Naval Air Station Sigonella's 50th Anniversary Book by NAS Sigonella Signature

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

“

”

TITOLI TITOLI

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Contents

Commanding Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Capt. Thomas J. Quinn Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Capt. Joseph W. Beadles Command Master Chief

CMC Rosa L. Wilson

...........

Welcome Messages

5-6

Public Affairs Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lt. j.g. Matt Knight Deputy Public Affairs Officer . . .Dott. Alberto Lunetta

Sigonella History

7-23

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tracie Barnthouse Staff Writers/Photographers . . .MC1 Chris Delano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MC2 Jason Poplin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MC3 Jonathan Idle THE SIGNATURE EDITORIAL OFFICE IS LOCATED NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, SICILY PSC 812 BOX 3020 FPO, AE 09627 ☎ 095-865440 - DSN 624-5440

24-25

Then & Now

27-46

Sigonella All-Stars

47-55

What was going on in the world

54-61

NASSIG’s COs 1959-2009

62-63

PUBLISHED BY STAMPA GENERALE S.R.L., VIA FULCO RUFFO C/O NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY POST OFFICE BOX 2263, 80143 NAPLES - ITALY ☎ 081-568-7884 - FAX 081-568-7887 E-MAIL: stampagenerale@tin.it PRINTING: DATA PRINT S.R.L. - NAPLES Stampa Generale S.r.l., is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Navy. Opinions expressed by the publishers and writers herein are their own and are not to be considered an official expression by the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertisements in this publication, including inserts, does not constitute an endorsement by the Department of the Navy of the firms, products, or services advertised.

Agip Catania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Agip Tangenziale Ovest . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Agip/Angela & Brother . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Algese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 All Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Ameresco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Archevion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 ASC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Avis Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Bertorotta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Borgo Antico Agriturismo . . . . . . . . .13 Busi Impianti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Caffè del Duomo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32, 33 CMC Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Cocer Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Comec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Copitel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Craivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Days Inn Pub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Embry Riddle University . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Esso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Etnapolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 F.lli Chiechio Breakdown Service . . . . .58 Gambino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Gegomotor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd Cover

Timeline

Cover photo Left side: A Marine RQ4 supply Aircraft sits on the runway at NAF Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by AE2/P1/AE Don Bailey) Right side: Aviations Technician Airman Justin Kirschbaum uses hand signals to taxi a P-3C Orion from the taxiway. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Jacqueline Hall. (Released))

LIST OF ADVERTISERS Gelateria Frinfrisù . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Gemmo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Genovese Hardware Store . . . . . . . . .28 Golden Moving Company . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Hotel/TLA Continental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Days Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Gelso Bianco . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3rd Cover Grand Hotel Excelsior . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Il Principe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Magnolia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, 17 Motta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 New Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Parc Hotels Italia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Parco rocca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Pietro’s TLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Sigonella Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Isole dei Ciclopi Diver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Izzo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Joe’s Garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Kartodromo Club Diana . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Key Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 L’Angolo di Dodò . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Lotos Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Maggiore Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Mail Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Marchi Dr. Marcello Plastic Surgeon 18 Marconi Impianti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Mario Iron Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Masseria Portiere Stella . . . . . . . . . .40 Multinational Logistic Services 64 Mondo Animale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 MWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Navy Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4th Cover NEX Sigonella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 Palermo Mobili . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Restaurants Alphio’s Garden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Medusa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Oxidiana Japanese Restaurant . . .2 Taberna Sarvan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Villa Zuccaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Taxi Virgillito . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 University of Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 University of Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Volcano Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

VERTER

FACILITY MANAGEMENT FOR HIGH TECHNOLOGY COMPLEXES: AIRPORTS, HOSPITALS, ROADS, MOTORWAYS, TUNNELS, HARBOURS, SPORTS FACILITIES, CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURES.

HIGH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS IN THE RAILWAYS AND THE LIGHT RAILS SECTORS, CONTACT LINES, ENERGY SUPPLY SYSTEMS, SIGNALLING-TELECOMMUNICATION AND POWER SYSTEMS.

STREET LIGHTING: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, DELIVERING TURN KEYS SOLUTIONS.

SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION AND GLOBAL SERVICE MANAGEMENT GUARANTEEING EFFICIENCY AND SECURITY THROUGH ADVANCE IT SOLUTIONS.

Gemmo. Great energy, great projects. Since 1919 the Gemmo Group has been committed to improving quality of life through public utility works. Gemmo is an Italian Company specialized in Facility Management Services and in construction, management and maintenance of complex plants and systems. 7KH *URXS LV SURXG RI LWV ORQJ WHUP DQG FRQVROLGDWHG H[SHULHQFH LQ WKH ÂżHOG RI KLJK WHFK infrastructure, consisting of airports, hospitals, railways and light railways systems, roads, tunnels, harbours, public lighting, power stations, theatres, museums, and other facilities. It LV IXUWKHU LQQRYDWLQJ ZLWKLQ LWV ÂżHOG WKURXJK WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI WKH DGYDQFHG ÂżQDQFLDO WRRO The new Railways Station of Liegi, Belgique. Project Architect Calatrava.

The new Hospital of Mestre, Venice. Project Architect Ambasz.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Project Financing,â&#x20AC;? most recently used to build and manage the new Hospital of Mestre. Gemmo Group: our commitment and our energy are at your service to build the future. .

*UXSSR *HPPR 6S$ $UFXJQDQR 9, LQIR#JHPPR FRP www.gemmo.com

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

con grande piacere che do il mio t is my distinct pleasure to welbenvenuto ai cittadini italiani ed come both U.S. and Italian citiamericani intervenuti alla zens to the Naval Air Station Cerimonia del 50° anniversario della costith (NAS) Sigonella 50 Anniversary tuzione della Stazione Aeronavale della celebration. The combined U.S. and Marina Statunitense (NAS) di Sigonella. Italian cooperation over the last 50 La sinergia tra la componente italiana ed years has provided significant benefits americana ha prodotto, nel corso di cinfor both nations and has created a quant’anni, risultati proficui per entrambe strategic partnership and lasting perle nazioni, generando una partnership sonal friendships. strategica ed un’amicizia personale duraFor the Americans in Sicily, an assigntura. Gli americani che si trovano in Sicilia conment to NAS Sigonella is among the siderano l’assegnazione presso la NAS best duty our military and governSigonella, uno dei più ambìti incarichi di ment civilians will get in their entire tutta la loro carriera civile o militare. career. The warmth of the Sicilian Il calore dei Siciliani è straordinario, la people is remarkable, and the culture loro cultura è ricca di storia e variegata. is both historic and diverse. Many Dopo aver completato un incarico in NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Americans complete a tour of duty in Capt. Thomas J. Quinn Italia, molti americani fanno a gara per Italy and seek another. ottenerne un altro. There are four significant groups of people who make life Ci sono quattro gruppi rilevanti di persone, le quali fanno si che la in Sigonella such a quality experience for U.S. Service vita a Sigonella costituisca un’importante esperienza di qualità per i militari americani. Il primo gruppo è costituito dai nostri members. commilitoni e dalle loro famiglie. Essi fanno da legame tra la First, our fellow service members and our families give us nostra stessa cultura e la madrepatria. Sigonella è una comunità our connection to our own culture and home. Sigonella is molto unita che contribuisce a rendere più confortevole la permaa tight knit community making the overseas tour for nenza oltremare degli americani, perchè è una comunità tutta Americans abroad easier because we have a community of nostra che possiamo condividere l’uno con l’altro. our own to share with one another. Il secondo gruppo è quello degli italiani che lavorano per la Second, the Italian citizens employed by the U.S. Navy are Marina Militare degli Stati Uniti. Essi sono la spina dorsale della the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s ability to get its job done capacità operativa della Marina USA in Sicilia. Questi dipendenti in Sicily. These employees are the most skilled and most sono tra i più qualificati e leali che si possano desiderare e so di loyal we could ask for, and I know I speak for each of my parlare anche a nome di tutti i miei predecessori, se dico che questi uomini e queste donne sono parte integrante della nostra organizpredecessors when I say that these men and women are zazione. La celebrazione di questo anniversario è un riconosciintegral members of our team. This anniversary celebramento che va a ciascuna di queste persone che lavorano tutt’oggi tion is recognition for every one of these individuals who in base o che hanno lavorato con noi nel corso dei cinquant’anni works here now or has at any time in the past fifty years. passati. Del terzo gruppo fa parte l’Aeronautica Militare Italiana Third, the Italian Air Force (ITAF) and the ITAF Base ed il suo Comandante, il Colonnello Pilota Luca Tonello. Commander, Colonel Luca Tonello, are the best hosts we Anch’essi sono tra i migliori che si possano desiderare. Il partenacould ask for. The cooperation and partnership between riato e la cooperazione tra le nostre due nazioni inizia da questa our nations begins with this relationship. The ITAF and collaborazione. US Navy relationship has never been better than it is Il rapporto tra la Marina USA e l’Aeronautica Militare Italiana today. non è mai stato così saldo come in questo periodo. Infine, desidero ricordare le care comunità limitrofe che circondano Sigonella ed Finally, the communities that surround the Plain of ospitano con grande affetto una larga percentuale di americani Sigonella, mainly Motta Santa Anastasia, Misterbianco, assegnati alla NAS Sigonella; tra le quali si annoverano principalCatania and Mineo, where a large percentage of Americans mente : Motta Sant’ Anastasia, Misterbianco, Catania e Mineo. assigned to NAS Sigonella live are outstanding neighbors. Desidero far giungere agli Italiani ed in particolare ai Siciliani il To the people of Italy and specifically Sicily, thank you mio più caloroso ringraziamento per avere accolto da sempre i very much for being tremendous hosts to the American militari americani a Sigonella. Auguro alla comunità americana service members here in Sigonella. To the American comdi divertirsi durante questa celebrazione e suggerisco loro di munity, enjoy the celebration, and add it to your collection aggiungere questa ricorrenza alla collezione dei ricordi più belli e of life-long memories of your tour in Italy. duraturi del loro soggiorno in Italia. Capt. Thomas J. Quinn Capt. Thomas J. Quinn Comandante NAS Sigonella NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer

“

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

ifty years of history is really a i nquanta anni di storia long time. And fifty years rappresentano un tempo have gone by after the molto lungo. E cinquanta United States Navy began to opersono gli anni che sono trascorsi da ate from Sigonella supporting its quando la Marina degli Stati Uniti activity in the Mediterranean Sea. ha iniziato ad operare a Sigonella The Mediterranean Sea was the per supportare le proprie attivitá cradle of the Western civilization nel Mar Mediterraneo. and, internally, the island of Sicily Il Mar Mediterraneo é stato la has always been its hub: witness culla della civiltá occidentale e, al and main part of everything was suo interno, l’isola di Sicilia ne é going on. sempre stata il suo baricentro: testiFor fifty years the American mone e protagonista di tutto ció che Colonnello Luca Tonello, Comandante 41° Stormo AS community of Sigonella has lived vi é successo. next to the Sicilian population Per cinquanta anni la comunitá going through pleasant moments and more or less easy situations americana di Sigonella ha vissuto accanto alla popolazione sicilto manage, but always in a climate of great friendship. iana attraverso momenti piu’ o meno belli e situazioni piú o meno During those years, thanks to the collaboration among nations, facili da trattare. Ma sempre in un clima di grande cordialitá. like the one occurred in Sigonella between Americans and Sono stati anni in cui, grazie anche alla collaborazione fra gli Italians, it has been possible to assure peace and prosperity and stati, come quella che c’é stata a Sigonella fra Americani ed even win the Cold War, which wasn’t as disastrous as World War I Italiani, é stato possibile garantire pace e sviluppo e vincere una and II, but could have been much more dangerous for the entire guerra, quella Fredda, che non é stata disastrosa come quelle world. mondiali ma ha rischiato di diventare molto piu’ pericolosa. This year the Italian Air Force 41º Stormo AS, that I have the Quest’anno il 41º Stormo AntiSom che ho l’onore ed il privilehonor and the privilege to lead, celebrates seventy years of operagio di comandare festeggia settanta anni di vita. Con una storia tion. With an impressive history, always serving its own Country, prestigiosa, sempre al servizio della Nazione, alle spalle, il personthe personnel of the Wing are ready to face a future full of duties ale del Reparto si prepara ad affrontare un futuro ricco di impegand projects. ni e di progetti. During a year with such two important anniversaries I wish to Nell’anno di due cosí importanti ricorrenze auguro alle due the two military communities operating in Sigonella, the US comunitá militari che operano a Sigonella, il US Naval Air Naval Air Station and the 41º Stormo AS, to continue friendly Station e il 41º Stormo AS, di continuare a collaborare insieme cooperating together for many years again in order to always guaramichevolmente per tanto tempo ancora al fine di garantire semantee peace and prosperity to United States, Italy and the entire pre pace e tranquillitá agli Stati Uniti, all’Italia e al mondo world. intero. I would like to wish a good anniversary to Captain Thomas Buon anniversario Captain Thomas Quinn, Comandante del Quinn, US Naval Air Station Sigonella Commanding Officer, US Naval Air Station di Sigonella, a te, a tutto il personale e alle and to all the personnel and your families on behalf of all the vostre famiglie a nome mio e di tutto il 41º Stormo AS. 41º Stormo AS. Luca TONELLO Luca TONELLO Colonel ITAF Colonnello AMI 41º Stormo AS Commanding Officer Comandante 41º Stormo AS

In celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Naval Air Station Sigonella establishment, I wish to express, on behalf of the Motta Sant’Anastasia townspeople, my deep gratitude and friendship for the US Navy and the American people who, in times of distress, have helped my community to achieve peace and freedom.”

“

Dr. Nino Santagati, Mayor of Motta Sant’Anastasia

“

Nel celebrare il 50° anniversario della costituzione della Stazione Aeronavale di Sigonella, desidero esprimere, a nome della cittadinanza di Motta Sant’Anastasia, la mia profonda gratidudine ed amicizia alla Marina USA ed al popolo americano che, nei momenti difficili, ha aiutato la mia comunità ad ottenere pace e libertà.”

Mayor of Motta, Dr. Nino Santagati

Dott. Nino Santagati, Sindaco di Motta Sant’Anastasia

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Sigonella… then and now

Sigonella… ieri ed oggi

a storia di Sigonella igonella’s history is risale agli anni one that dates back to Cinquanta quando the late 1950s, when venne creata l’Infrastruttura the United States Naval Air Navale denominata “NAF” Facility, or NAF, was estab(Naval Air Facility). La NAF lished on June 15, 1959. The venne inaugurata il 15 giugno base’s first commanding offidel 1959. Il suo primo cer was Capt. Walter J. Frazier. Comandante è stato il The idea to have a U.S. Capitano di Vascello Walter J. Naval base in Sicily was first Frazier. thought of during the early L’idea di costituire una base 1950s, when it was discovered Americana in Sicilia è nata nei that the loading of the U.S. primi anni ‘50 quando ci si rese Navy P-2 Neptunes would conto che l’invio di velivoli “Presult in overcrowding in the 2 Neptunes”, programmato existing facility in Hal Far, Malta. Because there was no Captain Walter F. Frazier received Assumption of Command of Naval per la base di “Hal Far” Air Facility Sigonella on June 11, 1959 (Malta), avrebbe causato un more room for expansion in sovraffollamento di mezzi presso la stessa. Non essendoci più Malta, the Navy got NATO to back the use of Sicily. Land for spazio a Malta, la Marina USA ottenne l’appoggio della NATO Sigonella was made available to the Navy on a temporary basis per il dispiegamento di forze in Sicilia. Il terreno per la under terms of agreement with the Italian government on June costruzione di Sigonella venne temporaneamente messo a dis25, 1957. Six days later, equipment began arriving at Sigonella

8 from the Malta base via Navy landing ship tanks. The first U.S. aircraft, a R4QD type Marine 1665 arrived in Sigonella from Naples, Italy on Aug. 8, 1957.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

posizione della Marina USA grazie ad un accordo siglato con il Governo italiano il 25 giugno del 1957. Sei giorni dopo, l’equipaggiamento cominciò ad arrivare a Sigonella dalla base di Malta a bordo di navi da sbarco per carri armati. Il primo velivolo che atterrò a Sigonella fu un “R4QD Marine 1665”, proveniente da Napoli l’8 agosto 1957.

A Marine Corp R4Q supply aircraft refuels on the NAF 2 tarmac circa 1963. (Photo courtesy of Donald Bailey)

The initial building of the operational side of Sigonella, or NAF II, started in September 1957, and construction of the administrative area, or NAF I, started in 1958. The NAF I base was built on top of a field where axis munitions were stored during WWII. The first completed building was Sigonella’s administration and command building. Capt. R.W. Jackson, Sigonella’s commanding officer in 1970 decided that his office should be at NAF II, near the base’s operations. It was then that the executive office was moved to the NAF II administration building, where they are still located today.

A Navy R4D, A4D, and UH-34D sit in a hungar on NAS II. (Photo courtesy of Donald Bailey)

The building of NAF II included barracks and the administration building. (Photo courtesy Karen Miller)

La costruzione della parte operativa di Sigonella, NAF II, iniziò nel settembre del 1957, mentre quella della parte amministrativa, NAF I, iniziò nel 1958. La base NAF I venne costruita su un campo che veniva usato come deposito munizioni dalle potenze dell’Asse durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

The first Americans arrived for work at Sigonella in March 1959, which was six months before any buildings were ready for occupation. During the six months it took to make NAF I habitable, the Navy occupied a large warehouse complex called Magazzino Generale, which was opposite the cemetery on the right side of the street as one enters Catania from base. By August 1959, the NAF II airfield was available for daylight flights under visual flight rules (VFR) and by August 31, 24 flights were logged. Â Also, Sigonellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s automatic 200-position telephone switchboard was also connected. Since there was a limitation on the Captain Caldwell on July 2nd 1966 with Italian color guard and Italian police force in Catania. (Photo provided by Jacquelyn LeBlanc)

Naval Air Facility Sigonella, Sicily (1959): Some of the first buildings constructed and ready to be occupied were the galley, bakery, theater, and the NAF Admin building, which is pictured here. (Photo courtesy Karen Miller)

Il primo edificio che venne completato a Sigonella fu la palazzina comando. Il Capitano di Vascello RW Jackson, Comandante di Sigonella nel 1970, decise che il suo ufficio dovesse essere trasferito a NAF II, vicino alle operazioni di base. Fu allora che l'Ufficio del Comandante venne spostato a NAF II presso lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ufficio amministrativo dove si trova ancora oggi. I primi americani arrivarono per lavorare a Sigonella nel marzo 1959 ovvero sei mesi prima che gli edifici fossero pronti per l'uso. Durante i sei mesi nei qualli vennero eseguiti i lavori idonei a rendere abitabile NAS I, gli uffici della Marina USA

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Base housing was constructed and started to open for occupants in 1961, including the first Executive Officer’s home. (Photo courtesy Karen Miller)

Aerial view of NAS 1 During the early sixties. (Official Navy Photo)

amount of non-U.S. personnel manning at NAF, the switchboard was manned only during regular working hours. The first buildings on Sigonella that were ready to be occupied were the administration building, the chapel, which opened in November 1959, theater, NAF I galley, bakery and dry provisions, enlisted barracks 171, 172 and 173, the BOQ, infirmary and dental which is now the NEX mini mall, central heating plant, water treatment plant, Security which was half of its

vennero ospitati da un grande deposito denominato “Magazzino Generale” ed ubicato di fronte al cimitero, sul lato destro della strada, per chi entra in base provenendo da Catania. Nell’agosto 1959, l’aeroporto di NAS 2 era già attivo per voli diurni VFR (24 voli vennero registrati fino al 31 agosto).

Sicily: Sigonella’s elementary school opened its doors in 1959 for students. (Photo courtesy Karen Miller)

Inoltre, venne installato a Sigonella un centralino automatico con 200 postazioni. A causa di una limitazione della quantità di personale non americano impiegato presso la NAF I, il centralino veniva attivato solamente durante il regolare orario di lavoro. I primi edifici pronti per l’uso ospitarono: la palazzina comando, la cap-

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

present size, Navy Exchange building, sewage treatment plant, and the switching station. Housing units were being built in April 1958 and were approved on Feb. 2, 1961.

Navy P2V on patrol in Sigonella. (Official U.S. Navy Photo)

Since officers’ housing units were not the first to be completed, the first unit to be occupied by Sigonella’s commanding officer was quarter’s 137A MH-53E “Sea Dragon” helicopter assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron D. Another building that was one of the first occuFour (HC-4) undergoes pre-flight checks at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella flight line before a mission. HC-4 is based in Sigonella and transports cargo, pied was what is now the Armed Forces Network passengers and performs a wide range of heavy helicopter combat support missions, (AFN) building. In 1958, the building was including mine-countermeasures operations. Sigonella provides logistics support for Commander, Sixth Fleet and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in Sigonella’s pest control center, and was the storage the Mediterranean area of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class place for rat poison. The Army Corps of Engineers Stephen P. Weaver. (Released) used the building next for their offices, later sharpella, che fu aperta nel novembre del 1959, il teatro, la mensa ing it with Special Services, which is what is now known as di NAF I, il panificio e deposito provviste, alloggi sottufficiali Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR). In 1966, AFN came 171, 172 e 173, alloggi ufficiali, infermeria e ambulatorio dento Sigonella and joined Special Services, which soon moved

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

tistico che attualmente ospita un piccolo supermercato della NEX, l’impianto di riscaldamento centralizzato, l’ impianto di trattamento delle acque, il reparto di Polizia Militare, grande la metà di quanto è oggi, edifici della Navy Exchange, impianto di trattamento delle acque fognarie e la stazione elettrica Le unità abitative vennero costruite nell’ aprile del 1958 e dichiarate abitabili il 2 febbraio, 1961. Poiché gli alloggi degli ufficiali non furono i primi ad essere completati, la prima abitazione del Comandante di Sigonella fu l’alloggio 137-D. Un altro edificio che fu tra i primi ad essere usato fu quello che ospita attualmente la Stazione Radiotelevisiva (AFN). The medical dispensary opened its doors in 1959. In 1993, the Naval Air Station Sigonella Nel 1958, l'edificio divenne la sede del Hospital opened its doors, with Adm. Boorda leading the ceremony. (Official Navy photo) servizio disinfestazione nel quale venne out, leaving the building to the broadcasters. The medical disimmagazzinato il veleno per i ratti. pensary began functioning in Oct. 1959 with one flight surIl Corpo del Genio dell'Esercito USA utilizzò successivageon, one general practitioner, two nurses, one dentist and 15 mente l’edificio, che venne in seguito condiviso con i Servizi hospital corpsman. In 1964 construction began on the original Speciali, l’attuale Ufficio Attività Ricreative (MWR). NAS I swimming pool. In 1966, Capt. John H. Caldwell Nel 1966, l’AFN si trasferì a Sigonella e si stabilì nell’edificio opened a four-lane bowling alley. At the time, there was also an che ospitava i Servizi Speciali, che lo lasciarono subito dopo ai giornalisti radiotelevisivi. Il dispensario medico venne attivato nell’ ottobre 1959. Lo staff comprendeva un chirurgo di volo, un medico generico, due infermieri, un dentista e 15 soldati di sanità. Nel 1964 avvenne l’iniziale costruzione della piscina di NAS I. Nel 1966, il Capitano di Vascello John H. Caldwell inaugurò il bowling a quattro piste. A quel tempo era anche attivo un bersaglio di tiro con l’arco adiacente al campo da golf “Roccia Hollow,” che ora è occupato dall’odierno Ospedale di NAS I.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

L’8 settembre 1959, Sigonella annoverava tra i suoi abitanti 56 tra militari e loro famigliari, parte dei quali continuavano ad arrivare da Malta. La maggior parte delle strade erano già sono state asfaltate. Spettacoli cinematografici venivano proiettati sul retro della palazzina comando. Una nuova scuola elementare sarebbe stata inaugurata nell’autunno dello stesso anno con l’arrivo del personale docente. Il 30 novembre di quell’anno Sigonella ospitava 320 sottufficiali, 39 ufficiali, dei quali 194 sottufficiali e 40 ufficiali prestavano servizio presso i gruppi di volo “VP-2”. La prima alluvione di Sigonella si verificò a metà settembre del 1959. Il 2° settembre il Ponte del Dittaino ubicato tra NAF I e NAF II, venne sommerso da circa due metri d’acqua. Il traffico diretto verso NAF II stava attraversanIn 1998, Public Works opened the family housing complex Mineo. (Official Navy Photo) do Catania, si verificarono interruzioni di archery target adjacent to the Rocky Hollow golf course, which energia elettrica e la strada che portava all’aeroporto di NAF II is now occupied by the current NAS I hospital. venne inondata ed il ponte si trovò sotto un metro e mezzo As of September 8, 1959, Sigonella had 56 military and U.S. d’acqua. dependents aboard, with dependents from Malta still arriving. Nell’ aprile del 1965, la piscina stava gradualmente Most of the streets were partially paved and movies were being assumendo forma, venne completata il 30 luglio. shown nightly on the back of the administration building. A L’edificio secondario di 1840 piedi quadrati che integrò il new elementary school was due to open that fall, and teaching Circolo Sottufficiali era quasi pronto e la palestra di NAF I, che staff had arrived. stava già prendendo forma, sarebbe stata aperta nell’ottobre di By Nov. 30, Sigonella had 320 enlisted and 39 officers, with quell’anno. 194 enlisted and 40 officers in VP-2 deployed squadrons. L’1 agosto del 1965, il Capitano di Vascello L.E. Doner Sigonella’s first flood occurred in mid-September, 1959. The Dittaino Bridge between NAF I and NAF II was six feet under water on Sept. 20. All traffic going to NAF II was going through Catania, power outages accompanied the floods and the road to NAF II airfield was flooded with the bridge under five and a half feet of water. In April 1965, the swimming pool was taking shape, with completion set for July 30. The 1,840 square feet addition to the Enlisted Men’s Club was also almost finished and the NAF I gymnasium was in its formative stages, with completion set for October that year. On Aug. 1, 1965, Capt. L.E. Doner arrived in a Sicilian cart to

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

inaugurò la piscina con il tradizionale taglio del nastro arrivando su un carretto sicliano. Il 23 giugno del 1975, l’emittente AFN iniziò la sua radiodiffusione di 24 ore al giorno in veste di affiliata della “Southern European Network”, gestita dell’Esercito USA. La radiodiffusione della “Southern European Network” costituì la prima stazione radio di Sigonella in grado di offrire una programmazione continua. Il primo giornale della base di Sigonella fu chiamato “L’I’iniziatore” e fu pubblicato per la prima volta nel febbraio del 1960. Nel giugno del 1962, il nome del giornale venne cambiato in “NAFacts”, la cui stampa avveniva una volta al mese. L’1 febbraio del 1963, si cominciò a stamparlo due volte al mese, ma poi si fece un passo indietro tornando ad una pubblicazione trimestrale. Public Works broke ground on the family housing units, called Marinai in 2000. (Official U.S. Il terzo giornale Sigonella venne Photo) chiamato “Il Pretoriano,” che iniziò ad cut the ribbon to formally open the swimming pool. On June essere pubblicato nel 1974. L'ultimo cambiamento riguardante 23, 1975, American Forces radio was scheduled to begin il giornale avvenne nel 1984, quando venne denominato “La broadcasting 24 hours each day as an affiliate of the Army Firma” e venne pubblicato settimanalmente a partire dal 1995. L’1 luglio del 1981, l’aeroporto navale di Sigonella venne designato come Stazione Aeronavale. La base è dislocata presso un aeroporto marittimo della NATO che si trova all’interno del sedime aeroportuale del Aeronautica Militare Italiana.

A new runway opened in 2002 to allow for wider planes to land at Sigonella. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

NAS Sigonella fornisce supporto avanzato, unificato, logistico, amministrativo, ed operativo alla Sesta Flotta della Marina USA ed alle altre forze della NATO. Nell’espletamento della sua missione, NAS Sigonella è supportata da diversi comandi ed unità indipendenti. Nel mese di agosto 1983, il Quarto Squadrone Elicotteri di Sostegno al Combattimento (HC 4) “Black Stallions” venne

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (May 26, 2003 ) — A P-3C Orion assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron Eight (VP-8) takes flight over Mt. Etna in 2003. VP-8, based out of Brunswick, Maine, was deployed to NAS Sigonella in 2003. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for SIXTH Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Shannon R. Smith. (Released))

operated Southern European Network. The Southern European Network broadcasting was the first time American Forces radio station Sigonella offered continuous programming here. Sigonella’s first base newspaper was called The Initiator and began publication in February 1960. In June 1962, the paper was changed to the NAFacts, and was printed once a month. On Feb. 1, 1963, publication increased to twice monthly, but then fell back to quarterly issues. The third Sigonella newspaper was the Praetorian, which started printing in 1974. The final change to the paper came in 1984, when the paper became The Signature. In 1995, The Signature became a weekly publication. On July 1, 1981, Naval Air Field Sigonella became a designated Naval Air

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (Mar. 3, 2004) - Ron Hall, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Fire Department battalion chief, and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Stephen Mark, NAS Sigonella Fire Department assistant training officer, sprays water on a fire coming from a Mobile Aircraft Fire Trainer (MAFT) on the NAS Sigonella flight line in 2004. The department recently obtained the MAFT, which will be used to safely train firefighters on aspects of fighting aircraft fires. The MAFT can simulate such things engine fires, wheel fires, interior fires, and tire blowouts. Other bases in the Mediterranean such as Rota, Spain, and Souda Bay, Greece, will be able to come to NAS Sigonella to train using the MAFT. Naval Air Station Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, Sixth Fleet and NATO forces in the Mediterranean area.( U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Stephen P. Weaver. (Released))

Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (July 23, 2004) - Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Seven Four (NMCB 74), install concertina wire on a fence line aboard the naval station. NMCB-74 is currently deployed to NAS Sigonella, and is home based in Gulfport, Miss. Sigonella provides logistics support for Commander, Sixth Fleet and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in the Mediterranean area of operation. (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Stephen P. Weaver. (Released))

Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (Oct. 25, 2004) - Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Rousseau Estime, left, and Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Melchor Almodiel, lower a T-64 helicopter engine onto a test and check platform in the Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) Test Cell Department. The T-64 engine is used by the MH-53E Sea Dragon. The Test Cell ensures repaired aircraft engines are operating to specifications prior to installation on designated aircraft. (U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Stephen P. Weaver. (Released))

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

schierato presso la NAS Sigonella con l’arrivo dei primi cinque elicotteri “CH-53E” e di un primo nucleo di personale dell’HC-4 personale. HC-4 fu il primo Gruppo di volo della Marina USA operante su elicotteri H-53E Squadron, capace di fornire, in qualsiasi condizione metereologica, di giorno e di notte, supporto logistico al combattimento alle unità navali dispiegate nel Mediterraneo Nel 1993 venne inaugurato l’Ospedale Navale di Sigonella a NAS I. La struttura era costituita da un edificio dotato di protezione chimica e biologica. La “Flight Line Clinic”, l’infermeria della pista di NAS II appartiene all’Ospedale Navale di Sigonella che è dislocato su tre livelli con una superfice di 98.000 piedi quadrati. Le visite ambulatoriali effettuate annualmente all’interno della struttura sono in media Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (2005): A major flood struck Sigonella in 2005 and 64.000, i ricoveri 559 e le nascite 157. caused major damage to the Marinai housing complex. (Official U.S. Navy Photo) L’Ospedale ha come caratteristica unica Station. The base occupies land at the NATO Maritime una Sala Parto tecnologicamente avanzata che può essere attiAirfield Sigonella, which is operated and hosted by the Italian vata in tempi rapidi per i servizi ostetrici. Air Force. NAS Sigonella provides consolidated operational Questo servizio ha drasticamente migliorato la qualità della command and control, administrative, logistical and advance vita, basti considerare che, in passato, le partorienti venivano logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. To help portate fuori dall’isola. L'ospedale svolge un ruolo molto

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

NASSIG’s fourth CO, Capt. Caldwell (on right) with Lana Turner during her visit to Sigonella in 1967. Some of her films included “Peyton Place,” and “The Postman Always Rings Twice.” (Photo provided by Jacquelyn LeBlanc).

NAS Sigonella with its mission, it is supported by a number of tenant organizations and support units. In August 1983, Helicopter Support Squadron Four (HC 4)“Black Stallions” deployed to NAS Sigonella with the first

importante nella Marina USA perchè funge anche da Banca Europea di sangue congelato per il Dipartimento della Difesa USA, ed è dotata di una capacità di immagazzinamento di 6000 unità di sangue congelato. Durante il 1998, il Genio Navale ha posto la prima pietra del Complesso Abitativo “Mineo” che avrebbe ospitato 404 unità abitative familiari. Nel 2000, il Genio Navale ha posto la prima pietra per la realizzazione del Complesso Residenziale “Marinai”, ubicato proprio fuori dal cancello di NAS II. Nel 2002, la popolazione della base annoverava 7000 persone e nel maggio dello stesso anno vennero inaugurati i centri commerciali “Navy Exchange” e “Commissary”, estesi su 15.050 metri quadrati. Sempre nel 2002, vennero aperti un nuovo terminal ed una pista per aerei più grandi. Nel 2004, è stato aperto a NAS II un reparto logistico della “Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)” che fa da base per la gestione di approvvigionamenti diretti verso il Mediterraneo. La

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

five CH-53E Super Stallions and initial cadre of HC-4 personnel. HC-4 was established as the Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first operational H-53E Squadron, and provided all weather, day and night, combat air logistic support to Naval units in the Mediterranean Theater. In 1993, the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella opened on NAS I. The facility featured a hardened complex designed with biological and chemical protective capabilities. The Flight Line Clinic, which opened on NAS II, is also a part of Naval Hospital Sigonella. Naval Hospital Sigonella is a three-level, 98,000 square foot facility. The average Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily (2005): Morale, Welfare and Recreation opens its Midtown Complex. The yearly workload is 64,000 outpa- facility has a bowling alley, theater, fitness center, basketball court, and more. (Official U.S. Navy Photo) tient visits, 559 admission and DLA si occupa anche della dismissione degli ex beni della 157 births. A unique feature is that the hospital has is an Marina e dello smaltimento del carburante, attivitĂ che venadvanced delivery suite, that is readily available for obstetric gono espletate a NAS II. services. This service drastically improved the quality of life Nel gennaio del 2005, il Comandante, del reparto logistico due to the fact that delivery services were ones only available

20 through medical evacuation off the island. The hospital also plays an important role in the Navy by being the Defense Department’s frozen blood depot for the European Theater, with the capacity to store 6,000 units of frozen blood. During the year of 1998, Public Works broke ground on the Mineo housing site, which would provide 404 family housing units. In 2000, Public Works broke ground on the housing complex of Marinai, located directly outside the gate of NAS II. In 2002, base population was over 7000 and in May of that year, the 15,050 square meter Navy Exchange and Commissary opened. Also during 2002, a new air terminal and runway opened in NASSIG for wide planes. In 2004, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) opened Defense Depot Sigonella Italy on NAS II to serve as a supply base for the Mediterranean. DLA also provides fuel and property disposal from NAS II. In January 2005, Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers announced the establishment of Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Sigonella, Italy as the logistics hub for Navy Region Europe. In December 2005, Sigonella experienced its second major flooding, resulting in several feet of water in the Marinai housing complex. Water entered and heavily damaged 464 of 526 units, utility

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

“Fleet and Industrial Supply Center” (FISC) ha scelto Sigonella come suo centro nevralgico logistico per la Regione Europa della Marina USA. Nel dicembre 2005, Sigonella è stata colpita per la seconda volta da un’alluvione che ha parzialmente sommerso il complesso abitativo “Marinai”. La furia dell’acqua ha gravemente danneggiato: 464 delle 526 unità abitative, uffici del reparto alloggi e di ditte appaltatrici. Dopo la completa evacuazione di tutte le famiglie sistemate presso alberghi locali e alloggi militari, sono iniziate le operazioni di pulitura che si sono concluse dopo soli 45 giorni durante i quali la case sono state ripulite dal fango e dai sedimenti che le avevano ricoperto per diversi centimetri. Le unità abitavive sono state ispezionate da squadre esperti di Medicina Ambientale e Preventiva (NEPMU-7 e NAVHOSP) che ne hanno assicurato nuovamente l’abitabilità. Sempre nel 2005, NAS Sigonella ha costituito un reparto mobile di addestramento per supportare il Comandante delle Forze Navali d’Europa con l’obiettivo di sostenere le forze Militari dei paesi africani della Regione del Golfo di Guinea Il team era composto da diversi specialisti della NAS che sono stati inviati rispettivamente in missione nel Ghana (due volte) ed in Cameroon. L'obiettivo del team non è solamente quello di addestrare le

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

A Navy P3 flying over Taormina, Sicily. (Official U.S. Navy photo)

stations, housing offices and contractor facilities. Cleanup began immediately following a complete evacuation of all families to local hotels and barracks. Within 45 days, all of the units were cleansed of mud and silt, which were several inches high in most units. The units were inspected by NEPMU-7 and NAVHOSP Preventative Medicine teams and were cleared for families to return. Also in 2005, NAS Sigonella established a mobile training team to support Commander, Naval Forces Europe’s objective of engagement with African military forces in the Gulf of Guinea region. The team was made up of various rates within the Air Station’s departments and has since deployed to Ghana on two occasions, as well as Cameroon. The purpose of the team is not only to provide training to African nations, but also to enhance the process of building military-to-military relations with those countries. 2005 also welcomed the grand opening of Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s Midtown facility,

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

which boasts a fitness center, Movie Theater, bowling alley and more. In January 2006 Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 4’s began their relocation from Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella to their new homeport of Norfolk, Va. In 2008, the new Stephen Decatur Elementary school opened after extensive renovations and construction began on the new public works complex on NAS II. NAS Sigonella supports a rotational VP squadron, C-2, C-9 and C-130 detachments, shore-based fleet aircraft, transient NATO aircraft and US Air Force transient Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily(Jan 07, 2005) An Explosive Ordnance Disposal mobile unit eight technician dresses out a willing participant for a demonstration during community festivities. (U.S. Navy aircraft. The Augusta Bay Port photo by Journalist 2nd Class Stephen P. Weaver (Released)) Facility provides fuel, ammunition nazioni africane, ma anche quello di costruire rapporti di coland supplies to the Sixth Fleet combat and logistics support laborazione militare con questi paesi. ships. The Niscemi Telecommunications Facility and Pachino Nel 2005, è stato anche inaugurato il centro ricreativo Target Range also provide support to the Fleet. As of 2009 “Midtown” del reparto MWR, struttura che vanta un centro fitthere are roughly 4000 total officers, enlisted, civilian and faminess, un cinema, un bowling e molto altro. ly members at Sigonella. Nel gennaio 2006 l’ HC- 4 si è trasferito dalla NAS a Norfolk, Virginia. Il 2008 ha visto la riapertura della nuova scuola elementare “Stephen Decatur” che è stata ampiamente ristrutturata e rinnovata. Nello stesso anno è iniziata a NAS II la costruzione del nuovo complesso che ospiterà il Genio Navale. NAS Sigonella fornisce supporto ai seguenti gruppi e reparti di volo: squadrone VP (rilocalizzato a rotazione), C-2, C-9 e C-130, aerei in transito della NATO e della US Air Force. Il Molo ubicato ad Augusta fornisce carburante, munizioni ed approvvigionamenti alle unità navali logistiche e da combattimento della Sesta Flotta. Anche la Stazione di Telecomunicazioni di Niscemi ed il Poligono di Pachino forniscono supporto alla Flotta. Attualmente la NAS Sigonella ospita circa 4000 tra ufficiali, sottufficiali, civili e loro famigliari.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

1952

1962

1972

1982

Leader in the world of engineering and construction for over 50 years. 1992

2002

TODAY

www.busigroup.it

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

A look b April 1958: Construction started on housing units. March 1959: First Americans arrived for work at Sigonella. No buildings were ready for occupation yet, so the Navy occupied a large warehouse complex called Magazine Generale.

July 1, 1981: Naval Air Field Sigonella becomes designated as a Naval Air Station.

June 15, 1959: United States Air Facility officially established.

Sept. 8, 1959: Sigonella had 56 military and U.S. dependents aboard. Mid-September 1959: Sigonella experiences first flood.

Nov. 1959: Siognella had 320 enlisted and 39 officers, with 194 enlisted and 40 officers in deployed squadrons.

September 1957: Initial building of the operational side of Sigonella, or NAF II

1957 June 25, 1957: Land for Sigonella was made available to the Navy on a temporary basis under terms of agreement with Italian government.

March 11, 1961: Stephen Decatur Elementary School opens.

1958

1959

1961

1965

1975

Feb. 2, 1961: Housing units were approved.

Construction of the administrative area, or NAF I started.

August 8, 1957: a R4QD type Marine 1665 arrived to Sigonella from Naples.

Nov. 1959: First buildings were ready to be occupied.

June 23, 1975: AFN began broadcasting 24 hours a day at Sigonella.

1981

1983

Aug. 1, 1965: Capt. L.E. Doner officially opens the base swimming pool.

August 1959: NAF II airfield was available for daylight flights under visual flight rules. 24 flights were logged by Aug. 31, 1959. May 5, 1983: New air terminal facility opens as the largest Navy run air terminal in the Med, with capability to handle nearly 400 travellers an hour. The terminal cost an estimated $900,000 and construction began in 1981.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

k back... Better Air Terminal and Runways open up NASSIG for wide planes.

NASSIG began work on a 45,000 square foot school construction program to accommodate the large student population.

Dec. 2005: Sigonella experiences second major flood. Base officials installed a protective berm, which has thus far prevented any futher flooding.

Jan. 2005: Commander, Fleet and Industrial Supply Centers announce the establishment of Fleet and Industrial Center (FISC) Sigonella as the logistics hub for Navy Region Europe. Government housing, Marinai breaks ground.

1993

1998 Public Works broke ground on the Mineo housing site, which would provide 404 family housing units.

April 1993: Naval Hospital Sigonella opens.

2000

NAS Sigonella celebrates 50th anniversary.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) opened the Defense Depot Sigonella, Italy on NAS II.

2002

Base population reaches 7053.

2004

May 2002: 15,050 square meter Navy Exchange and Commissary opened.

2005

June 2005: Morale, Welfare and Recreation opens its Midtown facility, which boasts a fitness center, bowling alley, and movie theater.

2008

2009

Stephen Decatur Elementary School opens after extensive renovation.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

A Comparison of Then & Now

Stephen Decatur Elementary School – NOW he $35 million Department of Defense Dependents School (DoDDS) on Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Support Base has ceremoniously opened, marked by a ribbon cutting from school and military officials on Sept, 18, 2008 in the school’s atrium. The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by Sigonella’s Middle School/High School Junior ROTC. The Italian and American Anthems were sung by Thea Burke, and the students followed, showing off their vocal range by singing “You’re A Grand Old Flag.“ Capt. Joseph Beadles, NAS Sigonella Executive Officer, praised NAVFAC (Naval Facilities) Europe for their teamwork in the renovation and building process of the school. “This facility is a shining example of what happens when you have people working together as a team with a common purpose and common

goal,” he said. Capt. David Sasek, NAVFAC EURSWA, echoed that sentiment, saying that the day was “truly phenomenal.” Students have been attending class at Stephen Decatur Sigonella Elementary School since Aug. 28, 2008, but now that all of the finishing touches have been made, school officials are ready to show off what Principal Nadine Sapiente calls “the best school in DoDDS.” “Our school motto is ‘Together we can’. I think you can see from the building behind you that together, we truly did,” said Sapiente. “We moved a mountain in order to build it, so thank you to all of those who were a part of it.” Diana Ohman, DoDDS Europe Director thanked all who participated in the planning and construction of the new school. “This building is the culmination of years of planning, and planting, and building, and moving, but this is worth it,” she said. Ohman also encouraged students to take good care of their new school. “When we close schools, we say, ‘if only these walls could

28 talk - the stories they could tell about kids and learning and the future and projects…’ Today, we are here at the very beginning of all of the volumes and volumes of stories that these walls are going to tell. Use it honestly and wisely. Take very good care of it and have great fun learning.” The state-of-the-art facility features open atriums and breezeways; large, touchboard screens in every classroom, which are directly linked in to a computer system that connects to the Internet; a new media center that allows students to create video productions; two recycling centers; portable generators; and a layout that is advantageous for both students and teachers and conducive to productive learning. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the culmination of work done to all of the Sigonella schools. The combined middle and high school re-opened in February 2007, after improvements were made. The elementary school students closed the ceremony by singing their school song, and with the promise to uphold the values and teachings they learn during their time there.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Diana Ohman, DoDDS Europe Director, thanks the NAVFAC team, Sigonella military community, and the students of Stephen Decatur Elementary School for their dedication to complete the construction of the state-of-the-art school, which ceremoniously opened on Sept. 18, 2008 on Naval Air Station Sigonella’s support base. (Photo by Tracie Barnthouse)

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

30 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit EIGHT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Now

Information provided by: Lt. Cmdr. John Porter, EODMU8 Operations Officer xplosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit EIGHT is a forward deployed command providing EOD forces to Europe, Africa and Central Commands in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom; for the location, identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation and disposal of explosive ordnance and weapons in the littoral and open ocean regions of the world. Their Platoons conduct Harbor Defense/Port Security operations, perform Humanitarian Demining Operations, engage in Organic Mine Countermeasure operations, support Joint Task Forces as directed, provide EOD assistance to naval installations, assist the United States Secret Service in VIP protection missions, participate in research and development projects, and provide other diving and demolition services as required. Additionally, EODMU EIGHT provides contingency response forces to Europe, Africa, and Central Commands. Last year EODMU EIGHT deployed 12 teams to three different continents in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and theater contingency response. These missions included 1374 combat missions within 49 named operations, five exercises, 3 humanitarian assistance missions, one emergency EOD response to the Chad Embassy, five secret service missions, disposed of 170 IEDS and 28,670 lbs of explosive remnants of war, and cleared 4,330 km of main supply routes and alternate supply routes.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

34 Sigonella Fleet Mail Center and Postal Services – Now Information provided by: Postal Clerk Senior Chief Victor L. Gonzalez, Postal Officer and FISC Sigonella Senior Enlisted Advisor he postal services and capabilities of Naval Air Station Sigonella have come a long way since the days a few postal clerks sorting small amounts of personal and official mail in the 60’s. Today, the postal services encompass a post office on NAS I, a post office on NAS II, the Fleet Mail Center on NAS II, 29 servicemembers and three civilians all working to move and process the heavy postal traffic that comes in and out of Sigonella. Last year alone, they processed more than 1,776,000 pounds of mail and generated more than $676,000 in postal revenue through the sale of stamps, money orders and mailing of packages. Aside from serving the needs of Sigonella, the postal services also have the responsibility of serving the fleet units operating in the 6 th Fleet’s Area of Responsibility. They dispatch and receive mail on a daily basis to CONUS and various locations throughout the theater using commercial air carriers and AMC/Navy flights. To keep up with the demands of a technologically advanced Navy they’ve gone from the old manual scales and charts to determine the amount of postage needed to mail articles to Integrated Retail Terminal computers. Despite the advances methods for tracking processing mail the life blood of Sigonella’s postal services still relies on the manual labor and means provided by their hard working service members and civilians

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

35 NAVCOMMSTA Italy was redesignated as NAVCAMS MED, Naples, NAVCOMMDET Sigonella was renamed NAVCAMS MED DET Sigonella. Nearly 30 years after its first debut in the Mediterranean, on 1 October 1987, NAVCAMS MED DET Sigonella was disestablished and NAVCOMMSTA Sicily was established as its own command. In October 1991, Naval Radio Transmitter Facility (NRTF) Niscemi was established on a large plateau in the south-central part of Sicily. 41 HF transmitters and one 827 foot LF transmitter comprise the bulk of operations supporting Navy, Joint and Allied forces in the Mediterranean, Southwest Asia, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean areas. In that same month, NAVCOMMSTA Sicily was redesignated U.S. Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NAVCOMTELSTA) Sicily. This name change reflected the many technological advances that had taken place during recent years. Today NAVCOMTELSTA Sicily is among the most capable military communications stations, not only in the Mediterranean, but throughout the world. It is the recipient of multiple Communications and Information Technology Excellence (CITE) awards, Golden Anchor and Silver Anchor retention awards and Defense Information Systems Agency Outstanding Facility awards.

NCTS History

n August 1958, a Communications (COMM) Center was established as part of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Sigonella. The COMM Center was housed in the NAF Brig, which is now the present Security Building adjacent to the Naval Air Station I (NAS I ) gate. As the Air Station grew so did its need for communications. Various changes of location occurred over the next few years with an increase in communications capability accompanying each move. On 1 July 1972, Naval Air Facility Sigonella transferred all communications, electronic assets and responsibility for Navy Sicily communications to NAVCOMMSTA Italy. On that date, NAVCOMMDET Sigonella was formed. In April 1976, when

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

In addition to the support offered above, Medical services include: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Mental Health, Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Immunizations, Anesthesiology, Aviation Medicine, Occupational Health and Preventive Medicine, Audiology, Nutrition, Substance Abuse Counseling Center (SACC), Wellness and Health Promotion, Optometry, Physical Therapy, Social Work, Pharmacy, Radiology, Radiation Health, Primary Care/Military Sick-call, and Education Development Intervention Services (EDIS). The hospital serves a beneficiary population of approximately 12,000, (Sigonella: 6,900; Bahrain: 4,500; Souda Bay: 750) with additional patients being regulated (MedEvac) to the facility from the fleet and Naval Air Station Sigonella Hospital under construction in 1992. (Official U.S. Navy Photo) isolated areas in the European Theater. NH Sigonella is a TRICARE Prime enrollment site. Naval Hospital Sigonella – Now Collaboration with host nation medical professionals through the TRICARE Europe Preferred Provider Network has also Information provided by: Lt. Bradley Hazen, Naval expanded the community benefit to include specialty areas of care Hospital Sigonella Public Affairs Officer in Allergy/Rheumatolgy, Cardiology, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, Trauma Orthopedics, he U.S. Naval Hospital, Sigonella is a seventeen-bed comOtorhinolaryngology (ENT), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, munity hospital near the city of Catania, South of Mount Psychiatry/Psychology, and Urology. Etna on the island of Sicily. The new facility opened on NAS I in 1993 and features a hardened complex designed with biological and chemical protective capabilities. The Flight Line Clinic located on NAS II, Branch Medical Clinic Bahrain and Branch Clinic Souda Bay, Greece, are part of Naval Hospital Sigonella. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). The most recent inspection was in March 2001, which the hospital received a score of 96. The hospital, is a 3-level, 98,000 square foot facility. Average yearly workload is 64,000 outpatient visits, 559 admission (1,626 bed days) and 157 births. The hospital features an advanced delivery suite, providing readily available obstetric services. This service along with orthopedic care created an important quality of life improvement due to the fact that these services were only available through medical evacuation off the island. Advanced radiological services have played an important role in the Sigonella community by providing computerized tomography, mammography, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and the ability to do upper and lower gastrointestinal tests and X-rays. The Radiology Department is accredited by the American College of Radiologists. The hospital has been designated by the Navy as the Defense Department’s frozen blood depot for the European Theater with the capacity to store 6,000 units of frozen blood. The laboratory provides extensive support to the Fleet by providing liquid blood and monitors the laboratory regulatory statutes for the medical clinic’s in Souda Bay, Greece and Bahrain. The Laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathologists.

38 History of CTF-67 ntisubmarine Warfare (ASW) command, control, and communications in the Mediterranean began in the administrative spaces of the patrol squadron deployed to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella in 1968. An initial teletype and voice relay capability led to an expanded communications transmitter site constructed northwest of the base in 1970. First designated as an Antisubmarine Classification and Analysis Center, the facility was upgraded to an Air ASW Tactical Support Center (TSC) in 1972, making for the first time real-time mission planning and evaluation possible for deployed P-3 squadrons. TSCs were later designated fleet wide as Antisubmarine Warfare Operations Centers (ASWOCs). Serving a dual role as a NATO Maritime Air Control Authority (MACA), ASWOC/MACA Sigonella became responsible for analysis, reconstruction, and command and control of Maritime Patrol Aviation (MPA) forces from several allied countries flying from Sigonella in support of NATO’s southern region commitments. In May 1993, the ASWOC was then designated a TSC, but with a greatly expanded command and control role in U.S. joint, and NATO maritime operations. TSC/MACA Sigonella served as a subordinate task unit (CTU-67.1.2) of Commander, Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force, U.S. SIXTH Fleet (CTF-67) and provid-

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

ed task group (CTG-431.3) command and staff functions for NATO MPA forces assigned to Commander, Maritime Air Forces, Mediterranean (CTF-431). Since its inception, TSC/MACA Sigonella has been recognized with two Navy Unit Commendations, five Meritorious Unit Commendations, six Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe “Golden Anchor” awards (FY-89, 93-97), three “Silver Anchor” awards (FY-88, 92, 98), and five Commander, U.S. SIXTH Fleet “Hook-‘Em” awards for Under Sea Warfare (USW) Excellence. Especially noteworthy were TSC/MACA Sigonella’s contributions to MPA operations during the Kosovo conflict, including the historic first use of the P-3C platform in an offensive strike role and continuous defense of SIXTH Fleet naval units positioned in the Adriatic Sea. Operating in a multimillion dollar facility, TSC/MACA Sigonella evolved into its mission of supporting forward-deployed MPA assets. The pride and professionalism of each member of this unit, however, have served as the foundation for it’s success. TSC Sigonella was disestablished on October 1, 2004. CTF-67 is a subordinate commander to Commander, U.S. SIXTH Fleet and maintains operational control over deployed maritime patrol squadrons, permanently-based reconnaissance squadrons and antisubmarine warfare operations centers in the Mediterranean. CTF 67 is responsible for maritime air and surveillance forces. The P-3 Orion patrol aircraft provide the Fleet with essential information on the Mediterranean area.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

During Operation Allied Force aircraft from Task Force 67 deployed to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, took on combat and combat support missions that would have been impossible for P-3s of the past. NATO’s Allied Force marked the combat debut of the P-3C Antisurface Warfare Improvement Program (AIP), an upgrade that includes Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which provides all-weather, day or night surveillance capability; Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM) capability; and a suite of sensor, communications and self-defense equipment. The Mediterranean maritime patrol force for these operations included ten P-3Cs, five of the AIP variant, and 14 crews from Patrol Squadrons 1, 4, 5 and 10 from Naval Air Stations Whidbey Island, Barbers Point, Jacksonville, and Brunswick, respectively. On 22 March, 1999, two days before the start of hostilities, P3C AIP aircraft began flying around-the-clock armed force protection surveillance flights in the Adriatic Sea in direct support of afloat Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) shooting ships. For the next 94 days, Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) provided 100 percent of the Surface Combat Air Patrols (SUCAP) for the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Battle Group and other allied ships operating in the area. This marked the first time surface combat air patrols during actual combat operations have been performed exclusively by non-carrier organic aircraft. CTF-67 AIP-equipped P-3’s were able to directly observe commercial contraband ships as well as Yugoslav boats and ships moored at coastal sites and underway. The images were downlinked to the USS Theodore Roosevelt battle group commander, giving the battle group an unprecedented real-time and near real-

39 time view of the tactical situation. In all, CTF-67 aircraft detected and reported over 3,500 surface contacts. In another first, AIPequipped P-3s fired a total of 14 SLAMs at Serb targets. Due to the P-3’s ability to stay on-station for hours at a time, battle group commanders had the flexibility to hit mobile targets on short notice. This in-flight planning/retargeting ability for SLAM strikes validated the importance of the P-3’s strike role. Commander, Task Force 67 (CTF-67) was established under COMFAIRMED in 1952 and was originally located in Naples, Italy before moving to NAS Sigonella, Sicily in October, 2004. After completing the move, the TSC facility and personnel became Commander Task Force 67 and Staff. Commander Task Force 67 was assumed by CAPT R. A. Lally on October 1, 2004. Since the move CTF-67 has taken several commands under it’s control: Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Depot(AIMD), JMAST, NCTSI-4, PEP, others, and of course the deployed P-3 squadron. CTF-67 has restructured itself into three Tactical Operations Control Center (TOCC) teams, Battle Watch Captain (BWC) position, and a staff that takes direction from SIXTH Fleet, and implements that tasking through the BWC to the TOCC teams. The CTF-67 Surveillance authority now encompasses much more than just the P-3 and EP-3. They are now in position to become the Antisubmarine authority in the Mediterranean, while directing an Area of Responsibility (AOR) that sweeps from Eastern Africa to Western Russia. In addition, CTF-67 is part of the implementation of the Navy’s vision of net-centric warfare called ForceNet.

40 Fleet Logistics Support Wing Executive Transport Detachment History Fleet Logistics Support Wing Executive Transport Detachment is a dedicated team of professionals comprised of aircrew and aircraft maintenance personnel, in support of the Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe / Commander Allied Joint Forces Southern Europe. ETD provides airborne command and control commu-

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

nications services and VIP transportation for Commander Naval Forces Europe utilizing a specially equipped C-20A aircraft (Gulfstream III). Commander in Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe (CINCSOUTH) was originally issued a R6D-1Z (BUNO 128433) sometime prior to 1958. This aircraft was transferred to VR-1 in 1958. OP-5 then assigned an R4Y-1 (C-131, BUNO 141020) as its replacement. Prior to being sent to Naples, the aircraft was sent

1958, A R4Y-1(C-131 BUNO 141020) arrives in Naples Italy. “CATBIRD” is painted on the nose of the aircraft just behind “1020”. The cat had not been painted on the tail at the time of this photograph. The aircraft was painted with a white upper half and a polished aluminum lower half, a very majestic aircraft in its day.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

These photos were provided by the Walt Disney archives. They were sent to the archives by ADM Brown’s staff along with a thank you letter from the Admiral. These are some of the few pictures that show the CAT insignia on the tail of the R4Y-1.

to Southwest Aeromotive in Dallas Texas for a VIP configuration upgrade. The addition of plush seats, a head, stove, refrigerator etc., was so extensive that there were only sixteen passenger seats

41 available. Although it was not in the same league as the R6D-1Z, it was a plush aircraft to ride around in. Admiral C. R. Brown was assigned the post of Commander in Chief Allied Forces Southern Europe in 1958. A much beloved officer, he acquired the nickname of “CAT” as a youngster and was known so during his long and illustrious naval career. When BUNO 141020 was assigned there was a contest within the CINC’s office to come up with a name for the plane. The name ended up as the “CATBIRD” and the callsign was officially changed to “CATBIRD 1020.” On December 29th 1959, Lt David Young wrote to Walt Disney’s public relations director and asked if the art department could provide him with several sketches of both a “leaping” and “Halloween” type cat because of a lack of artistic ability in his unit. In February of 1960 Hazel Garner of the Walt Disney Public Relations Department replied and sent 2 sketches of cats along with 2 separate license’s for each sketch. These license’s gave the US Government exclusive use and the right to reproduce the sketches as long as the Walt Disney Copyright notice appeared along with the design. This cost the government $1.00 for each drawing.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Sometime during March 1960, the CAT insignia appeared on the tail of the Convair R4Y-1 aircraft (BUNO 141020). This photograph is the only known photograph to exists of the entire aircraft with the CAT painted on the tail. The photo was taken in NAPLES ITALY. “CATBIRD” is painted just behind the cockpit window.

In March of 1960, after a little arm twisting the Admiral agreed to have the Cat insignia painted on both sides of the vertical stabilizer. After this the “CATBIRD” became well known around various US and NATO airfields around Europe. There is no documentation as to when the CAT insignia was removed from the aircraft, however the CATBIRD callsign stuck

with the aircraft. In 1982 the R4Y-1 was replaced by a VP-3A aircraft (BUNO 150511). This was a converted P-3A ASW aircraft. This aircraft had been reworked and outfitted with a Executive Compartment complete with 2 bunks, head, desk and an entertainment console. It also had a four man bunk room which converted into a conference area, and a staff area which seated eight people. The crew compartment had bunks for two, a complete kitchen area with a stove, refrigerator, oven and a galley table. A full crew consisted of 2 pilots, 2 flight engineers, 2 radio operators and 2 flight attendants (long flights consisted of an extra pilot). Twelve passengers could be carried for a total of 21 persons. Three VP-3A aircraft have had the pleasure of serving as CATBIRD. BUNO’s 150515, 150511 and today 150496. These aircraft were attached administratively and based out of NAS Sigonella because of the P-3 support that the base provides. The unit name is now called CINCUSNAVEUR Executive Transport Detachment Sigonella. Aircraft BUNO 150496 has been extensively modified to include an INMARSAT telephone system, upgraded UHF/VHF/SATCOM radios, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) / Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) and a Contained Flight Information Recording System (CFIRS) commonly known as a “Black Box.” In 1999, a particular interest was generated about the historic value of CATBIRD. The name and pictures were researched and with the help of a local Italian aviation enthusiast and the Walt Disney archives, the CATBIRD design was found. The Catbird name and original design from Walt Disney was presented to ADM James O. Ellis with a request to reapply the art back onto the aircraft for the 40th year anniversary of the “CATBIRD Unit.” Not only did he agree to the reapplication but also sent 2 brand new one dollar bills as a renewal payment to the Chairman of Walt Disney and thanking him for an “act of kindness” which created the logo 40 years earlier. The CATBIRD insignia and callsign has renewed a special interest in and around the European theater

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Pictured above is BUNO 150511. This was the first VP-3A to assume the role of CATBIRD. The aircraft because of its interior configuration was considered to be the best aircraft for the job. The Kitchen was larger with a Jenn-Aire oven and had a rear cargo compartment below the staff seating area. This particular aircraft while serving as CATBIRD had only one crew bunk, the other was removed to make room for a crew baggage compartment. Although the CFIRS system was installed it did not have the communications upgrade package which later came to BUNO 150496.

The Navy P-3 Buno# 150496 was retired on the 13 April 2004 and departed NASSIG on the 10 May 2004. The C-20 Gulfstream arrived in NASSIG 18 April 2004.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

and along the Eastern Coast of the United States. The reintroduction of the art on the aircraft not only preserves the history of the unit but also serves as a preservation of Naval Tradition. When someone mentions “CATBIRD” everyone knows who you are talking about.

Pictured above is the CATBIRD art that was displayed on the aircraft in 1999, which was the 40th year anniversary of the “CATBIRD” unit. Note the Walt Disney copyright logo on the lower righthand side of the art. The current artwork is displayed on both sides of the nose of the aircraft and does not have the dates or “40 years of service” logo.

The ETD Command at NAS Sigonella has a unique logo

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

46 Defense Distribution Depot Sigonella, Italy (DDSI)

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

handling and support services include managing the Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hazardous materials, depot level repair part storage and distribution, and a complete range of material packing and shipping services. DDSI also provides expedited requisitioning and centralized receiving support to the military community throughout the Mediterranean.

efense Distribution Depot Sigonella, Italy (DDSI), is strategically located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. With capability to provide the full complement of physical distribution services and ideally located on the historicallyrich island of Sicily, DDSI stands ready to support all four service components and other federal agencies located south of the Italian Alps. Officially activated on April 1, 2004, DDSI was established to provide forward stock positioning support and enhanced physical distribution services in conjunction with an expanding regional customer base. Collocated on Naval Air Station, Sigonella, Italy, DDSIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary customers currently include the Aviation Support Division, Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Division, and Navy ships and DDSI, Sigonella provides distribution services for all four of the services, as well as for federal agencies squadrons operating in the south of the Italian Alps. (Photo by Tracie Barnthouse) Mediterranean region. Specialized

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Naval Air Station Sigonella All-Stars Jim Thompson – 32 years at NAS Sigonella

Jim Thompson - 32 anni di servizio presso la NAS Sigonella

n December 1977, Jim Thompson started working at NAS Sigonella, after an eight year career in the Navy. Thompson got out of the Navy and returned to the United States. He met his wife, an Italian local national, when he was doing a VP tour in Sigonella. After they married, they spent four years in Naples, then returned to the States and came back to Italy when Thompson was a temporary hire with the supply command in 1977.

opo otto anni di carriera nella Marina Militare, Jim Thompson inizia a lavorare presso la NAS Sigonella nel dicembre del 1977. Dopo essersi congedato, Thompson ritorna negli Stati Uniti. Nel periodo in cui presta servizio presso un gruppo di volo di stanza a Sigonella, incontra la sua moglie italiana. Dopo il loro matrimonio, trascorrono quattro anni a Napoli e, dopo essere rientrati negli Stati Uniti, tornano in Italia nel 1977, un periodo nel quale Thompson lavora con un contratto temporaneo presso il reparto approvvigionamenti. “Il mio primo incarico è stato quello di ispettore militare doganale ed ispettore ufficio alloggi”, dice Thompson. “Poi mi sono trasferito alla Polizia Militare come impiegato addetto al rilascio pass di accesso in base”, aggiunge Thomspon. Nel corso degli anni il suo mansionario di qualifica è stato modificato, permettendogli di diventare supervisore del suddetto ufficio nel 1980, incarico ricoperto a tutt'oggi. Nel 1982, Thompson si vede assegnato un incarico collaterale riguardante lo snellimento della gestione della documentazione dell’ufficio. In quel periodo, inizia a lavorare come responsabile sdoganamento della base. Ciò significa che Thompson svolge due mansioni, tra le quali quella collaterale (che viene in seguito trasformata in incarico permanente) di unico responsabile sdoganamento in servizio presso l’ufficio immatricolazioni (MVRO) della NAS Sigonella. Nel corso di 36 anni di servizio in base, Thompson ha visto molti cambiamenti: “Da quando lavoro nel mio reparto ci siamo trasferiti sette volte. Quando sono arrivato a Sigonella c’erano solamente 50 impiegati presso la Polizia Militare. Quel numero ed il nostro carico di lavoro sono cresciuti notevelmente nel corso degli anni. A causa del viavai dei Comandi, siamo passati da un numero iniziale di circa mille immatricolazioni alle attuali 2500. Negli ultimi anni c’è stata una flessione di immatricolazioni che si attestavano a circa 4000”, aggiunge Thompson. Thompson è soddisfatto sia del suo lavoro alla NAS Sigonella che dell’impatto positivo che esso ha nei confronti dei suoi utenti. “Aiutare le persone è stato da sempre il mio obiettivo. È gratificante sentirsi dire: “hai fatto un buon lavoro” oppure, quando sono tornato al mio incarico per la seconda e terza volta: “Oh bene, c’è il Signor Thompson, qualcuno che conosciamo. Siamo sicuri che si prenderà cura di noi”. Gli altri impiegati ed io siamo stati ringraziati per il lavoro solerte che abbiamo svolto per loro”, spiega Thompson.

Jim Thompson - 32 years at NAS Sigonella.

“I initially came to work as a military customs inspector and housing goods inspector with supply,” said Thompson. “Then I moved to Security as a security clerk doing the base passes and stuff like that.” Over the years, Thompson was able to move along as the position changed. His grade was changed to supervisor in the 1980s and has been the same since then. In 1982, Thompson took a collateral duty assignment to help the office process documents faster. During this time, he started working as a customs clearance officer on base. This means that Thompson was doing the work of two positions; collateral duty, which had become permanent duty as the only customs clearance officer MVRO has at NAS Sigonella. Thompson has seen many changes during his 36 years. “Just in my tour we have moved seven times from one building to another.” He says that when he first came to work at Sigonella, Security only had 50 people. That number is much larger now. He also says that the job has changed tremendously, too. “We had about a thousand vehicles registered and now we have roughly 2500 because we’ve gone down from the four thousand in the past couple years.” He cites commands coming and going as the reason for this change. Thompson really enjoys working at NAS Sigonella and making an impact on the people he serves. “Helping people has been my goal. Having people tell you ‘you did a good job’ or coming back for second or third tours and saying, ‘Oh good, Mr. Thompson. Someone we know. We know we’re going to be taken care of.’ And they have been very thankful of the work the other clerks and I have done for them.”

48 Kenneth Dexter – 42 years of government service

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Kenneth Dexter - 42 anni di servizio presso il Governo americano

enneth Dexter was raised in a military family. His father enneth Dexter è cresciuto in una famiglia di militari. Dopo il was stationed overseas and when he graduated high diploma, mentre suo padre si trovava in missione all’estero, school, he wanted to go back to the States and go to colesprime il desiderio di tornare negli Stati per frequentare lege, but his father persuaded him to take advantage of being overl’università, ma suo padre lo persuade ad approfittare delle opportuseas and the opportunities available. nità offerte dal fatto di risiedere temporaneamente all’estero. Through a friend of his father’s, Dexter enrolled in Grazie ad un a Swiss hotel management school. When he finished amico di suo professional school in 1965, they sent him to a hotel padre, Dexter si in Switzerland. That job took him all over Europe, iscrive ad una especially Germany. It was in Germany that he saw scuola svizzera di an American military base and remembers thinking management that it was cool. He went on base and applied for a alberghiero. Alla job and they hired him right away. He worked at the fine del corso, base in Germany for six months when someone viene impiegato called him and told him that the base in Naples was presso un hotel in looking for someone to run their hotel that was on Svizzera. Questo base. “That was right in my field, so I called them and lavoro gli dà la I went down for an interview and got a job with the possibilità di viagAllied Officers Club with NATO,” he said. After giare in tutta Kenneth Dexter - 42 years of government service. working there for awhile as the assistant manager, he Europa, in partigot another call and the caller basically said, “Hey, there is a guy in colare in Germania. Mentre si trova in Germania, vede una base Sigonella looking to hire a food guy.” Dexter called the guy and militare americana che gli ricorda la sua infanzia. Decide quindi di came down to Sigonella for an interview and was hired as the fare domanda per lavorare all’interno di questa struttura militare. enlisted club manager, where he worked for 10 years. Dopo sei mesi di servizio, gli viene detto che la base di Napoli stava In 1967, Dexter was appointed as Mess Coordinator for all of cercando un manager per dirigere l’hotel ubicato all’interno della the clubs. In 1994, they merged with MWR, and since then he’s struttura militare. “Era proprio il mio campo, li ho chiamati e mi sono recato a Napoli per un colloquio. Ho ottenuto il posto presso il circolo ufficiali della NATO”, dice Dexter. Dopo avere lavorato in quella struttura in veste di assistente al manager, riceve un’altra telefonata durante la quale gli viene offerto un lavoro a Sigonella come experto di ristorazione del settore alberghiero. Dexter si reca a Sigonella per il colloquio ed ottiene il posto di responsabile del circolo sottufficiali, presso il quale lavora per dieci anni. Nel 1967, Dexter viene nominato responsabile del servizio mensa per tutti i circoli della base. Nel 1994, le mense vengono unificate ed incorporate all’interno del reparto attività ricreative MWR. Dexter dirige questi circoli fino a quando ne viene cambiata la denominazione. In seguito, Dexter frequenta un corso di specializzazione grazie a quale diventa un funzionario dell’ufficio appalti dell’MWR.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

been the club director until they changed the title to food and beverage. He then took classes at a specialist school and became a contracting officer for MWR. “The base when I came here was nothing on NAS II. There was a hangar and the LOX plant and that was it. No fence or anything,” he said. On NAS I, he says they had everything; housing, which had separate villas, enlisted and officer housing. Across the street at what is now Days Inn and the ESSO gas station there was a small restaurant. There were three barracks on NAS I and most of the Sailors were from the VP squadron or Seabees. “We had a movie theater here on base and a Rocky Hole nine-hole golf course where the hospital now sits,” he said. He said that the mission was different then, too, as they were more geared toward supporting the VP squadrons. He said that there were always 10 or 12 P3s on the runway. From there, special weapons came as well as the Marines. “We opened up the gym and the small NEX and then the lava lounge followed by a BOQ as we started getting bigger. The construction just never stopped,” he said. Dexter has enjoyed his 46 years at Sigonella and his favorite thing about it is meeting the amount of people he’s been able to meet. He says, “I was on vacation in Hawaii at a luau and the guys are doing this dance on stage and this couple was sitting there, and they asked me where I was from. I told them ‘I’d tell you but you wouldn’t believe me.’ I told them and they said, “I was at Sigonella. I slept in the gym there when I went to Desert Storm.” Then he said it was the best pizza of his life at Big Al’s. I go to conferences some place and some guy will come up and be like, ‘Hi Ken, how have you been?’ I know people all over the world. It was more of a family back then.”

49 “Quando sono arrivato a NAS II non c’era niente. C’era solamente un hangar ed un impianto ad ossigeno liquido. Niente, neppure la recinzione”, spiega Dexter, il quale aggiunge che a NAS I c’era tutto: complesso abitativo con alloggi separati per ufficiali e sottufficiali. Di fronte all’odierno Days Inn ed alla stazione di servizio ESSO c’era un piccolo ristorante. A NAS I c’erano tre alloggi che ospitavano principalmente personale della Marina appartenente al gruppo di volo (VP squadron) ed ai “Seabees” del Genio Navale. C’era anche un cinema ed un campo da golf a nove buche che si trovavano nell’area dove sorge l’Ospedale. Dexter spiega che, in quel periodo, la missione della base era prevalentemente quella di supportare i gruppi di volo (VP) ed aggiunge che sulla pista c’erano sempre tra i dieci e i dodici velivoli P-3 Orion. Dexter racconta che, successivamente, arrivarono i reparti armi speciali ed i Marines. “Abbiamo aperto la palestra e successivamente, man mano che ci ingrandivamo, un piccolo supermercato della NEX, la mensa (lava lounge) e gli alloggi per ufficiali (BOQ). I lavori di costruzione non si sono mai fermati”, dice Dexter. Dexter è pienemente soddisfatto dei suoi 46 anni trascorsi a Sigonella perchè ha avuto la possibilità di incontrare tantissima gente. “Mentre ero un vacanza alle Hawaii, durante una festa “Luau” con spettacolo di danza, una coppia mi chiese da dove provenivo. Gli dissi che glielo avrei detto e che non mi avrebbero creduto. Loro mi risposero: “ero a Sigonella ed ho dormito nella palestra quando ho partecipato alla missione Desert Storm”. Poi mi disse che aveva mangiato la migliore pizza della sua vita da Big Al's. Partecipo spesso a conferenze in giro per il mondo e trovo sempre qualcuno che mi dice: “Ciao Ken, come va?” Ho amici in tutto il mondo. A quei tempi eravamo come una famiglia”, spiega Dexter.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

John and Paola Hoffpauir – 93 years of combined Sigonella service

John e Paola Hoffpauir – 93 anni di servizio in due a Sigonella

ohn Hoffpauir left his home in Louisiana in August 1954 for military service. Joined Army/Airborne at Ft. Campbell, KY. Transferred to Germany for services with 10th Special Forces Group, and after his discharge in Germany, traveled through Europe. Settled in Rome, where he worked part time for the U.S. government. Paola was born in Rome, Italy. The only child of the late Giuseppe and Silvia Cretara of Rome. She attended School of Business and Accounting, Secretarial School, and the Rome British Language Institute. From 1955 through 1957 Paola worked in the Foreign Relations and Travel Dept of CIT, Rome (the Italian Government Travel and Visitors Bureau). In 1957, during Independence Day celebrations held by a group of Americans living in Rome Paula was introduced to John. November 1957 saw their official engagement and John’s departure to the U.S. where he worked for the US coast Guard and Geodetic Survey. In April 1958 after graduating from flight attendant school, Paola started working for Alitalia. She flew National and international flights and received an award and promotion to Senior Attendant in October 1958. On December 20, 1958, John and Paola exchanged vows in Saint Peters at the Vatican City; in June 1959 they moved to ChampaignUrbana, Illinois where John was working for the US Dept. of Commerce/Coast and Geodetic Survey. In October of the same year, John joined Department of state in D.C. where he worked as administrative Assistant to Governor G. Mennen Williams of Michigan (appointed by President Kennedy as under Secretary of state for African Affairs; Paola was hired by Alitalia District Sales Office in Washington as Traffic Representative and Executive Secretary. Aug 1962, John was offered a job as Administrative Assistant with the U.S. Naval Air Station, Sigonella and in the late 80’s was assigned as the Manpower and Planning Officer for the command. Feb 1963 Paola was hired as the Command Secretary at the naval air station, working directly for the commanding and executive Officers, serving 24 COs and 24 XOs. An Important part in John and Paola’s life is their interest in art, history, archaeology and travels. NASSIG honored John and Paola on May 4th 2004 by dedicating the CNO authorized Hoffpauir Administrative Center on NAS I to them which houses FFSC, HRO and Housing.

ohn Hoffpauir, parte dalla casa dei suoi genitori nello stato della Louisiana nel mese di agosto 1954 per arruolarsi nel corpo paracadutisti dell’Esercito Americano (Army/Airborne a Fort Campbell nello stato del Kentucky). Viene in seguito trasferito in Germania presso il Comando 10th Special Forces Group. Dopo essersi congedato, John visita diverse città europee; si stabilisce a Roma ed ottiene un lavoro part-time presso l’Ambasciata Americana. Paola, unigenita di Giuseppe e Silvia Cretara , è nata a Roma. Dopo aver completato gli studi di ragioneria e di lingua Inglese presso il British Institute, si impiega presso la CIT (Compagnia Italiana Turismo) del Dipartimento degli Affari Esteri dove lavora dal 1955 al 1957. L’incontro con John avviene nel 1957 durante una Festa dell’In dipendenza degli Stati Uniti, organizzata a Roma da un gruppo di cittadini Americani residenti in Italia. Nel novembre dello stesso anno, John riparte per gli Stati Uniti dove ottiene un impiego presso la Guardia Costiera ed il Progetto di Rilevamento Geodetico (U.S. Coast Guard / Geodetic Survey). Nell’aprile del 1958, dopo aver frequentato il corso di assistente di volo, Paola entra in Alitalia. Nell’ottobre del 1958, dopo aver volato su diverse tratte nazionali ed internazionali, ottiene un prestigioso riconoscimento lavorativo e viene promossa ad assistente responsabile. A Dicembre dello stesso anno, John e Paola si uniscono in matrimonio nella Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano. A giugno del 1959 vengono trasferiti per lavoro a Champaign-Urbana (Illinois) dove John si impiega presso il Ministero del Commercio e il Progetto Rilevamento Geodetico e delle Coste; ad ottobre dello stesso anno John viene assunto dal Ministero degli Esteri USA in qualita` di Assistente del Governatore del Michigan, G. Mennen Williams (nominato Segretario per i rapporti con l’Africa dal Presidente Kennedy). Paola viene assunta dalla Rappresentanza Commerciale Alitalia di Washington nell’ottobre del 1959. Nell’agosto del 1962, John accetta l’offerta di trasferirsi presso la Base Aeronavale di Sigonella e di lavorare come assistente amministrativo. Nei tardi anni ’80, John viene nominato Funzionario presso l’Ufficio Pianificazione e Reclutamento del Personale. Nel febbraio del 1963, Paola viene assunta con la qualifica di segretaria del Comando, è stata al servizio di 24 Comandanti e 24 Vice-Comandanti. Oltre a viaggiare, alcuni dei passatempi preferiti da John e Paola sono le belle arti, la storia e le visite ai siti archeologici. Il 4 maggio 2004, la NAS Sigonella rende onore a John e Paola dedicando loro, su autorizzazione del CNO, un edificio amministrativo ubicato presso le strutture logistiche della NAS 1 che ospita il Consultorio Familiare, l'Ufficio Personale Civile e l'Ufficio Alloggi.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

52 Antonino Carbonaro – 34 years at NAS Sigonella

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Antonino Carbonaro - 34 anni lavoratii a NAS Sigonella

Antonino Carbonaro - 34 years at NAS Sigonella.

n Aug. 12, 1974, Antonino Carbonaro began working as a clerk for COMPTROLLER. Thirty-four years later, he is one of the most senior local national employees on base. He has ascended from his first job as clerk through the ranks Sigonella to become the current Director of the NAS Sigonella Office of the Inspector General.

12 agosto 1974, Antonino Carbonaro inizia a lavorare come impiegato presso l’ufficio conta bilità (COMPTROLLER) della base. Trentaquattro anni più tardi, è diventato uno dei dipendenti italiani più anziani della base. Percorre tutti i gradi della carriera fino all’attuale nomina di Direttore del l’Ufficio del l’Ispettore Generale della NAS Sigonella. Quando Carbonaro arrivò per la prima volta a Sigonella, si trovò davanti ad una base molto diversa dall'attuale. Carbonaro ha assistito, nel corso degli anni, allo sviluppo di questa installazione militare che si è trasformata, con il tempo, da piccolo nucleo di edifici sparsi in una spazio aperto a centro nevralgico molto attivo. “Quando sono arrivato qui, c’erano solamente pochi

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

When Carbonaro first came to Sigonella it was vastly different from what we know today. He has watched the base grow from a few buildings spread out over an open to field to bustling Hub of the Med. “When I arrived here there were only a few buildings and open land,” Carbonaro said. “Not even the Admin. or the PW buildings were here.” He credits job changes and a solid work ethic as the reasons for his continued success here. “Initially all the promotions I had were achieved by changing jobs,” he said. “I was initially hired as a clerk, and then after awhile I went to the accounting division. At that time it was called the Resource Management System office. In 1981 I moved to Internal Review, which is the office I work in now, but it was renamed throughout the years. The first three steps of my career were just moving from one job to another job.” The physical landscape and infrastructure of the base today are obvious changes from what he once knew, but what he reflects on the most are the people who have come and gone. “I have many good memories of colleagues that are not here because they transferred or passed away, unfortunately,” he said. “In 34 years you realize how many things have changed. It’s completely different.” He stated that he enjoys the challenges of being an Italian, in essence, working in America. “We live different lives than the Americans who work here, because for us we’re living eight hours of our life every day in here and we live the rest of our lives in Sicily. It’s like taking a plane to the states every morning. We have to face a different culture, different ways of working, different systems and different ways of thinking.”

53 edifici ed uno spazio aperto. Non c’erano ne l’Ufficio Comando e neppure gli edifici del Genio Navale”, dice Carbonaro. Carbonaro spiega che una forte etica lavorativa ed una serie di cambi di qualifica professionale sono stati, da sempre, la chiave del suo successo a Sigonella. “All’inizio era possibile fare carriera solamente attraverso trasferimenti e cambi di qualifica professionale. Ho iniziato a lavorare come impiegato e, dopo un certo periodo, mi sono trasferito all’ufficio contabilità che a quei tempi era denominato “Resource Management System Office. Nel 1981, mi sono trasferito all’ufficio analisi, verifica e controllo e revisione contabile e amministrativa (Internal Review), dove lavoro attualmente. Quest’ufficio ha cambiato denominazione diverse volte nel corso degli anni”, spiega Carbonaro. L’aspetto odierno della base e delle sue infrastrutture è ovviamente cambiato rispetto al passato. Carbonaro si sofferma a riflettere e ricordare tutte le persone che sono passate da Sigonella. “Ho tanti ricordi legati a colleghi che non sono più qui con noi perchè si sono trasferiti o sono purtroppo deceduti. Dopo 34 anni di attività, ci si rende conto di quante cose siano cambiate oggi”, dice Carbonaro. Carbonaro dice di apprezzare la sfida posta dall’essere un italiano che lavora in America. “La nostra vita è diversa da quella degli americani che lavorano in base. Noi trascorriamo otto ore qui ed il resto della giornata in Sicilia. E’ un po’ come prendere l’aereo ogni mattina per gli Stati Uniti. Interagiamo con una cultura diversa , modi diversi di lavorare e pensare”, dice Carbonaro.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

What was going on in the world?

It was the year 1957...

Eisenhower Doctrine - President Eisenhower announces “Eisenhower Doctrine,” pledging defense of Middle Eastern nations against communism Dottrina Eisenhower- Il Presidente Eisenhower annuncia la “Dottrina Eisenhower” che sosteneva la difesa delle nazioni mediorientali dal Comunismo

Federal Troops Integrated Schools in Little Rock - After local authorities refused to implement court-ordered desegregation, President Eisenhower ordered federal troops to do the job. He stated: “The Federal Constitution will be upheld by me, by every means at my command.” Le truppe federali intervengono contro la discriminazione razziale le scuole di Little Rock In seguito al rifiuto da parte delle autorità locali di eseguire l’ordine della Corte Suprema di porre fine alla segregazione razziale, Il Presidente Eisenhower invia le truppe federali per far rispettare la legge. “Farò rispettare ad ogni costo la Costituzione Federale”, dichiara Eisenhower.

Dr. Suess classics published - “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” are first published Pubblicazione dei classici del Dr. Seuss - “Il gatto e il cappello matto” e “Come il Grinch rubò il Natale” sono le prime opere pubblicate.

Sputnik Launched by Russians - On October 4, the Soviet Union launched the first satellite into space. The satellite, with a diameter of 22 inches, marked the beginning of the Space Age. I Russi lanciano lo Sputnik - Il 4 ottobre, l’Urss lancia il primo satellite nello spazio. Il satellite aveva un diametro di circa 58 centimetri e dava inizio all’Era Spaziale.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

What was going on in the world? Rome Treaty, Common Market Established - On March 25, the Rome Treaty was signed by France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. The treaty established the European Economic Community, otherwise known as the Common Market. Trattato di Roma, istituzione del Mercato Comune - Il Trattato di Roma viene firmato da Francia, Germania Ovest, Italia, Belgio, Olanda e Lussemburgo. Il trattato istituisce il Mercato Comune Europeo, conosciuto anche con la denominazione di CEE.

USSR and US Launch ICBMs - In late 1957, both the United States and the USSR successfully launched Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. URSS e gli Stati Uniti US lanciano i missili balistici intercontinentali- Alla fine del 1957, gli Stati Uniti e lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Urss lanciano con successo i missili balistici intercontinentali.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

John Glenn Goes Transcontinental – United States Marine Major John Glenn flies an F8U supersonic jet from California to New York in three hours, 23 minutes and eight seconds, setting a new transcontinental speed record. John Glenn attraversa i continenti - Il maggiore dei Marines John Glenn fa volare un jet supersonico F8U dalla California a New York in 3 ore, 23 minuti e 8 secondi, stabilendo un nuovo record di velocità di volo transcontinentale.

Toyota Enters US Markets – Toyota begins exporting vehicles to the U.S., beginning with the Toyota Crown Royal and Toyota Land Cruiser. La Toyota entra nel mercato americano – La Toyota inizia ad esportare le sue autovetture in America. I primi modelli esportati sono la “Crown Royal” ed il “Land Cruiser”.

Elvis in 57 - In March 1957 Presley purchased Graceland, a former church and converted it into a twenty three room mansion. In February “All Shook Up” began an eighteen week stretch at number #1 Elvis nel 1957- Nel marzo 1957, Elvis compra la tenuta di Graceland, una chiesa sconsacrata che viene trasformata in una tenuta di 23 stanze. La sua canzone “All Shook Up” debutta in classifica al numero uno, posizione che manterrà per ben 18 settimane.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

It was the year 1958... US Troops Land in Lebanon - President Eisenhower ordered 5,000 Marines to Lebanon to help maintain order after a revolt in Iraq resulted in the ouster of the pro-Western Lebanese government. This followed the imposition of a pro-Soviet regime in Iraq. La truppe USA sbarcano in Libano- Il Presidente Eisenhower invia 5.000 Marines in Libano per aiutare a mantenere l’ordine dopo lo scoppio di una rivolta, avvenuta in Iraq, che causa l’estromissione del governo filo-occidentale del Libano. In seguito a questi eventi, viene instaurato un governo filosovietico in Iraq. Explorer I Launched - On January 31, the US put its first satellite, “Explorer I,” into orbit around the earth. The launch came after the Soviets had successfully launched a satellite called “Sputnik” one year earlier. For a brief period, it seemed that the Soviets had a major lead in space. This was soon translated into what became known as “the missile gap.” Lancio del satellite Explorer I- Il 31 gennaio viene lanciato l’Explorer 1: è il primo satellite americano messo in orbita intorno alla Terra. Il lancio avviene un anno dopo l’invio del satellite sovietico Sputnik. Per un breve periodo, i Sovietici sembrano avere la supremazia nel settore spaziale (“missile gap”). Nautilus makes history - Nuclear submarine U.S.S. Nautilus makes the first underwater crossing of the North Pole setting submerged distance and endurance records. Il Nautilus entra nella storia- Il sottomarino ad energia nucleare della Marina degli Stati Uniti “USS Nautilus” compie il primo attraversamento in immersione del Polo Nord, stabilendo records di distanza percorsa e permanenza sott’acqua.

Douglas Introduced DC- 8 - On May 30, the first prototype DC8 made its maiden flight. The plane, powered by 4 Pratt & Whitney Turbojets, flew for 2 hours and 7 minutes. La Douglas presenta il DC-8 - Il 30 maggio, il primo prototipo di DC-8, dotato di quattro motori turbojet “Pratt & Whitney” effettua il suo volo inaugurale volando per due ore e sette minuti.

A Chess legend begins - At age 14, Bobby Fischer wins the United States Chess Championship Nasce una leggenda degli scacchi – All’età di 14 anni, Bobby Fischer vince i campionati americani di scacchi.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Elvis in 58 – Elvis Presley joined the Army and was shipped to Bremerhaven, West Germany for his tour. Elvis nel 1958- Elvis Presley si arruola nell’Esercito e viene inviato in Germania Occidentale per prestare servizio oltreoceano a Bremerhaven.

F-4 Phantom Unveiled By Mcdonell- Douglas - The F-4 was first unveiled by McDonnell-Douglas in 1958. It soon became the backbone of the US Airforce, serving in twin roles, as both an interceptor as well as a ground support bomber. It served as the frontline American aircraft in the Vietnam War. The Phantom was also used by the Navy as the premier carrier-based fighter. La Mcdonell- Douglas presenta l’F-4 “Phantom” – La Mcdonell- Douglas presenta il suo primo velivolo F-4 nel 1958. Questo aereo diventa la “spina dorsale” dell’Aviazione USA grazie alla sua doppia funzione di intercettore e cacciabombardiere. Il Phantom viene impiegato in prima linea nella Guerra del Vietnam ed usato dalla Marina come principale aereo imbarcato a bordo di portaerei.

Pan Am introduced 707 Service Across Atlantic - Pan Am introduced 707 trans-Atlantic jet service on October 27, when its first 707, named “Clipper America”, set off for Paris from Idlewild, New York. La Pan Am lancia la prima tratta d’oltreoceano effettuata dal Boeing 707- Il 27 ottobre, la Pan Am inaugura il primo volo transatlantico del suo Boeing 707, velivolo dotato di motori a getto e soprannominato “Clipper America”, partendo dall’aeroporto di Idlewild (New York) con destinazione Parigi.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Heroes Brought Home – The bodies of unidentified soldiers killed in action during World War II and the Korean War are buried at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington National Cemetery. Gli eroi tornano a casa – Le salme dei militi ignoti morti in combattimento durante la Seconda Guerra Mondiale e la Guerra di Corea vengono sepolte nella Tomba del Milite Ignoto presso il cimitero militare “Arlington National Cemetery”.

U.S. 49 th State Created – President Dwight d. Eisenhower signs the Alaska Statehood Act into United States law making Alaska the 49th State. Proclamazione della nascita del 49° stato - Il Presidente Dwight d. Eisenhower firma l’Alaska Statehood Act, facendolo diventare legge degli Stati Uniti. L’Alaska entra a far parte nell’Unione come 49° stato.

Microchip born - Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce independently and simultaneously create the first working prototypes of the Integrated Circuit or microchip. Creazione del primo microchip - Jack Kilby e Robert Noyce mettono a punto indipendentemente e simultaneamente il primo prototipo funzionante di circuito integrato ovvero microchip.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

It was the year 1959... Cuban Revolution Ends – The Cuban Revolution comes to an end and Fidel Castro takes power as premier of Cuba Fine della Rivoluzione Cubana - La Rivoluzione Cubana si conclude con con la presa del potere da parte di Fidel Castro.

US 50th State Created – Hawaii is admitted as the 50th State. Nascita del 50° Stato – Le Hawaii vengono ammesse nell’Unione come 50° stato.

Buddy Holly Dies - A chartered plane transporting Musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper goes down in foggy conditions near clear lake, Iowa, killing all four occupants including the pilot Roger Peterson. Morte di Buddy Holly – L’aereo che trasporta i musicisti Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens e Big Bopper precipita vicino Clear Lake, nello Iowa, a causa della fitta nebbia, uccidendo tutti e quattro i musicisti ed il pilota Roger Peterson.

First Astronauts – NASA names the first seven astronauts; Alan B. Shepard, Virgil I. Grissom, John A. Glenn, Jr., M. Scott Carpenter, Walter M. Schirra, L. Gordon Cooper and Donald “Deke” Slayton. Primi astronauti – La NASA annuncia il primo gruppo di sette astronauti: Alan B. Shepard, Virgil I. Grissom, John A. Glenn, Jr., M. Scott Carpenter, Walter M. Schirra, L. Gordon Cooper e Donald “Deke” Slayton.

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

Barbie begins - Barbie, the popular girls’ doll, debuted, over 800 million sold

First TV Photo From Space Explorer 6 transmits first TV photo of Earth from space

Comincia il successo della bambola Barbie – Barbie, la famosa bambola per ragazzine, fa il suo debutto. Vengono venduti più di 800 milioni di esemplari.

Prima immagine della Terra dallo Spazio – L’Explorer 6 trasmette la prima foto della Terra vista dallo Spazio.

ADM Arleigh Burke ADM Arleigh Burke reappointed CNO for 3rd 2 year term, serving longest term as CNO

Bonanza Begins - The Television show “Bonanza” premiers

Ammiraglio Arleigh Burke – L’Ammiraglio Burke viene confermato per il terzo mandato di 2 anni Capo delle Operazioni Navali, divenendo così l’ammiraglio che ha ricoperto più a lungo questo incarico.

Inizio della trasmissione Bonanza - I telefilm della serie “Bonanza” fanno il loro debutto.

Vince Lombardi Vince Lombardi signs a 5 year contract to coach the Green Bay Packers Vince Lombardi - Vince Lombardi firma un contratto quinquennale per allenare i Green Bay Packers

First Ballistic Submarine - The George Washington, first ballistic missile sub commissioned 30 December at Groton CT. Primo sottomarino lanciamissili balistici – Il George Washington, primo sottomarino lanciamissili balistici, entra in servizio il 30 dicembre a Groton (Connecticut).

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officers 1959-2009

Capt. W.J. Frazier

Capt. V.V. Utgoff

Capt. L.E.Doner

Capt. J.H. Caldwell

June 1959-July 1961

July 1961-May 1963

July 1963-August 1965

August 1965-July 1967

Capt. J.C. Fox

Capt. W.R. Cheal

Capt. R.W. Jackson

Capt. C.L. von Schrader

July 1967-July 1969

July 1969-Nov. 1970

Nov. 1970-June 1972

June 1972-Sept. 1974

Capt. W.A. Platte

Capt. M.F. Pasztalaniec

Capt. J.B. Kramer

Capt. W.H. Compton

Sept. 1974-Sept. 1976

Sept. 1976-June 1978

Sept. 1978-August 1980

August 1980-June 1982

Naval Air Station, Sigonella

NAS Sigonella Commanding Officers 1959-2009

Capt. L.H. Grafel

Capt. W.R. Spearman

Capt. F.L. Hudnor

Capt. R.S. Parodi

June 1982-June 1984

June 1984-August 1986

August 1986-July 1988

July 1988-Sept. 1990

Capt. M.G. Bruner

Capt. S.R. Arends

Capt. S.R. Barnett

Capt. W.J. Tyson

Sept. 1990-July 1992

July 1992-June 1994

June 1994-Sept. 1996

Sept. 1996-Sept. 1998

Capt. A.J. Nelson

Capt. T.L. Davison

Capt. J. Stuyvesant

Capt. T.J. Quinn

Sept. 1998-July 2001

July 2001-June 2004

June 2004-May 2007

May 2007-

Naval Air Station, Sigonella