it.

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 thesig@eu.navy.mil, 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

Sig’ Citizens UNITE! Every member of the greater NASSIG community (active duty & reserves; PCS and TDY, Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines/Coast Guard, US and Italian civil servants and contractors and definitely not least, all of our family members) is personally invited to join together at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at the NAS 2 water fountain to publicly declare our commitment to each other and our Sigonella community. For well over a year, many have been discussing, but more importantly, living Sig’ Citizenship and our shared virtuous obligations of Security, Resource Conservation, and Health and Welfare. Recently, dozens of our community members spontaneously collaborated to aid an Italian cyclist whose life was in grave danger after he suffered a heart-attack. People from all corners of the base, US and Italian civilians and military, on and off duty, harmoniously worked together to save the man’s life. This is what citizenship looks like! At the same time, our base is cleaner and our daily interactions more effective and polite. All of this points to people committing to be their best selves and great neighbors. To those who make this community a great place to live and work – THANK YOU!

But there is still plenty of work to do, and much of it takes only common sense and self-control. Just

days after losing our community friend, Umberto Sciacca, three members of our community put their lives and the lives of their fellow community members in peril by drinking and driving. From these three incidents there were two DUIs while the other driver was discovered to be above the Italian DUI threshold! These are clear examples of NOT being committed to the health and welfare of our community and one’s self and quite honestly a breaking of trust within the Sigonella family. Two of the three resulted in traffic accidents. Imagine if any of these drivers had hit one of the hundreds of pedestrians or cars carrying our precious children, moms and dads to or from school or work?! And for what?! This kind of thoughtlessness and its cousin – aggressive driving – has no place in our community!

Also not welcome in our Sigonella community: sexual assault, domestic abuse, discrimination. So, our challenge as a community is will we tolerate anything less than sincere commitment to our community? Emphatically, I say “No!” I believe our goal is to shine a light into every dark corner where would-be perpetrators of destructive behavior live and operate. Each member of the community must see the virtue of living well or at least

be put on notice that deviousness and destructiveness will be afforded no shadows in our community.

If you agree, please come and make your feelings a clear and public declaration! On Tuesday, come and bring others from all corners of the community. Together let’s reaffirm or commit for the first time your commitment toward making NAS Sigonella the greatest community to live and work in all of DoD; a community where we, the citizenry, commit each day to our collective Security, Resource Conservation and Health and Welfare. Sig’ Citizens UNITE!

Work Hard, Be Honest, Make Smart Decisions!

HCC,C.J. Dennis

SP-MAGTF Africa Marines attend statue unveiling

A delegation Marines from SP-MAGTF Africa 14 were invited to attend the unveiling of the statue of Angela Cavalli, a Scordia-born philanthropist who devoted her entire life to helping the poor, the sick and the needy. During the event which was hosted by Scordia Mayor Franco Tambone, he introduced the Marines' delegation officer to the Bishop of Caltagirone Calogero Peri. The Scordia mayor thanked the Marines in front of hundreds of residents for their goodwill in volunteering to do COMRELs in his town. Pictured (from left to right : Maj. Luke Sauber (Marines), Bishop of Caltagirone The Most Reverend Calogero Peri, Rocco Parisi the director of the Super Omnia Caritas charity founded by Ms. Cavalli, NAS Sigonella Community Relations (COMREL) Officer Alberto Lunetta and Mayor of Scordia Franco Tambone. (Photo by Irene Campanella)

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Please join Naval Air Station Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris Dennis and tenant command leadership on Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. in front of the fountain on NAS 2, to show your Commitment to Sig' Citizenship.

The Sigonella community is invited to come together and place your signature on the Sigonella community pledge. The Commitment to Sig' Citizenship Pledge, embraces the virtues of Sigonella citizenship: Security, Resource Conservation and Health and Welfare. Specifically pledge signers are committing to important principles in which we have a vested interest: responsible use of alcohol, fair treatment, sexual assault prevention and driving safety.

This pledge signing and the lasting banners will serve as visual reminders of the commitment we have to one another and to ourselves in living up to being a Sig citizen.

The banners will also go display after the signing event in the galley and commissary to collect additional signatures from all of our community members--everyone is encouraged to add your signature!

Please join us on Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 3 p.m. for the pledge signing and cake cutting.

For additional information contact Fleet and Family Support Center at 624-4291

Sept. 30: Sig' Citizenship Pledge

PSD DEERS/RAPIDS customer service hours

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Effective Monday, 29 September, in preparation for the NAS 1 DEERs/Rapids closure, and to provide additional hours of DEERs/Rapids customer service, PSD is pleased to announce the following new DEERs/Rapids Customer Service hours of operation:

Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday:(9 a.m - 12:30 p.m.) - Appointments only(12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.) - "Emergent Issue" and Walk-in early session*(1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.) - Appointment only(3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.) - "Emergent Issue" and Walk-in late session*

Wednesday:(9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) - Appointments only(12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m.) - "Emergent Issue" and Walk-in session**All "Emergent Issues" and Walk-in's will be on a first come/first served basis, and will require all personnel to sign in on the "Walk-in Log."

Saturday:Case-by-Case basis. All Saturday DEERs/Rapids appointments must be approved by the Officer in Charge, and must be coordinated No Later Than the Thursday previous to the requested Saturday.

Sunday: Closed

Before or After "Normal" Appointment Hours (Monday-Friday):(Before 9 a.m.) - Case-by-Case basis. Must be approved by the PSD CDO.(After 4 p.m.) - Case-by-Case basis. Must be approved by the PSD CDO.There are only three "Emergent Issues" classifications:1. Loss or Stolen CAC/ID2. CAC "Lock-Out"3. Certificate expiration

If you are having internet connectivity issues, or do not have internet access, simply call the PSD Customer Service Division at DSN: 314-624-5651, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. to schedule your required appointment. Before you come into PSD due to a CAC "Lock-Out" or Certificate expiration, access the RAPIDS Self Service (RSS) for CAC Holders website at: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/self_service/. This may save you time and frustration, and depending on the circumstance, empowers you to remedy the problem! For any additional questions or regarding DEERs/Rapids policies, forms or any other required information, please call the PSD Sigonella Customer Service Division, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at DSN: 314-624-5651, or the CDO at Commercial: 335-642-8274.

DLA Distribution supports Ebola mission

Brig. Gen. Richard B. Dix, commanding general, DLA Distribution, right, and Cmdr. Daniel Davidson, commander, DLA Distribution Sigonella, Italy inspect packages of cots heading to west Africa to support the Ebola mission. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody R. Boyd/Released)

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Religious Ministries Department (RMD) is adding AWANA to its RMD schedule. AWANA is an international, non-denominational discipleship program based on Scripture memorization and will be offered for children ages Kindergarten - 6th grade. AWANA will meet every Tuesday from 4:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m at the NAS 1 Chapel. The planned start date is Oct. 28. RMD is in need of volunteer teachers, leaders and helpers! No previous experience is required; all training is provided and will take place on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Leaders will need to fill out an application and pass a background check. E-mail Rachel Perez, Protestant Director of Religious Education, at rachelmperez@gmail.com or call the Chapel at 624.3975 for more information.

NAS Sigonella RMD to host AWANA program

To schedule a DEERs/Rapids appointment, simply go to: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil. NATO Gas Coupons set to expire

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - On Friday, September 26 new gas coupons dated for 2015 will be available for sale via the automated Gas System at both selling locations Minimart Nas 2 and our Customer Service desk in the Main Store. These coupons can be used at authorized gas stations effective October 1, 2014.Coupons with expiration date of September 30, 2014, will be accepted for refunds starting October 1 until December 31 only at the Main Store Customer Service desk.

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 4 September 26, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 5September 26, 2014

C A L E N D A R

SEP/OCT2014

Friday26

Relocation Fair1:30 - 3 p.m.

FFSC

Ombudsman Apprecia-tion Luncheon

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.Galley/FFSC

Saturday27Siracusa and Seafood

Restaurant8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ITT

Anberlin Concert8 p.m.

Outside Jox Pub

Sunday28Bronte Pistachio Fes-

tival8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

ITT

Marzamemi Boat Tour7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Outdoor Rec

Monday29

Boots to Business8 a.m - 4 p.m.

FFSC

Tuesday30

Boots to Business8 a.m - 4 p.m.

FFSC

Your Finances and Lifestyle on the Euro

9 - 10:30 a.m.FFSC

WednesdayOctober 1

Thursday2

3Command Challenge

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.NAS 2 Turf Field

Sig Safe9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FFSC

4Circumetnea Histori-

cal Train Adventure6:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

ITT

5Siracusa and Seafood

Restaurant8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ITT

Budget Bowling Sun-days

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.Sparetime Bowling

*Every Sundayc

6ICR for Newcomers

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

7ICR for Newcomers

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

Pre Deployment Class9 - 11 a.m.

FFSCPost Deployment

1 - 3 p.m.FFSC

8ICR for Newcomers

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

Sponsor Training9 - 11:30 a.m.

FFSC

9Federal Resume

9 - 11 a.m.FFSC

Baby Boot Camp9 - 11 a.m.

FFSC

10 11Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Wine

Tasting8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

ITT

12Budget Bowling Sun-

days11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sparetime Bowling*Every Sunday

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 thesig@eu.navy.mil 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 NEX:I have noticed that several prices of items at the NAS 2 mini-mart are considerably higher than similar items at the commissary. Is there a way in which we can offer the same prices to our junior personnel living on NAS 2 that we offer to all others at the commissary on NAS 1? Thank you.

Response: Thank you for your comment regarding pricing at our mini-mart. As you may know, the commissary is a subsidized entity and is funded by the DOD while the Navy Exchange is an unsubsidized business that relies on incurring a profit margin so that it can continue to keep its doors open and deliver the benefits it strives to offer its military-community patrons. Since the overseas Navy Exchanges purchase the majority of their grocery items from DECA they pay the same amount as you would when purchasing these items from the Commissary, thus the uptick in the pricing for such NEX goods. While the pricing may be slightly more than the commissary, our customers save time and fuel costs by not having to make the trip to NAS 1 for just a few items.

There has also been some talk that our prices are more expensive at the mini-mart as compared to those at the main store. If this was the case, we apologize. However, prices for all NEX items – main store or mini-mart – are entered into a computer at the same price and should be the same at both locations. If there is a discrepancy, please let us know so that we may look into it and correct it.

Comment regarding NEX pricing:I got two oil filters from the Auto Port recently and was charged $33 for both. I priced the filters in town and they are only 5 euro ($8) and the most pricy one I found was 7 euro ($10). Why is the NEX charging more than double what the price is in town?

Response: Thank you for your comment. Though the NEX aims and often succeeds at providing bargains for its military-community customers compared to the average pricing in public retail, there will inevitably be instances when the local prices trump those on the NEX shelves. We are glad you were able to find oil filters at a better bargain! This is one of the consumer perks of an open-market system.

Comment regarding Admin:As a Registered Nurse, to maintain my skills and certifications, I am required to complete the American Heart Association Basic Life Support, Advance Cardiac Life Support, & Pediatric Advanced Life Support. I contacted the Naval Hospital Education Department to inquire about completing the skills check offs for these certifications there. I was told they are only able to allow active duty personnel to take the certification classes here.

Response:Thank you for the comment you shared in ICE, it is very much appreciated. USNH Sigonella ensures the medical credentials, certifications, and corresponding licenses of the hospital staff are maintained. Resources are made available to ensure these medical credentials are current for both skill proficiency and by regulation. However, those resources are limited by regulation to those persons who are the staff of USNH Sigonella.

Comment regarding Admin:At the latest All Hands call, as the junior enlisted stood in formation, I couldn't help but notice how all the chiefs and officers stood around scattered about with no sense of military bearing or protocol. This is the type of example that leads to poor behavior in the junior sailors. As leaders they should have been formed up and ready to receive the CO's message before his arrival. Needless to say I was disappointed in our senior shipmates.

Response:Your comment stands on its own and I agree. The CMC and I are taking immediate steps to address this.

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.

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 6 September 26, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 7September 26, 2014

U.S. Navy HEADLINESPistachio festival kicks off tonight in Bronte

BRONTE, Sicily - It’s again pistachio time in Eastern Sicily! The scrumptious annual “Sagra del pistacchio” (Pistachio festival) kicks off tonight and runs in historic heart of Bronte through Sept. 29 and from Oct. 4 through Oct. 6.

Bronte, a town located on the Western slopes of Mt. Etna has been awarded the title of “Italian capital of pistachio.” In fact, Bronte boasts a yearly production of nearly 30,000 quintals of pistachios (one per cent of the total world production) that are harvested every two years between August and September. Bronte is therefore considered the spearhead of pistachio’s production in Europe. That is why, in Sicily, this precious seed fruit is also nicknamed “green gold.”

Romans firstly introduced the cultivation of pistachio in Sicily importing it from the Middle East. However, it was the Arabs who actively grew, processed, and exported pistachio during the high middle age. That’s why the Sicilian words for pistachio are “Frastuca” (the seed) and “Frastucara” (the plant), they respectively derive from the Arabic words “Fristach” and "Festuch.”

In the Catania province, pistachio has been cultivated in the high mountain fertile volcanic soils of Etna since the second half of the 19th century, thanks to its resistance to extreme weather conditions. Over the centuries, local growers have been living in “symbiosis” with the volcano, fearing it but at the same time enjoying the fertility that Etna “donates” to the crops at the end of the eruptive activity.

Festival goers browsing through the stalls can sample a variety of pistachio based dishes such as desserts, cakes, ice cream, honey, “Nutella” (hazelnut spread with a chocolaty taste) patisserie and savory dishes such as “Tagghiarini” (tagliatelle) and “Maccarruni” (maccheroni) home made pasta with pesto sauce (made as the usual pesto but replacing the basil with pistachio), Ravioli, “Salsiccia” (pork sausage) and “Arancini” (breaded rice balls filled with ragù and cheese). This year there will also be pistachio vino that is a dessert wine as well as the cocktail al pistacchio (pistachio liquor). The festival also features booths, arts and crafts (lava stone, wood) and other local produce such as cheeses, salami and more as well as sweets including “Fillette” (circular shaped confections made with flour, sugar, and eggs that is cooked in a frying pan) and “Nucatuli” that are made with flour, sugar, lard, eggs vanilla, peeled ground pistachio, cinnamon and rose water.

Festival scheduleThe sagra kicks off tonight at 6 p.m. in the historic center with a town band concert and a cheerleaders

‘show. Festival grounds are open all day long through late night featuring food, activities, arts and crafts, folklore parades and music. Don’t miss the free pistachio cake tasting that takes place in piazza Avv. Vincenzo Castiglione around 6 p.m. on the last festival’s day (Oct. 5).

Other event highlights include the following events : folklore show of the drummers of Buccheri (Sep. 27, 7 p.m. historic center); folklore show featuring I Cariddi (Sep. 28, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. historic center); pistachio ice cream free tasting for children (Oct. 3, noon, historic center); best pistachio cake and ice cream contest (Oct. 3, 3:30 p.m. historic center) ; street artists’ performances (Oct. 3, 7 p.m. historic center); spectacular concert of the Sicilian brilliant singer and trumpeter Roy Paci and his Aretuska band . Paci blends Mediterranean sounds with Latin rhythms like samba and cumbia, ska, reggae, R&B, and jazz (Oct. 3, 9:30 p.m. piazza Avv. Vincenzo Castiglione); Etna Country Dance show (Oct. 4, 9:30 p.m. piazza Rosario); Motta St. Anastasia “Rione Panzera” flag throwers show ( Oct. 5, 5 p.m. historic center) and live music every festival’s night. For more information and detailed schedules, visit www.comune.bronte.ct.it

Nelson castleWhile you are visiting the festival make sure you visit the famous “Castello di Nelson,” an amazing castle

located in the neighboring town of Maniace, about eight miles from Bronte. The Castle was built in the 18th century on the ruins of a medieval abbey erected on a basaltic rock by Queen Margaret of Navarra in 1173 and belonged to the world-renowned British Admiral Horatio Nelson, the one who defeated the French at sea during the Napoleonic Wars. King of Naples Ferdinand I gave it to Nelson in 1799 as an award for the support that the British admiral gave him to put down a rebellion that broke out in Naples. According to historians, Nelson never visited the estate even though his’ heirs lived in the castle until 1940 when they were forced to leave Sicily as Italy declared war on England. In 1943, after the Allied landing in Sicily, the Nelsons got back their property but later decided to sell it to Bronte’s Municipality in 1981. Today, the castle’s complex is a magnificent museum and a cultural center where art exhibitions and conferences are held.

The castle preserves precious curios and artworks owned by Nelson such as medals, maps, paintings, military dispatches and orders, furniture, archeological findings, clocks, settles and even a set of glasses and a bottle that the admiral used just before his death, during the Battle of Trafalgar.

The castle also houses a Norman church in which some valuable paintings and sculptures are preserved. Among them, an 11th century Byzantine painting that depicts the Virgin Mary is undoubtedly the most

precious. Before you leave the castle, stroll through its magnificent four hectare-park featuring gardens dotted with lava stone sculptures, pines, cypresses, willows, ashes, magnolias, horse chestnuts, wisteria, pergolas and rose hedges.

However, the castle’s apartments are temporary closed for restoration so it is just possible to see the gardens and the outside of the complex.

Departments of the Navy, Energy and Agriculture invest in construction of three Biorefineries to produce drop-in biofuel for Military

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As part of a 2011 Presidential directive, the Departments of Navy, Energy, and Agriculture announced today that three companies have been awarded contracts to construct and commission biorefineries capable of producing "drop-in" biofuels to meet the transportation needs of the military and private sector. Made through the Department of Defense's (DOD) Defense Protection Act (DPA) of 1950, the awards support the Administration's goals to boost and diversify the domestic fuel supply base, make American warfighters less beholden to volatile oil markets, and strengthen national security.

"The contracts being announced today will help expand the operational capability of our Navy and Marine Corps around the world," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "In today's complex fiscal environment, we are balancing our mission with our resources and we must be innovative and forward-thinking. Programs like these help keep our operational capabilities on the cutting edge. This is how Sailors and Marines defend our great nation."

"This is a tremendous announcement for America's national security and our economy. Any time our military can use more American grown fuels instead of relying on foreign sources it makes our armed forces more energy secure. And the expansion of our advanced biofuel sector means the creation of good jobs across the country, especially in many of our rural communities," said Agriculture Secretary Vilsack.

"Advanced biomass-based transportation fuels have the potential to provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to traditional fuel sources," said Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman. "By advancing technologies that reduce our carbon emissions, this multi-agency partnership is demonstrating that by protecting our energy and environmental security, we will enhance our national security as well."

In total, these projects will produce more than 100 million gallons of

military grade fuel beginning in 2016 and 2017 at a price competitive with their petroleum counterparts.

The drop-in alternative fuels can be blended at a 50/50 ratio with traditional fossil fuels. This blend was successfully demonstrated during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) demonstration in 2012 for ships and planes, showing firsthand that this fuel can be utilized in Navy's warfighting platforms with no degradation to performance or mission. As these fuels become more available, the Department of the Navy will make advanced drop-in biofuel a regular part of its bulk fuel procurement, ushering in the "new normal" of Naval supremacy.

The companies receiving federal investments for the construction and commissioning of biorefineries are:

Emerald Biofuels: To build an 82 million gallon per year refinery on the Gulf Coast using waste fats to create military grade fuel.

Fulcrum BioEnergy: To build a 10 million gallon per year refinery in McCarran, Nevada, using municipal solid waste as its feedstock and the Fischer-Tropsch process to create fuel. On Sept. 4, USDA announced a $105 million Biorefinery Assistance Program loan guarantee to Fulcrum BioEnergy for the construction of this facility.

Red Rock Biofuels: To build a 12 million gallon per year refinery in Lakeview, Oregon, using woody biomass, or the by-products of forest management, as its feedstock and the Fischer-Tropsch process to create a refined product.

This effort brought by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Navy, along with partners in the private sector, will expand military fuel sources, improving the reliability of our overall fuel supply, adding resilience against supply disruptions, and giving the military more fuel options to maintain its readiness and defend the national security interests of the United States.

From the Office of the Chief of Information

Sigonella pistachio lovers will be happy to hear that the 25th edition of the mouthwatering Pistachio Festival returns to Bronte spreading across two weekends (Sep. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5) and featuring pistachio-based specialties and entertainment. (Photo by http://www.vicaincucina.com

The castle is open daily from 9 a.m. 1 p.m. to 3 to 6 p.m. Admission is € 3 for adults and free for children up to 10 years old. Guided tours in Italian are available every 60 minutes. For more information call 095-690018.

The Sanctuary of the “Santissima Annunziata,” which is located in Bronte, is also worth a visit. It features a renaissance façade and houses precious marble statues by Antonio Gagini and collection of 18th century paintings.

Reaching Bronte is fairly easy. Exit Bronte on Adrano- Randazzo national road 284. Visitors can also get to Bronte from Catania by catching the “Circumetnea” train leaving from the station “Borgo”, or the “Circumetnea” buses leaving from the station “Porto.”

International Couscous Fest continues in San Vito Lo Capo this weekend

The mouthwatering Couscous Festival is back to San Vito Lo Capo through September 28 in the Trapani province.

The festival, which celebrates its 17th edition this year, is a prestigious culinary competition among the chefs of ten countries (Israel, Morocco, France, Palestine, Senegal, United States, France, Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Italy), honoring couscous, an ancient savory food, combining chicken, lamb, stew or fish with vegetables and semolina, typically from the Mediterranean area. The festival will take place in both the lively streets of the historic center where ethnic music concerts and food booths, shaped as Berber tents called "Al Waha" (oasis), will create a cozy and exotic atmosphere. Judges include distinguished food journalists, and tourism experts.

Couscous is a staple dish in North Africa's Maghreb region (Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia) referring to the grain as well as to the finished dish. It is composed of meat and/or vegetable stew flavored with cumin and served over the cooked semolina. According to historians, the French term couscous stems from the Arabic word “kuskus,” which in turn evolved from another Arabic word, “kaskasa, ‘meaning "to pound or to make small." Couscous is traditionally steamed in a “couscoussier” or couscous pot, which consists of a double boiler. The lower part is a cooking pot while the upper part is a second pot (with a lid) that fits on top of the bottom pot. The top pot is a sieve with holes in its bottom that admit steam from the lower pot. The stew of lamb, beef or chicken, the broth and fresh vegetables cook in the bottom pot while the wheat semolina couscous is steamed on top.

Festival goers will also have the unique chance to sample the traditional siciliano couscous that will be prepared daily by the women and fishermen of San Vito lo Capo. This dish, of Arabic origin, is very common in the West coast of Sicily spanning from Trapani to Marsala. It is prepared with fish (prawns, groupers, amberjacks, scorpion fish and other local fish) instead of vegetables or meat. There are two Sicilian couscous variations: one with toasted almonds and chilies that is typical from San Vito Lo Capo and the other, which is prepared in the Agrigento area and is actually a sweet couscous dish, with pistachios, almonds, candied pumpkin, chocolate cinnamon and icing sugar. It takes skillful hands to n'cucciare (mixing the semolina grains) in the mafaradda, a large terracotta container that is handed down from mother to daughter.

Festival highlights: The final award ceremony, which takes place in piazza Santuario on Sept. 28 from 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., is a must-go event. During the festival, every day, from noon to midnight, festival goers can sample a menu consisting of a Couscous course (you can chose between the Sicilian or the traditional kind), a glass of Sicilian wine, a portion of local sweets (cassatelle, cannoli, cassate and almond desserts) and some exquisite dessert wine. The festival also features food workshops, arts and crafts, seminars (presented in Italian), wine, olive oil, traditional pastries tasting and entertainment.

Most of the events are free of charge, but for some of them attendance is by invitation only.

For detailed schedule, visit the official festival website (also available in English): http://www.couscousfest.it

Reaching San Vito lo Capo is fairly easy. Take the Catania- Palermo highway (A19). Once you arrive in Palermo take the Palermo-Mazara del Vallo highway (A29), exit Castellammare del Golfo and follow directions for San Vito lo Capo.

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution worked with Google Maps to record a virtual tour of 'Old Ironsides' this morning aboard the ship.

Google Maps photographed the ship to create a virtual 360-degree experience of Constitution in preparation for the ship's scheduled dry-dock period in March 2015.

"People around the country and across the world will have the opportunity to experience Constitution online," said Cmdr. Sean Kearns, Constitution's 73rd commanding officer, "This capability will be especially important while most areas of the ship are inaccessible during her restoration."

The 216-year-old warship will be added to the list of historical landmarks that Google Maps has available for online tours. Among the list are the Taj Mahal, The Louvre Museum, underwater reefs, and regular street views from around the world. To date, Google Maps has been able to cover 57 different countries.

The Constitution, however, is considered a "street view special collect," said Curt Fennell, a Google Maps Systems Administrator, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

"We like to have as much information as possible, it's our mission. The USS Constitution is a national treasure. Since she will be unavailable for a few years, we want to make her available for viewers from all over," Fennell said.

'Old Ironsides' will be moving to dry-dock in 2015, and the restoration is scheduled to last three years.

The virtual tour will help Constitution and history enthusiasts view and experience the ship as she presently looks at her berth in Charlestown Navy Yard before preparations begin to de-rig and offload the ship in the upcoming months.

USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, actively defended sea lanes against global threats from 1797 to 1855. Now a featured destination on Boston's Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval seapower to more than 500,000 visitors each year.

Google Maps records virtual tour of USS ConstitutionBy MC3 ViCtoria KinneyUSS Constitution Public Affairs

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 8 September 26, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 9September 26, 2014

BY LIz zENDNERNAS Sigonella Public Affairs Volunteer

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily -Making summer travel decisions in Europe is difficult. There is a strong possibility that places will either be miserably hot or packed with tourists, sometimes both. Upon a friend’s advice, I looked into Slovenia as a summer travel option. Many are unaware of Slovenia’s location, or the fact that it exists at all, but it is Italy’s neighbor to the east. Slovenia also borders Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, so it’s easy to pair with a second location for an extended trip. The Slovenian people are very friendly, and most speak English quite well. Flights to Slovenia were expensive, but I discovered that the capital city of Ljubljana is only a 2.5 hour drive from Venice’s Marco Polo airport, so we flew to Venice and rented a car. We made an apartment in Bled our home base, then stayed one night in Ljubljana before heading to Croatia. (Driving tips: 1. Bring gas coupons, and fill up in Italy before crossing the border, 2. Purchase a vignette sticker at the first gas station you come across in Slovenia- it’s a driving pass, and there is a hefty fine for not having one).

Lake Bled is absolutely gorgeous. Its castle perched high on a cliff keeps watch over visitors, and the church nestled on a tiny island in the middle of the glassy water looks as if it’s straight from a fairytale. From Bled, we took several day trips. Our first adventure was to Vintgar Gorge. The river that flows through the gorge is breathtaking. It’s boasts shades of emerald, and glows anywhere the sun touches the water’s surface. I was shocked at the lack of visitors to this extraordinary place in the midst of summer, but I didn’t mind the opportunity for a photo shoot along the wooden path that hugs the walls of the gorge.

Our other day trips from Bled included driving through the snow capped Julian Alps, visiting Postojna Cave, and a day on the Slovenian coast. Although Slovenia borders several countries, it is not landlocked. The small country has a short coastline that spans less than 30 miles. A visit to the coast of Slovenia is well worth the hour and a half drive from Bled. Wandering around the small town of Piran, and having coffee and smoothies along side the Adriatic Sea at Hotel Piran was incredibly relaxing.

Ljubljana (Lee-oob-lee-ah-nah) is the capital city of Slovenia, and possibly the best area of Slovenia for night life, although Bled has a bit of its own along the lake front. There is a certain charm to the city center, and the river adds to that charm. Ljubljana Castle has a fantastic view of the city, as well as some interesting exhibits. Don’t miss the central market, closed only on Sundays and holidays, which is dotted with colorful umbrellas that provide shade for local goods.

Slovenia is a wonderful country with lots to offer, despite its small size. Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and rafting are readily available. If outdoor activities are not on the agenda, try a spa day, wine tasting, or simply lounging by the lake. For more information about visiting Slovenia, check out the tourism board’s website: www.slovenia.info

The underappreciated jewel of EuropeSlovenia:

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 10 September 26, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 11September 26, 2014

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, September 26*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Canadian Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles.*Lunch: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Meat loaf, Lasagna, Chipper Fish, Steamed Rice, Calico Cabbage, Herbed Broccoli, Cake.Speed line: Asstd. Pizza.*Dinner: Egg Drop Soup, Chicken Breast w/Orange Sauce, Shrimp Scampi, Rice Pilaf, Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Green Beans, Cake.

Saturday, September 27*Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Bacon, Creamed Sausage w/Biscuit, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Egg Noodles, Chili Dog, Beef Stroganoff, Roast Turkey, Hash Brown Potatoes, Cauliflower Au Gratin, Peas, Brown Gravy, Pie Asstd. *Dinner: Onion Soup, Grilled Chicken Breast, Chili Dog, Steak Ranchero, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Rice Pilaf, French Fried Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Collard Greens, Cake.

Sunday, September 28*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Sausage w/Biscuit, Bacon, Grilled Minute Steak, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Italian Roasted Potatoes, French Toast.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Broccoli Soup, Pork Steak W/Mushroom Gravy, Chili Macaroni, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Corn O’Brien, Spinach. *Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Barbecued Chicken, Spaghetti W/Meat Sauce, Fishwich, Steamed Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Cauliflower.

Monday, September 29*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Oven Fried Bacon, Minced Beef, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Waffles, Muffin.*Lunch: Chicken Rice Soup, Yankee Pot Roast, Baked Fish, Manicotti, Oven Browned Potatoes, Green Peas, Seasoned Summer Squash, Asstd. Pie, Ice Cream*Speed line: Pizza Asstd.*Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Spaghetti w/ Meatball, BBQ Chicken, Shrimp Scampi, Oriental Rice, Carrot Amandine, Broccoli.

Tuesday, September 30*Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Sausage Patties, Bacon, Creamed Sausage w/Biscuit, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast. *Lunch: Spanish Soup, Beef Tacos, Fish Tacos, Beef Enchiladas, Chicken Fiesta, Mexican Rice, Mexican Corn Bread, Broccoli, Corn Whole Kernel, Refried Beans, Ice Cream.*Speed line: Fried Shrimp, Onion Rings, Lasagna.*Dinner: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Chicken Parmesan, Beef Stew, Spaghetti Chef, Carrots Slices, Spinach, Cake.

Wednesday, October 1*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Bacon, Creamed Beef, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles.*Lunch: Beef Noodle Soup, Manicotti, Chipper Fish, Roast Pork, Steamed Rice, Corn, Carrots, Asstd. Pie, Ice Cream.*Speed line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Turkey Burger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes, Oven Fried Bacon.*Dinner: French Onion Soup, Italian Sausage, Baked Scallops, Spaghetti w/ Meatballs, Potatoes au Gratin, Cauliflower, Steamed Peas & Carrots, Pie.

Thursday, October 2*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast.*Lunch: Cream of Broccoli Soup, New York Steak, Chicken Florentia, Manicotti, Fried Shrimp, Steamed Rice, Baked Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Asparagus, Cauliflowers, Cheese Cake, Ice Cream.*Dinner: Cream of Broccoli Soup, Cantonese Spareribs, Salisbury Steak w/Mushroom Gravy, Pasta Chef, Fried Rice , Corn Kernel, Asparagus, Cake.

Friday, October 3*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles.*Lunch: Clam Chowder Soup, Breaded Pork, Baked Chicken, Lasagna, Carrots, Broccoli, Cookies, Ice Cream..*Speed line: Pizza.*Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Roast Turkey, Fishwich Sandwich, Pasta Chef, Tossed Green Rice, Chicken Gravy, Corn O’Brien, Green Beans, Cookies.

Q: How did the need for CPCs arise?

Capt. Vigneron: PSD has a very small staff that has continued to shrink over the years so when a Sailor decides to just walk into PSD and talk to a clerk here, that clerk becomes the only one who knows what's going on. So with online appointment-making, CPCs and TOPS, not only is the Sailor staying productive at work, and not wasting work hours in the PSD waiting area for hours as in the old days, the online and automated systems have tracking and accountability that provide greater integrity and oversight to the benefit of the Sailor.

Q: But if CPCs are not personnel specialists by trade, how then do we know they are properly trained to handle my PSD business?

Lt. j.g. Garcia: You’re right, CPCs are not always of the PS or YN rating, but they usually choose this collateral duty because they have those clerical skill sets. But even those who don’t attend our bi-weekly in-rate training or the monthly CPC training are given an open-door invitation with the PSD chain-of-command to answer their questions. If they have a specific problem or question, we have made it possible for them to get the help they need to answer the servicemember’s question or issue. There is also the NPC portal that explains to the CPC how we handle business and hopefully gives them the answer they are looking for, but again, my office is always open for them as needed. In short, there is no reason your CPC can’t rise to the challenges, some admittedly unique, that their position requires of them.

Q: Some parents seem to be having difficulties enrolling their children in DEERS post-birth. What advice can you give them to help expedite this process?

Capt. Vigneron: When babies are born in any U.S. Navy hospital to include Sigonella every parent of their newborn is given a checklist of items needed to complete in order to get their birth certificate, Social Security Numbers (SSN), and also to get that child enrolled into DEERS. If they follow the correct procedures within 3 to 5 weeks they should have their certificate of birth abroad and their Social Security Number. Once they have their newborn’s SSN, they should schedule an appointment and bring the card to PSD so we can permanently enroll them in DEERS and finalize the process. But we cannot do so without that SSN. The hospital staff likely has been working with the parents and child so at the baby’s 90-Day Well Baby check there will be follow-up with the hospital staff who will ask the parents if they have the SSN and to ensure the baby is enrolled in DEERS. Also, parents can visit http://www.tricare.mil/DEERS. This site has helpful information and contact numbers that will hopefully guide service members toward getting the info needed. We understand there is a lot going on in the lives of parents with newborns, but there are checks and assistance to help make sure they get their children in the system. The Tricare office at the hospital here in Sigonella is both astute and very involved in the procedures, and we are on the same page with them and them with us. There is nothing unique about Sigonella in this process.

Q: What about regular PSD appointments?

Lt. j.g. Garcia: Again, we ask that every Sailor coordinate their PSD administrative needs through their CPC so they may be best directed and served. If a Sailor needs a new dependent ID or CAC card, they can sign up for appointments with PSD online, and it is really quite simple. Just visit this site: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/ Once you are on the site it is as easy as choosing your OCONUS installation, and then the date and time to set up your desired appointment for.

Q: Okay, but what about when PSD runs behind? Now I have shown up for my appointment and despite signing up online I am still “twiddling my thumbs.”

Lt. j.g. Garcia: You won’t be doing any “thumb-twiddling” if you leave your contact information when you sign up for the CAC ID card appointment. When we are having trouble with the machine that produces ID cards, and really even if we are just suspicious that we’re going to have issues, we reach out to the customer and let them know and then if necessary we’ll reschedule. We don’t let the customer show up before we break the bad news, we let them know ahead of time. But we can only do that if the customer leaves their contact information when they sign up!

Q: What about emergencies? Am I supposed to go through my CPC when my CAC certificates are on the fritz? I can’t wait for hours or even days just so I can do my job.!

Lt. j.g. Garcia: We understand and that’s why we have listened to the customer feedback and established new business practices for handling such issues. In fact, beginning Monday, Sept. 29 we will offer assistance for “emergent issues,” which we are defining as the following:

1. Loss or Stolen CAC/ID2. CAC "Lock-Out"3. Certificate expiration

Here are the new hours, with the updated “emergent issues” timeframe:

Monday/Tuesday/Thursday/Friday:(0900-1230)- Appointments only(1230-1300)- "Emergent Issue" and Walk-in early session*(1300-1530)- Appointment only(1530-1600)- "Emergent Issue" and Walk-in late session*

Wednesday:(0900-1230)- Appointments only(1230-1300)- "Emergent Issue" and Walk-in session*

*All "Emergent Issues" and Walk-in's will be on a first come/first served basis, and will require all personnel to sign in on the "Walk-in Log."

To keep up with the workload, we have been open Saturdays as well.

"Q&A" continued from page 1

"Q&A" continued on page 12

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 12 September 26, 2014 THE SIGNATURE PAGE 13September 26, 2014

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Find and circle all of the 1980's music artists that are hidden in the grid.The remaining letters spell the name of a hit song by the Bangles.

ASIABANGLESBERLINBILLY JOELBILLY OCEANBLONDIEBON JOVICHICAGODAVID BOWIEDEBARGEDURAN DURAN ERASUREEURYTHMICSFALCOFOREIGNER

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TALK TALKTEARS FOR FEARSTHE CARS THE FIXXTHE MOTELSTHE POLICETIFFANYTOM PETTYTONI BASILTOTOVAN HALENWANG CHUNGWHAM!

80's Radio Hitmakers

Saturday: Case-by-Case basis. All Saturday DEERs/Rapids appointments must be approved by the Officer in Charge,

and must be coordinated No Later Than the Thursday previous to the requested Saturday.

Before or After "Normal" Appointment Hours (Monday-Friday):(Before 0900)- Case-by-Case basis. Must be approved by the PSD CDO.(After 1600)- Case-by-Case basis. Must be approved by the PSD CDO.

Q: Okay, but what about times when Sigonella’s PSD is closed?

Lt. j.g. Garcia: If there is a CAC card “lockout” or if your certificate expires, there is always the self-help website. The address is: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/self_service/ This may save you time and frustration and depending on the situation it empowers the Sailor to remedy their own issues.

Q: Why are we doing away with the ID card machine on NAS 1?

Capt. Vigneron: The quick answer is because we didn’t have enough customers on NAS 1 to justify keeping the manning there to operate the ID card machine. Anyone who wants an ID card made now needs to come to NAS 2. It’s not a decision we made locally, but the low usage meant that we didn’t rate the second machine at NAS 1.

Q: What have been the biggest successes of PSD’s revised business practices the last five years?

Capt. Vigneron: I think the greatest success is that these new practices are keeping the Sailor at his or her command doing the job they are trained to do. This has not only saved the Navy big man hours and productivity, it has kept us mission-ready. We are also saving money through automation. When we changed to E-leave through NSIPS, the Navy saved plenty of money getting rid of “basket leave,” which was paper leave that wasn’t getting charged because it ended up in a basket, misplaced, or was lost. It wasn’t getting processed so people were getting additional leave, or the Navy was paying them for leave they weren’t entitled to when they were separating or retiring. But most importantly we want the Sailor to own the pay and personnel process. It empowers the Sailor. Sort of like how the ESR allows every Sailor to see his or her own record and keep it up-to-date instead of just relying on humans to handle their records.

Q: What’s next for what seems like a more “hands-on” or automated approach for PSD?

Capt. Vigneron: The next process in self-service is that the servicemember will be responsible for updating their own Page 2. The Page 2 is very common and updated every time they PCS. The Sailor will be able to do that from their desktop through NSIPS. If there is an entitlement change PSD will process that. It is in beta format right now, but we think it will be launched in 2015. On the horizon we are also working to automate SGLI as well as the DD-214 to go into the servicemember’s OMPF before retiring. But we will keep looking for opportunities to automate.

Q: Transferring pets seems so hard to do from Sigonella. Why?

Lt. j.g. Garcia: Many of us own pets and at PSD we understand how they become part of the family; so we aren't trying to punish people who are trying to get home with the pets they are bring here or adopt during their stay at Sigonella. With that said, there is nothing written in your or your sponsor's orders guaranteeing a pet's travel the same way we guarantee a dependent's travel. The first thing I am going to suggest is attending Fleet and Family's Arrivederci class. Everyone should be going through this class before they depart, and people with pets may especially find the information interesting as this farewell class is armed with up-to-date information about protocols and policies regarding travel with pets. The other thing I would say is when planning a permanent change of station (PCS) move, we can't stress enough the need to be ready and flexible well in advance of your transfer. For those with pets, this rule applies two-fold, especially while stationed here. There is a lot of information pertaining to travel with pets from NAS Sigonella and we can make it available. The July 4 edition of The Signature ran a rather exhaustive article of information for people planning to travel with pets. You can check out that article on the NAS Sigonella Facebook page, or e-mail them and they can send you a copy of the article. The Air Terminal here also is a great source of information on travel with pets.

Q: Anything else to add?

Lt. j.g. Garcia: Though a lot of the ways we are handling business is going the way of automation, we still believe in the personal touch and we will make ourselves available when needed. Even though it is not mandated, we still believe in checking in every transfer face-to-face and people tell us how much they appreciate that human interaction. We are also doing great on travel claims and pay issues in general. The Navy gives us 30 days to process travel claims. At Sigonella, we do it in on an average of two to four days. That’s pretty good. The same is true with processing TLA claims. But we are also emphasizing quality control. Finally, though sometimes we can’t come up with the answer of “yes” we always try to do the best we can and we have put customer service at the forefront of our goals here. There are times when our hands are tied with policies, but in the old days most of our complaints were because people were showing up to PSD and sitting around all morning because they didn’t have an appointment. We have come a long way from those days, and we will continue to look for ways to improve.

"Q&A" continued from page 10 Changes to MWR’s group exercises

MWR fitness group exercise classes offer a variety of opportunities to be physically active and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. These classes are currently offered free of charge to eligible MWR patrons. Starting October 1, the group exercise program is going through a notable change. (Photo provided by MWR)

BY MARIA DUMANLANGMWR Marketing Director NAS Sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - A popular program at NAS Sigonella, the MWR fitness group exercise classes offer a variety of opportunities to be physically active and help maintain a healthy lifestyle. These classes are currently offered free of charge to eligible MWR patrons. Starting October 1, the group exercise program is going through a notable change.

In accordance with the Operations Plan from Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) for the new fiscal year, up to eight free group exercise classes can be offered each week as part of the MWR Sigonella fitness program. In addition, classes conducted by qualified and certified instructors, who volunteer their time and skills, will continue to be free of charge. It should be noted that currently there are two classes per week being conducted by a volunteer. The remainder of the group exercise classes will be available for a single class fee of $3.00 and as little as $2.00 per class with the purchase of a punch card. Eligible patrons may purchase single classes or discounted punch cards at the front desk of NAS 1 Fit District or NAS 2 Flight Line Fitness.

The free group exercise classes will be scheduled at times that maximize active duty participation. Additionally, the group exercise schedule will be published monthly, and the free classes will be rotated to ensure a variety of classes are offered to active duty members. Moreover, Command PT (up to five sessions per week) will continue to be offered for free in support of commands.

For assistance and inquiries, please contact the MWR Fitness Office at 624-4301 or fitness_sigonella@eu.navy.mil.

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NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Navy’s philosophy of developing healthy, self-reliant families is epitomized through the Navy Family Ombudsman Program. The ombudsman concept originated in Scandinavian countries where they investigated citizens’ complaints against the government or its functionaries. Today the concept is widely utilized in the fields of government, business, and healthcare.

Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, Jr. created the Navy Family Ombudsman Program on September 14, 1970 by issuing Z Gram 24. Admiral Michael G. Mullen, CNO, reemphasized the importance of the program in 2007, signing an updated instruction and highlighting the requirement that all Navy families have access to a Navy Family Ombudsman.What is an Ombudsman?

Ombudsman are volunteers, appointed by the commanding officer, to serve as an information link between command leadership and Navy families. They are trained to disseminate information both up and down the chain of command, including official Department of the Navy and command information, command climate issues, local quality of life improvement opportunities, and “good deals” around the community. They also provide resource referrals when needed, and are instrumental in resolving family issues before they require extensive command attention. The command ombudsman program is shaped by the commanding officers perceived needs of his/her command. The command ombudsman is appointed by and works under the guidance of the commanding officer who determines the priorities of

the program, the roles and relationships of those involved in it, and the type and level of support it will receive.What does an Ombudsman do?

• Ensures a responsive and accuratesource of information between commands and families

• Provides an effective, well-trainedinformation and referral service

• Provides, a proactive informationand education resource via newsletters, telephone/email tress and briefings

• Deliversapositivespokespersonandrole model for family members

• In conjunction with the Navy’ssponsor program can facilitate the smooth transition of Sailors and their families during PCS moves

• Hasproved tobe invaluableduringnatural and man-made disasters

• Serve as a critical link for familiesduring mobilization or geographic separation

The Navy Family Ombudsman Program enables service members to be more focused and productive at work because their families have a safety net. Since the Navy recruits Sailors, but retains families, families who are satisfied with the Navy lifestyle will more likely choose to stay Navy.

The Ombudsman Program is here for you. If you need an Ombudsman please contact 624-4291 during duty hours and 335-580-1269 after hours.

The Sigonella community will be recognizing the hard work and dedication of our local Ombudsman by having a luncheon on September 26, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Navy Family Ombudsman ProgramFrom Fleet and Family Service Center NAS Sigonellabetween the bicyclist’s collapse and the helicopter departing NAS 1 was 46 minutes.

The patient currently lies in a bed in Cannizzaro Hospital receiving ongoing treatment. He is alive.

“What a terrific example of everything I hold dear about our community,” said Naval Air Station Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis. “This gentleman is alive today because people cared enough to act. This was the culmination of attentiveness and immediate actions of people from all across our Sigonella community.”

It’s easy to point to the interventions of medical care providers for their efforts. EMTs spent at least 30 minutes working on the bicyclist, defibrillating him six times before he was medically evacuated.

But what of the non-medical personnel who responded, and responded flawlessly?The woman who initially spotted the collapsed bicyclist (and declined to be

interviewed) is a staff member onboard NAS Sigonella. “She thinks she conducted an everyday act,” said one of her co-workers, “yet I do

believe she is a hero to that man who suffered the heart attack and to our community for staying so aware of her surroundings.”

The base Security Liaison, who also requested not to be named, has 11 years of security experience in addition to the same training that Navy Masters-at-Arms receive. The fluidity of teamwork of all those involved, said the Security Liaison, was key to successfully handling a complicated situation.

“The best part of this was the high level of cooperation that was put into place naturally,” he said. “The coordination was great. The team effort was great. And the outcome was great. We were able to fend off death and give that guy a chance. That is an invaluable result.”

Making matters difficult was the language barrier between the base hospital’s team and the local Italian medical team. It was the Security Liaison’s job to bridge that gap.

When he arrived at USNH Sigonella’s Emergency Department, he was briefly awed.

“I saw five or six people all working together around the patient,” he said. “It was brilliant. They did an outstanding job. It was like muscle memory. They knew exactly what to do.”

So, too, did everyone else, and that is a testament to the culture the community exudes. It is a culture forged on the Navy’s Core Values of honor, courage and commitment, and that was displayed impeccably in the direst of times.

“A man lives today because he was noticed to be in crisis,” Dennis said. “His situation was reported, and CPR and other lifesaving measures were quickly and persistently administered… Good Samaritans, hospital emergency services, Security, Operations, the Italian Air Force. [They all] worked in spontaneous but fully harmonious coordination and made a lifesaving difference. This is another tremendous example of what makes our citizens and our Sigonella community so special. Every day, I am honored to live here.”

This is a story that could have ended terribly. It didn’t because the individuals involved acted swiftly, selflessly, and appropriately.

It’s a story that does not give due credit to those involved. But no matter. This is a story about a life saved.This is Sigonella.

"Community"" continued from page 1

This team of Emergency Medical Technicians was only a small part of a community that banded together to help save the life of a bicyclist who collapsed near the gate of Naval Air Station Sigonella NAS 1 gate on Sept. 13. From left, Hospitalman Apprentice Jaryd Robinson, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Nathan Steward, Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Paul Larson, and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Drew Snyder. (U.S. Navy Photo by Hospital Corpsman Second Class Matthew Clutter/Released)

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Do you have a passion for writing? Are you looking for a little experience in journalism?

The Signature is seeking volunteers to help cover base events as well as feature and travel stories.

If this interests you, please call the NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Office at DSN 624-5440 or email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil.

THE

THE SIGNATUREPAGE 16 September 26, 2014