SIGNATURE THE
SIGONELLA, SICILY
March 1, 2013
Vol. 30. No. 8
cnic.navy.mil/sigonella
Rear Adm. Anthony Gaiani, commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Command (right) presents the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Scott Butler during an all hands call at NAS Sigonella's operational base, February 22. Gaiani also presented NAS Sigonella with the Meritorious Unit Commendation for efforts during Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for Commander, U.S. 5th and 6th Fleets and NATO forces in the Mediterranean. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Cameron Bramham/Released)
NAS Sigonella receives awards for support during Libya operations by mc3 cameron bramham NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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aval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella received the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation for the installation’s efforts during Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. The awards were presented by Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA), Rear Adm. Anthony Gaiani during an all hands call at NAS Sigonella’s operational base, February 22. Operation Unified Protector took place from March 23 to October 31, 2011 as a result of the uprising against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. NATO adopted U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, authorizing member states to take “all necessary measures” to protect civilians in Libya. Due to NAS Sigonella’s strategic vicinity to Tripoli, Libya (about 350 miles) the installation became a primary
location for many of the aircraft enforcing the no-fly zone that formed the central component of NATO’s Operation Unified Protector. “In my view, there is no base anywhere in the world today that has consistently proven its value (in terms of shore fighting capacity and capability), particularly in Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector,” Gaiani said. “I’m happy to say that today you’re being recognized for that work.” The installation’s operational pace increased from supporting logistical operations (with three to five aircraft conducting seven to ten flights a month) to supporting air supremacy missions (with 45 to 55 aircraft from the eight NATO and non-NATO countries flying daily operations). NAS Sigonella facilitated the movement of 28,000 passengers, more than 13,000 tons of cargo,
and nearly 24 million gallons of fuel to 3,856 separate transient aircraft. In addition, the base supported 27,516 flight operations, a 243-percent increase over operations in 2010. “I couldn’t be more proud of the people in this room," said Gaiani. "This is a team effort, so when I say congratulations, I mean all of you – Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Italians, military and civilian government service and contractors.” Following the presentation of the awards, Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Butler addressed the Sigonella community. “It doesn’t matter who gets the honor of commanding this base,” Butler said. “It’s the work that each of you do every day and it’s the ItalianAmerican team that makes this base such a special place to live and work.”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK "The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it but that it is too low and we reach it" - Michelangelo
Community Service
Celebrity Visit
Rugby Show Down
Service members help clean up beach areas.
Special USO visit brings American celebrities.
Sigonella Hoplites face Malta national rugby team.
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