The Signature | January 25, 2019

New to BRS? Make the Most of Your Account PAGE 5

Tips on Traveling Europe With Kids

New 6th Fleet Master Chief to Begin Duties This Spring

PAGES 10-11

N A S SIG O N E L L A

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JANUARY 25, 2019

Vol. 36 No. 2

Sigonella Service Members Embark on Leadership Development Training

SIGONELLA, Sicily (January 23, 2019) Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Command Master Chief Nancy Estrada gives introductory remarks during the first training session of the base's Sailor 360 leadership development program. NAS Sigonella is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed and when they are needed to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)

By Janine Scianna NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella officially kicked off its base-wide Sailor 360 leadership development program on Jan. 23. Sailor 360 is the next incarnation of what was CPO 365, the Navy’s chief petty officer development program. NAS Sigonella’s program is open to all ranks (including officers) and all service branches, so all active duty service members stationed here are encouraged to participate in events going forward.

Held at the Midtown Theater on NAS II, service members arrived armed with their Myers-Briggs personality type results, with the goal of being linked up with like-minded service members for small group training.

NAS Sigonella Command Master Chief Nancy Estrada and one of the program leads, Electronics Technician 1st Class Joshua Coatney, kicked off the event by going over the intent of the program and the rationale for dividing up participants into personality groups.

“Certain people like to do sports, and certain people like to do yoga,” remarked Coatney. “Certain people like PowerPoint, and others like acting. It puts you in a tough spot if you are forced into one thing or another. That was the whole idea behind this.

Estrada went on to explain further.

“Instead of grouping you by department or division, we decided to do smaller groups. You look at the same people all the time—Sailor 360 is a way for you to find other people throughout the base that have common interests,” said Estrada. “In these small groups, everyone will have a voice.”

Increased self-awareness and feedback from your peers is also another reason why small groups were chosen to be a format for training, Estrada explained.

Chaplains’ Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO) facilitator Richard Graves then led the remainder of the program, training service members on the 16 Myers-Briggs personality types. These are essentially different combinations of where people fall on four trait continuums: introversion vs. extroversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving.

Graves went into detail in describing the strengths each personality type brings to the table, and what activities they tend to gravitate to. He reminded everyone that being labeled as one vs. another doesn’t mean that you can’t do both, just that you favor one trait. For example, introverts (like Graves himself) can give speeches in front of large crowds, but at the end of the day, they need to recharge their batteries.

From there, the crowd broke up into their 16 respective personality type groups and got to know each other. Each group now has the task of execut-

ing their own training program and reporting back their progress to program leads. But at a minimum, each group will conduct at least one PT session, one training session, and one community relations (COMREL) activity each month. And because likeminded people have been joined together, they will get to tailor their training plans to work best for their shared personality type.

This approach is quite different from its predecessor program, CPO 365, in that flexibility is key.

There is no “one size fits all” strategy, and what works best for some people might not be ideal for others. Sailor 360 is designed to acknowledge the inherent differences in how people learn, interact, and grow to be leaders.

Going forward, in addition to customized group training, quarterly events will be planned for the larger base-wide group and relevant to all U.S. service branches. The first event will be a flag retirement ceremony on Feb. 21, and volunteers are being solicited to help coordinate it. Reach out to one of the program leaders to voice your interest. And of course, participation in Sailor 360 is by no means closed. If you couldn’t make it to the kickoff event, or simply didn’t know it, you are encouraged to reach out to CMDCM Nancy Estrada at DSN 6245246 or BMC Wendell Harrison at 624-5186. All ranks from all service branches are invited!

More Photos on Page 8

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JANUARY 25, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

Direct Line

Lt. Aaron Thompson, Assistant Public Works Officer Greetings Sigonella!

My name is Aaron Thompson and I am your new Assistant Public Works Officer (APWO). After a long-awaited PCS, my wife, Katie, and I couldn’t be happier that we are finally here in Sigonella. We are grateful for the tremendous support that we’ve received from so many people while getting settled in.

The APWO is a new position within the NAVFAC Public Works Department aimed at providing a higher level of customer service and decreasing impacts to your operations. With the age of our facilities and utility systems, it’s difficult to predict where the next problem is going to come from, but our goal is to respond accordingly, minimize impacts, and keep you informed of the situation. Good communication is essential throughout the process.

Every facility on the base is assigned a Building Manager as the customer representative and a corresponding Zone Manager from Public Works.

Communication between the managers is crucial for addressing facility issues and keeping the customer updated. As service requests are received from the

Building Manager, the repairs are classified as a project or work order. If you don’t know how your repairs are classified, which category your work order falls into (Emergency, Urgent, or Routine), or if over 30 days have elapsed on a routine repair and you want to know why, work with your Building Manager to contact your PW Zone Manager.

Funding constraints and parts availability don’t always allow us to respond as quickly as we’d like, but at the very least, we owe you that information.

I would also like to take this opportunity to provide an update on our Waterline Replacement Project which is nearing completion. All of the main connections have been completed and there are only a few minor connections and some site restoration that remains.

I want to thank you for your patience as I know this project has created several water outages that have been a huge inconvenience. Throughout the project, we’ve learned a lot about our processes and have implemented changes to help decrease mission impacts and better communicate water outages in the future.

As you may have noticed, our recent outages have been accompanied with an All Hands PAO message as well as an AtHoc message. However, equally as important, the PW Zone Managers are required to make positive communication with the Building Managers prior to an outage. We want to make sure our customers receive the outage notification and have an opportunity to address any significant mission impacts. Unfortunately, we still do have some emergencies that don’t allow for this, but we’re doing our best to eliminate those types of outages or at least provide as much advance notification as possible.

In addition to the notifications, we’re also getting the water turned back on quicker by issuing a boil water notice with every outage so water can be turned on for fire suppression and restrooms immediately after the work is complete. Under the DoD’s Final Governing Standards for Italy, any time the pressure of the water distribution system drops below 20 psi, there is a risk of contaminates entering the system. This situation requires the sys-

tem to be flushed and tested (and takes approximately 24 hours to complete) before the water can be declared fit for consumption. Once the results are reviewed and approved, a final water restoration notice is sent by the Zone Managers through an AtHoc message.

I can’t emphasize enough how important the Building and Zone Managers are to resolving issues and keeping the customer informed. If you aren’t receiving the support that you need, please let me know by emailing me at aaron.thompson@eu.navy.mil.

I look forward to working with you throughout my time here in Sigonella!

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The community is strongly encouraged to leave contact information when submitting comments. This ensures that a response will come directly to you. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Sug-

gestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks.

Anonymous comments will be published only if they benefit the greater community at large. * If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publicly recognize employees or organizations. ** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard

those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program!

There are two ways to submit; go to: 1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu.

– or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".

Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment Regarding NEX Clothing Options:

I am curious about the enormous disparity in clothing options for men and women. The men’s section has brand names such as Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, and Lucky, while the women’s section carries not one of those brands, nor anything of nicer quality such as those brands. Why? Also, the shoe section is 75 percent men’s. If you’re looking for something extremely basic for women, such as a pair of black flat shoes or black heels, you are completely out of luck. Why is there such a discrepancy between quality and quantity? And what do we need to do in order to have access to similar brands for women? Everything available for women seems to be of poor quality and is primarily juniors’ styles.

Response:

Thank you for your question regarding the women’s assortment at NEX Sigonella. We are always looking for ways to improve. Let me being by saying that the best way to communicate quality and quantity of merchandise you want to see in the store is by completing NEX surveys after your purchases. The NEX surveys allow your concerns to be addressed throughout multiple levels of management within the Navy Exchange.

Sales greatly impact the decisions that buying groups take into consideration when making selections for the brands and quantities delivered to each store. Recently the NEX has taken measures to organize and create an easier layout within the women’s department to improve your shopping experience. With the changes made, you can find the women’s collections directly across from men's collections. As for shoes, NEX management has communicated the need for more styles and colors. That said, when the local store is unable to carry styles you may prefer, you can shop at the central NEX website (mynavyexchange.com) which has a larger selection of items to choose from.

Lastly, I encourage you to reach out to the NEX General Manager, Narad Ramsaran, if you’d like to address your concerns directly to management. He can be reached at Narad.Ramsaran@NEXWEB.ORG or DSN 624-4423.

Again, thank you for your comments as they assist NEX management in providing better customer service.

Comment Regarding Baby Changing Tables:

Is it possible for the base to install baby changing tables and restrooms close to the amenities? I enjoy taking my toddler to story time at the library, but I have no place to change him since the restrooms there and at other places around base do not have changing stations.

Response:

Thank you for expressing your concerns regarding availability of baby changing amenities on NAS Sigonella. Although there are no current plans to install additional facilities in the library restroom, I’d like to take the opportunity to let you and other parents know the locations of existing nearby changing tables on NAS II. Among others, the Navy College office restrooms (very close to the library), the food court, the NEX, and the NAS II gym all have baby changing stations.

Given their proximity to the library, I hope you can take advantage of these next time. In addition, MWR will be posting signs to help direct patrons to other restrooms with changing facilities.

Comment Regarding Marinai Maintenance:

I have received multiple comments regarding water flooding in Marinai carports. I’d like to take the opportunity to explain the current understanding of the problem and the solution that the Housing office has identified to correct it going forward.

Response:

Thank you for submitting comments on this issue. They have been forwarded to Pizzarotti via NAVFAC for follow up and to improve their maintenance processes. The Housing office has researched this recurring problem and determined that the fire system back flow preventer valve is the culprit for the leaking water.

They are aware of, and, are working toward a long term solution. A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow. Reduced water pressure in the pipes may allow contaminated water to be drawn into the potable water system and these valves are needed to prevent that from happening.

Housing and NAVFAC are looking into replacing theses valves with another type, though that may take time due to the lengthy fire engineering approval process. Also, Housing is looking for an alternate solution to drain excess water out to the driveway rather than into the storage or carport area. A tentative solution has already been installed at one of the housing units and is being evaluated for a modification of the drain system.

In the meantime, please continue to report any issues with your fire suppression backflow valves immediately to Pizzarotti 095-518-3394 or after hours by

"ICE" continued on Page 3

JANUARY 25, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: Utilitiesman Third Class Michaelangelo Alvarado Department: EURAFSWA Public Works Sigonella Hometown: El Centro, Calif.

It’s hard to look around Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and not see the breadth of responsibility that Public Works has in maintaining and improving the base infrastructure. Especially now, during the heart of the ECP construction and in addition to the various water and natural gas line maintenance projects, Public Works projects are almost everywhere you look. It takes Sailors like Utilitiesman 3rd Class Michaelangelo Alvarado to ensure that the infrastructure on base is being maintained.

Alvarado works in the Utilities and Energy Management Branch, which has responsibility for wastewater, potable water, water distribution, high voltage

power, and generators. He currently is serving as a supervisor in the water distribution division, overseeing a team of four active duty Sailors and one local national. His team handles both emergency repairs and routine maintenance to water distribution lines, hydrants, and valves on NAS I and II. After arriving at NAS Sigonella in June 2017, Alvarado has held a number of positions at Public Works. Initially, he was a Seaman laborer at the water plant, standing 12-hour watches monitoring the plant. After six months, he moved up to be an assistant to the water distribution supervisor. And just a few weeks ago, he assumed his new duties as water distribution supervisor.

Alvarado says that some days are really predictable, if his team is working on routine maintenance. But other days can be long and challenging if there is an emergency situation they need to repair.

He enjoys participating in the repairs

"ICE" continued from Page 2 calling 342-347-1370. Please do not turn off the valves; if you do, there will be no fire protection in your unit. If you are not getting an acceptable response please call the Marinai Housing office at 095-86-1735/31, and, if it happens after hours, please call 335-8308222 to report it to the after-hours Housing staff. Do NOT sign the service calls work order if the work isn't completed or if you're dissatisfied. This will help Housing identify problems and address them accordingly.

Comment Regarding Bus Schedule: I would like to report concerns I have with the NAS Sigonella shuttle. Once on Marinai, the shuttle arrived 10 minutes earlier than scheduled and did not stay until the time reflected on the schedule. The driver was also speeding, didn’t stop at stop signs, and follows other vehicles way too closely, in addition to texting while driving.

The bus being a few minutes early isn't a big deal but I know many people missed that bus since it showed up and left significantly earlier than planned. The larger concern is the driver’s safety

himself when he is able to get away from his desk.

The sharp learning curve has also been an enjoyable challenge for him.

“It’s a good feeling when I don’t have to look at a utilities map anymore,” remarked Alvarado. “I can just know immediately which valves to shut down to secure the entire water line and stop any further damage from happening.”

Now at the halfway point of his tour here at Sigonella, Alvarado is hoping to move into the plumbing shop to broaden his skill sets even further. He also hopes to pass the 2nd class petty officer exam this spring.

As far as his long term plans go, Alvarado is probably not going to make a career out of serving in the Navy but is leaving the door open for possibilities.

He is wanting to get back to California for his next tour to be closer to family, hopefully working at a logistics support unit supporting SEALS or an amphibious battalion.

Eventually, his dream is to open up a small pizzeria in San Diego, and he even has a name picked out: “Deck Ape Pizza” named after the slang term for Sailors who maintained ship spaces.

While he is here in Sicily, though, Alvarado is making the most of experiencing his second OCONUS tour. He enjoys the local food culture, going to beaches, working out, and relaxing with his girlfriend. He has embraced the local culture and is exploring new foods, culture, and art.

Like many others, he also is taking advantage of the travel opportunities. He has already visited Madrid and Paris, and has plans to go to Amsterdam, Switzerland, and Denmark. While he eventually wants to get at least an associate’s degree, he is going to wait to start classes until his next duty station so he can maximize his free time in Europe.

habits, especially considering that children often ride the shuttle and live throughout Marinai.

Response: Thank you for your comment on the behavior of bus shuttle employee. Safety of all Sig citizens is of paramount importance to me. The shuttle drivers are required to observe all driving rules and regulations, including obeying all traffic laws and speeds both on and off base. Regarding the timeliness of the shuttle service, the contract that the base has with the shuttle company prescribes the scheduled arrival and departure times so that customers can appropriately plan their trips.

The Public Works department has reached out to the contractor and addressed these issues with them. The driver has been identified and specifically instructed and cautioned regarding his driving behavior and his failure to properly observe all driving regulations.

Again, thank you for reporting your concerns and giving us the opportunity to correct this situation. If you have additional questions please contact Deputy Public Works Officer, Jonpaul 'JP' Thomasseau, at DSN 624-2905 or commercial 095-86-2905.

Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief CMDCM Nancy Estrada EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil Assistant Public Affairs Officer Janine Scianna janine.scianna@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas.

Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy.

The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy.

Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887.

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands.

Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday preceeding the expected publication date.

All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish any anonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l.

Any reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the written consent of the publisher.

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THE SIGNATURE

JANUARY 25, 2019

Announcement from NEXCOM: Upgrades to Marinai Housing Internet Recently the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) sent representatives from its Telecommunications Program Office to Sigonella to discuss and address issues with the internet service in Marinai Housing.

NEXCOM has an agreement with TIM which requires them to significantly upgrade service to the Marinai internet. The improvements have taken longer than expected due to approvals required from the Italia Telecom Authority. Following the discussion, NEXCOM has these answers for you along with some ways forward: What is being changed?

1. Telecom Italia, the internet provider in Marinai who owns the infrastructure, is in the process of upgrading the service and adding additional bandwidth to be completed no later than the end of April 2019.

2. Telecom Italia has made immediate changes to their network to aid in improving internet speeds.

3. Telecom Italia has conducted infrastructure surveys of the houses in Marinai to determine other measures that can be taken to improve service based on the building materials used and their effect on signal strength.

4. Due to the amount of time it is taking to upgrade the Internet service, Telecom Italia will be providing a 40% discount to all Marinai subscribers. The discount will be prorated back to 1DEC2018 and will continue until the conclusion of the upgrade. Subscribers will be locked into their current package unless a downgrade or cancellation is requested.

What can I do?

1. As a customer, if you are not getting the service you are paying for, make a formal trouble call with the Telecom Italia help desk at 095-784-9191. If you do not get satisfactory service from Telecom Italia, please notify the NEX so they can take action on your behalf.

2. Encourage your neighbors to call the help desk as well if they are experiencing problems. The more issues that are formally logged with the service provider, the more they will understand the extent of the problem at large.

There are other factors that could be affecting service, such as power surges, outages, and older equipment. Cus-

tomer feedback is imperative to ensure the responsiveness of the service provider and subsequent improvements.

While social media and ICE comments are a means for communication of these issues, a personal phone call to Telecom Italia will better explain the specific issue.

Telecom Italia has been a NEXCOM business partner

for many years and takes this issue very seriously.

NEXCOM is working closely with them to improve the service to meet customer expectations.

NEXCOM’s Navy Lodge Program Celebrates 50 Years

SIGONELLA, Sicily (January 22, 2019) Capt. Brent Trickel, commanding officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and Rory Chatman, general manager of Navy Lodge Sigonella, cut a cake in honor of the Navy Lodge Program’s 50TH Anniversary. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jessica Vargas)

JANUARY 25, 2019

THE SIGNATURE

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Blended Retirement System Opt-In Window Closed—Now What?

By Janine Scianna NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

As of Jan. 1 2019, all service members are now locked into their chosen retirement plans—either the legacy pension system or the new blended retirement system (BRS). According to the Department of Defense (DoD), more than 400,000 service members chose to opt into BRS during the enrollment period, and more than 150,000 new members were automatically enrolled upon entering the service in 2018.

Congratulations! You can now start actively participating in planning for your well-deserved retirement, whether that’s two or 20 years down the road.

And yes, the keyword is ACTIVE participation.

Both legacy system and BRS beneficiaries need to actively monitor and make determinations on how much of their salary should go into their TSP (401(k)-style retirement savings account) and what types of index funds they want to invest in. But contrary to the legacy system, which only involves your own money, BRS system beneficiaries will get matching DoD contributions, up to 5% of your basic pay!

But here’s the catch—upon selection of the BRS, your paycheck will default to putting in just 1% of your basic pay into the TSP, with 1% mandatory matching from the government. If you don’t manually increase your contributions to 5% (or higher!) you are literally leaving an additional 4% of matching contributions and their growth potential on the table. So, if you at all can afford to invest a minimum of 5% of your basic pay into your retirement account, do it!

And another catch—all TSP contributions initially default to investing in what is known as the “G” fund. This fund represents low-risk investments in government securities that tend to have low return on investment rates. While this might be a great choice as you approach retirement age, typically, financial planners will suggest you invest in funds that have more stock options when you are younger and can withstand short-term ebbs and flows of the mar-

ket. Again, you will need to manually go into your TSP account to switch to another investment fund.

There are a variety of funds available in the TSP, but the funds include bonds, government securities, traditional stocks, small capital business stocks, international stocks, and an infinite number of combinations of them. You can even invest in hybrid “lifecycle” funds that automatically adjust your investments as you approach your estimated retirement age. Visit www.tsp.gov/InvestmentFunds to learn more about your investment options, or speak with your com-

mand financial specialist or the Fleet and Family Support Center who can counsel you in detail.

To recap, now that you’ve elected (or were automatically enrolled in) the BRS retirement system, what should you do now?

1) Invest as much as you can afford into your TSP, but ideally at least 5% of your basic bay to get the full 5% government match.

2) Determine what kind of funds you’d like to invest in, if the low-risk G fund is not a good choice for you.

Happy investing!

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THE SIGNATURE

JANUARY 25, 2019

Catanians Honor Patron Saint With Sant’Agata Festival

By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

After a year of preparation, Catania townspeople are ready to celebrate “La Festa di Sant’Agata” (Saint Agatha Festival), the third largest Catholic festival in the world. The festival, which is preceded by a month of preparatory events, features three days of massive festive processions and events that will take place from Feb. 3 through 5 in the heart of historic Catania. These celebrations, which mingle the sacred and secular, involve hundreds of thousands of Catanians who will swarm the streets of the historic center to do homage to the young saint. It happens only once a year, so it is must-see event.

"Cittatini, semu divoti tutti? Cettu, Cettu! Viva Sant'Agata!" (Citizens, are we all devotees? Of course, of course, long live St. Agata!)"

Devotees will repeatedly scream these passionate words during the processions to the point of getting a hoarse voice, all to publicly profess their devotion to the beloved patroness. Devotees will defy any weather conditions just to see her while she's brought in procession.

According to an ancient, tradition, Saint Agata is considered a salvatrice (saviour), which means that she rescued Catania several times over the centuries, especially during earthquakes and lava eruptions. Legend has it that her holy purple-colored veil (called "limpia" in Sicilian) has stopped two dangerous eruptions, the first time in 251 A.D., a year after her martyrdom, and the second time in 1886 when lava flows threatened Nicolosi. In both cases, the veil was brought in procession to the eruption site, and the advancing lava miraculously stopped. According to history, Catania cardinal Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet, who is also regarded as a saint and whose body is preserved inside the cathedral, led the 19th century procession.

Saint Agata’s holy veil is 13 feet long and 20 inches wide. Three golden threads decorate its extremities. According to legend, the veil, which was originally white, covered the head of Saint Agata when she was rolled over live coals during her martyrdom. As a result of this torture, the "limpia" remained miraculously undamaged by the fire and turned red. From then on, the veil has been venerated as a defense against Etna eruptions.

Tradition and Devotion Catanians have been celebrating this festival since 1519. For centuries, there has been a long-running controversy between Catania and Palermo over where she was born. But over time Catania ended up being the epicenter of her festival.

Every year, a stream of devotees of all ages will crowd the streets of the historic center dressed in white tunics (and sometimes green for the women) called "saccu" in Sicilian, along with gloves, a handkerchief, and black skullcap. According to tradition, the saccu symbolizes the nightdress that Catanians wore when they welcomed the return from Turkey of the Saint's relics on Aug. 17, 1126. Giorgio Maniace, a Byzantine general, stole the relics as a war trophy and took them to Constantinople (ancient Istanbul) in 1040. Historic chronicles say that it was a great feast for the Catania community whose residents waived white handkerchiefs to show their enthusiasm. Other historic accounts link the white tunic tradition to either the ancient Egyptian goddess, Isis, or the penitential garment worn by priests.

Devotees take part in the festival by bringing on procession "Cannalori," which are tall wax candles surrounded by a heavy candelabrum-shaped gilded wooden structure. They are decorated with statues depicting angels, saints, pennons, and flowers. Scenes from the Saint Agata martyrdom are also carved on their sides.

Each Cannalora represents a city's guild such as butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers, pasta makers, bakers, and more.

Historically, Cannalori illuminated the passage of the procession. But through the centuries, they became so big that one person alone could not carry their weight anymore.

Today, there are 11 Cannalori that take part in the procession and each one is carried on the shoulders of eight to 12 people. During the processions, Cannalori occasionally stop and "compete" with one another by performing a kind of dance named "Annacata" consisting of a series of swaying moves.

Every year, from Feb. 3 through 5, one of the largest religious festivals in the world returns to Catania with a spectacular three-day display of faith and colorful Sicilian folklore. Thousands of Catanians swarm the streets of the historic center to publicly show their lifelong devotion to their beloved and venerated patron saint, Saint Agata, with a must-see international festival featuring long processions during which devotees carry heavy wax candles, fireworks, music, exhibitions, and arts and crafts. (Photo by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo)

Devotees also carry the "Vara" in procession, which is a 16-foot long richly decorated silver float which supports the bust depicting Saint Agata and crystal and silver caskets containing her relics (legs, arms, and other bones). Giovanni di Bartolo, a goldsmith from Siena, made the bust

in the 14th century. The bust, which also contains part of the relics (the skull and part of the thorax), is made of enameled silver and is covered with hundreds of precious jewels. Most of them

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 18

JANUARY 25, 2019

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THE SIGNATURE

Navy Civilians Awarded First Ever Service Commendation Medals

By MC2 Jonathan Nelson Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 16, 2019) – Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-A) and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, Italy, awarded Bilyana Atova Reece the first ever Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal, and awarded Kaitlyn Owens and Sara Givens the first ever Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medals at Naval Support Activity Naples, Jan. 16, 2019.

“This is a great day for our civilian personnel here,” said Foggo. “Our civilians are core members of our team.”

“There was an initiative started by our civilian advisory board to recognize our civilian shipmates. Today we finally have an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of some of our best and brightest and present the first of these newly designed awards.”

In 2017, the Civilian Advisory Board for CNE-A identified a lack of honorary awards for civilian DoN employees.

Department of Navy (DoN) civilians were eligible for the fewest number of medals and civilian service

awards compared to civilians working for the Department of Army and Department of the Air Force. By excluding achievements of a more narrow scope or impact, a majority of the workforce was omitted from receiving recognition for their contributions until they are well advanced in their careers, if at all.

“It’s been an honor working on this with the team,” said Givens. “We were pleasantly surprised that it went so quickly, but it’s nice to see it in fruition and finally being distributed this year.”

In July 2017, CNE-A signed the proposal to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) requesting for the addition of the two newly designed civilian honorary medals. Then in Sept.

2017, the proposal for the awards was presented to the DoN Executive Management Awards Panel and was immediately endorsed and forwarded to SECNAV for approval.

April 24, 2018, the awards were approved by SECNAV without any significant changes from the original proposed design.

“Really it was a team effort,” said

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 16, 2019) The newly designed award medals for the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal and Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medals. (Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nelson)

Owens, “I’m so proud to be considered part of this team. The reason why the proposed package was so good was because of the team.”

This year, the medals will be awarded Navy-wide. The original initiative led by a small team of CNE-A civilians will have direct impact to more than

185,000 DoN employees.

CNE-A/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

CAC-less: The Future of Navy Mobile Applications

By Cmdr. Erik Wells Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240) Public Affairs

The My Record Mobile app, beta version, allows sailors read-only access to their Electronic Training Jackets through the MyNavy Portal, the Navy's online, self-service career management website. (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy released a new mobile application that allows Sailors to access a portion of their Electronic Training Jacket (ETJ) without using a Common Access Card (CAC).

NAVADMIN 008/19 announced the launch of MyNavy Portal MyRecord Mobile (Beta) App on Jan. 8, marking a new era for both the Navy and Sailors.

“The Navy is committed to transforming how it delivers human resources services – personnel, pay and training – services to our Sailors,” said Vice Adm. Robert Burke, chief of naval personnel.

The launch of the MyNavy Portal MyRecord Mobile (Beta) App is our first step to providing these services without using a Common Access Card. We are committed to expanding CAC-less services with the same level of security and convenience Sailors expect from their personal banking services. In time, Sailors will be able to conduct all personnel transactions using their mobile device.”

The initial release has limited functionality by design and will display only a portion of a Sailor’s ETJ in a readonly mode. This initial release has limited functionality specifically linked to a portion of personnel and training information from the ETJ of the Sailor, in a read-only mode, as the primary function of the release is to evaluate the CAC-less access.

By rolling out the MyRecord App in a Beta format, Sailors will be able to provide feedback for the Navy to improve the application and overall Sailor experience. Reviewing a record on the MyRecord Mobile (Beta) App does not replace a Sailor’s responsibility to conduct a full record review for boards. Sailors should still conduct a full record review as they do today to ensure accuracy of their entire record. Sailors should also keep in mind that as a Beta release, early testing indicated an occasional error resulting in the misalignment of data fields. Before submitting records for correction, first verify their status on the MyNavy Portal (MNP) desktop version of MyRecord.

“CAC” continued on Page 19

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JANUARY 25, 2019

Sigonella Launches Sailor 360

Yeoman second class Christian Flores explains the common traits of the MyersBriggs “ENFJ” personality type during the first training session of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Sailor 360 leadership development program. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)

CREDO facilitator Richard Graves trains service members on the Myers-Briggs personality types during the first training session of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Sailor 360 leadership development program. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Rashond Grant)

Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella kicked off its base-wide Sailor 360 leadership development program at the NAS II Midtown Theater. (U.S. Navy photo by Gunner’s Mate Seaman Apprentice Rashond Grant)

Sailors participate in personality type training as part of the first training session of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Sailor 360 leadership development program.

(U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna)

JANUARY 25, 2019

3 Power Habits of the New Year (Part 1) Adapted by MWR Fitness from ACE Fitness author Brett Klika

Habits, good or bad, become magnets that pull us to think or act a certain way. These thoughts, actions, and beliefs become ingrained through hours of practice over the course of a lifetime. While good habits become a source of energy and strength, enabling endless life possibilities, bad habits can act as roadblocks, leaving us perennially frustrated and defeated.

As we enter a new year, new opportunities arise for good habits to develop and bad habits to die. This year, make the following three “power habits” part of your life to unleash your potential, maximize happiness, and live extraordinarily: make consistency king, meditate and sleep. In this week’s article, we will dive a little deeper on how to foster the habit of regularity in your life.

Make Consistency King Creating new habits can seem like an overwhelming process. Negative outcomes from bad habits create an intense desire to “right the ship” as fast as possible, which can fuel extreme behavior-change attempts in a new year. Unfortunately, most people aren’t ready for the high magnitude of life disruption that may result. Within a short period of time, this disruption can become too overwhelming, derailing even the best of intentions for change.

Habits, good or bad, are formed through consistent practice over a long period of time. In fact, they become habits because we practice them so much, which makes them automatic and unconscious. This amount of practice cannot happen overnight, regardless of how hard one tries.

This year, instead of establishing unrealistic, highly disruptive New Year’s resolutions, consider tackling a few small components of a larger goal that could be easily integrated and performed in your daily life. Start with some simple tasks—such as drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning or leaving your phone in another room to charge while you sleep—and focus daily on consistently performing these simple tasks.

As these small, positive habits become established, slowly introduce additional new habits, always moving toward the larger goal.

Much like the fable of the Tortoise and the Hare, “slow and steady wins the race” when it comes to positive behavior change. Start implementing consistency into your life now!

Be sure you pick up the next edition of The Signature which will introduce tips on meditating and the power of sleep. Together we will slowly take the next steps on improved health as you welcome the challenges and opportunities of 2019.

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JANUARY 25, 2019

Make the Most of Your Tra Story and photos by Lt. Cdr. James Scianna NCTS Sicily

Being stationed in Sicily offers the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel with your children and expose them to the magnificent history that Italy and the rest of Europe has to offer. But traveling with children, especially small ones, can seem daunting and logistically challenging. Before you totally nix the idea altogether, here are a few tips from my family’s travels in our first year here.

Getting There Obviously, living on an island makes things more difficult. While driving and taking a train are options to get to the mainland, flying will be the way to go most of the time and if you plan far enough in advance, the cheapest. When looking for flights out

Visiting a pastry or gelato shop is a great way to break up the "boring" adult activities.

of Catania, try using the Skyscanner.com search engine. It has an “everywhere” destination option and “cheapest month” option to help you figure out where and when the cheapest flight possibilities are.

Also, don’t forget about the Comiso airport. It has some great non-stop flight options and is only about an hour away from NAS II. Not to mention, it is also much easier to park at and navigate due to its small size. If you’re willing to do the drive, Palermo is another option as they offer routes to destinations in Europe that aren’t offered at Catania or Comiso. Another way to find the best deals is to sign up for newsletters from various airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, Volotea, etc. for sales they run from time to time. Once you get to mainland Europe, train travel becomes much easier. And if your kids are anything like ours, public transportation is an attrac-

Public transportation is an excellent way to get around and entertain children at the same time.

Visiting places like Berlin’s “Kindercafes” give kids the chance to play while letting parents sip coffee in peace.

tion in and of itself!

The biggest challeng children is how to han gage, strollers, etc.). Ha times now with childre ommendations. Depen the trip, try to carry on It’s easier to navigate a bus stations, etc. and k deal with the small fry ful if your children are them, but remember ports and many other quire extensive stair n quickly can become a isn’t strong enough to ity for them. Of course option or you simply h might make sense to c member that every low ferent baggage policy a closely before making Where to Stay If you have a fam most hotels in Europe grade to a suite or get can get expensive, but ning can make this a nb, Homeaway, VRBO other services offer th in larger apartments o many times are cheape chains. Some things to • Vacation rentals best at describing th amenities. We had on vertised as a three be being only a two bedro • Look for the sm not think about, like i English, if there is air c

Finding kid-friendly museum’s like Krakow’s underground Rynek museum are great ways to have educational fun.

JANUARY 25, 2019

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avels With Small Children

ge when traveling with ndle all the “stuff ” (lugaving flown numerous ren, here are a few recnding on the length of n only with backpacks. airports, train stations, keep your hands free to y. Roller bags are helpe old enough to handle that the Catania airEuropean airports renavigation. Roller bags a liability if your child take total responsibile, if carrying on isn’t an have too much stuff, it check a bigger bag. Rew cost airline has a difand costs—study them your decision.

mily of four or more, e will require you upadjoining rooms. This t again, advance planfeasible option. AirbO, Booking.com, and he opportunity to stay or houses at prices that er than the major hotel o consider: sometimes aren’t the heir full facilities and ne rental that was adedroom but ended up oom. mall details you might if the landlord speaks conditioning or at least

bug screens in the windows, what the neighborhood noise levels might be, and your transit options.

• Though sometimes more expensive, the peace of mind you can get when booking a larger hotel chain (i.e. Marriott, Hilton, etc.) might be worth it knowing you’ll be able to communicate with someone in English and that there are baseline cleanliness and service levels for their accommodations.

What To Do This is always a challenge with young children. We did our best to find activities that everyone would enjoy, and when we couldn’t do that, we would build in some kid time into the itinerary. Some ideas are to find local parks and playgrounds to provide them the opportunity to burn off some energy, or visiting museums that have entire wings or special activities geared toward children. If

you can’t find things that you and your children might enjoy, it’s a good idea to build in some activities specifically for them (i.e.

Legoland in Berlin or Disneyland in Paris).

In the end, we are surrounded by rich culture every day in Sicily, and the rest of Europe has even more to offer. With children, the logistics can be daunting but if you prepare enough traveling can be manageable and memorable. It’s important to bring a good attitude knowing that things will undoubtedly go wrong at some point and to just roll with it. We’ve had every travel snafu you could think of happen to us, but we continue to explore because we feel it’s important to expose our children to this once a lifetime opportunity. Be friendly to the locals and try using their native language, and they’ll be far more likely to help you. Take in the good with the bad as life experiences and enjoy!

Berlin’s East Side Gallery is a great way to soak in history while offering visual interest for the kids.

Public squares like this one in Krakow offer the opportunity for kids to burn off energy.

An afternoon was spent unwinding at a neighborhood park in Berlin.

Seeing hands-on demonstrations like this glass artisan in the famous Venetian island of Murano are fun ways for children to learn without being bored

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JANUARY 25, 2019

Naval Forces Europe-Africa Commander January is Healthy Weight Month Selects New Fleet Master Chief From Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center

By Lt. j.g. Terryll Daguison Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th – Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Na- Fleet, headquartered in Naples, conducts the full val Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Force spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in Command Naples, Italy, announced the successor concert with allied and interagency partners in to Fleet Master Chief Raymond Kemp on Jan. 11, order to advance U.S. national interests and secu2019. rity and stability in Europe and Africa.

“I am excited to announce Force Master Chief Derrick Walters will be our new Fleet Master Chief,” said Foggo. “He is a proven leader who brings a tremendous and very unique wealth of experience and will advocate for our Sailors and their families serving overseas.”

When Walters assumes the position in early Spring, he will become the first Navy SEAL to achieve the rank of fleet master chief. Walters is currently the Force Master Chief for Naval Special Warfare, headquartered in San Diego.

“Force Master Chief Walters has a stellar record,” said Foggo. “Accordingly, he rose to the top of an impressive list of candidates considered for this critical job and I look forward to the pride, professionalism, and experience he will bring to our mission in Europe and Africa.”

His previous assignments include a tour of duty with SEAL Teams 8 and 2, and Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Training Det. Walters returned to SEAL Team 2 as the Operations and Command Master Chief and did a repeat tour with Special Warfare Group 2 as the Senior Enlisted Adviser.

He has also served as Command Master Master Chief Petty Officer Derrick Walters, a Navy Chief at Naval Special Warfare Center and SEAL, will become the 6th Fleet's fleet master chief this was the Senior Enlisted Leader at NATO spring. He will replace retiring Master Chief Petty OfSpecial Warfare headquarters before be- ficer Raymond Kemp, who has been fleet master chief coming the Force Master Chief of Naval since August 2016. (Photo by Commander, U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command.

Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet)

Week 3: Being active increases your chances of living longer and performing better - both on and off the job.

Paired with healthy eating habits, exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight. But being active does not have to mean hitting the gym for hours at a time. You can incorporate small changes into your life each day. You can choose taking the stairs over the elevator, play a game like soccer or basketball with a group of friends, or take a walk during your lunch break. Check out the “Choose My Plate” website linked below for information on how to incrementally develop habits to increase your physical activity. Already active? Refresh your workouts with a new activity or check out Navy Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) for information and workouts you can use today.

Week 4: Your psychological and emotional well-being is just as important as diet and exercise when it comes to maintaining or achieving a healthy weight.

When you are consistently stressed, tired, or unhappy, you may be less motivated to exercise and take the time to prepare healthy foods. Insufficient sleep can also take its toll on the body. It is important to take time for yourself, and do things that make you feel happy and relaxed, such as getting a good night’s sleep, spending time with friends and family, managing stress at work, and perhaps even trying some relaxation exercises. The Navy’s ShipShape Program is another resource that can help Sailors develop a healthy and permanent approach to weight management through nutrition, physical activity, and positive mindset. You can also find resources to seek support and build resiliency that will support your psychological and emotional well-being.

Resources: Tips for Increasing Physical Activity: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/physical-activity-tips NOFFS website: https://www.navyfitness.org/fitness/noffs Managing Stress at Work: https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/work-stress.aspx Relaxation Exercises: https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ nmcphc/health promotion/psychological emotional wellbeing/relax-relax/pages/index.html ShipShape Program: https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/ nmcphc/health promotion/Pages/shipshape.aspx

JANUARY 25, 2019

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JANUARY 25, 2019

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NAS SIGONELLA All Hands Announcements:

2018 INCOME TAX RETURN ASSISTANCE Command, Department or Organization: RLSO EURAFSWA Detachment Sigonella Date of Event: Now - 14 June 2019 Location of Event: Building 564 Point of Contact Name: LN2 Tramaine Hunden Point of Contact Phone Number: DSN 624-5258/COMM 095-86-5258 Point of Contact Email Address: sigonella.legal@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: The Region Legal Service Office is now opening appointments for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program! VITA is a free self-service program available to active duty and retired service members and their dependents, as well as deployed Department of Defense civilians. Call RLSO at 624-2953 to schedule your appointment.

YOUTH BASKETBALL COACHES NEEDED Command, Department, or Organization: MWR Youth Sports Date of Event: 19 Feb - 30 Mar Location of Event: NAS I Fitness Center Gym Point of Contact Name: Eric Barge Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-1750 Point of Contact Email Address: eric.barge@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: MWR Youth Sports is looking for energetic and motivated individuals to coach a youth basketball team during the upcoming season. Practices are held twice per week with games being played on Saturdays.

Volunteers are required to pass a background check and complete fingerprints before they are eligible to coach. Contact Eric Barge if you are interested in coaching this youth basketball season!

SIGONELLA COMMUNITY THEATRE AUDITIONS Command, Department or Organization: MWR Date of Event: 28 Jan • Time of Event: 1730-1930 Location of Event: NAS I Compass Room Point of Contact Name: Anne Connor Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-0502 Point of Contact Email Address: Anne.connor@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: MWR Sigonella Players is excited to be forming a new community theatre program! We will be performing a series of hilarious one act comedy plays. No experience necessary. Looking for both on and off stage volunteers. We will be casting actors, props/set designers, lighting/sound techs, and backstage crew. For more information, visit www.navymwrsigonella.com or call 624-0502.

-Bring with you any scheduling conflicts between February 5 - March 9 -Be prepared to attend call backs on Tuesday, January 29, 1730-1930.

-Audition material will be provided by director -Must be at least 18 and out of high school to audition.

-Performances will be held on March 7 & 8

COLLEGE ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CAREER FAIR Command, Department or Organization: Sigonella Middle/High School Date of Event: 8 Mar • Time of Event: 1200 - 1500 Location of Event: Sigonella Middle/High School Point of Contact Name: Christopher McKibbin, School Liaison Officer Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4281 ext. 747-7014 Point of Contact Email Address: Christopher.mckibbin@eu.dodea.edu Additional Information: Sigonella Middle High School will be hosting a College and Career Fair on March 2, 2018 and is looking for college alumni from the following states to represent their colleges or universities: Florida, Washington, California, Virginia, Texas, and Pennsylvania. In addition, alumni volunteers are needed from the Naval Academy, West Point, and Air Force Academy.

As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been at PT, working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be turned around at the door.

JANUARY 25, 2019

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COMMUNITY PAGE Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services NAS 1 Tuesday Protestant Women of the Chapel: 0900-1100 1130-1200 Daily Mass: Chapel Youth Middle School: 1445-1615 AWANA: 1645-1900 Wednesday Protestant Men of the Chapel: Daily Mass:

0600-0700 1130-1200

Thursday Chapel Youth High School: 1330-1500 Choir Practice: 1545-1700 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults: 1800-2030 Friday Daily Mass: 1130-1200 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour: 1700-1830

Phone Numbers: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493, RP Duty: 335-786-1950.

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel

Saturday First Saturday Rosary and Mass:

1100-1200

Sunday Catholic Mass: 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education: 1045-1200 Protestant Service: 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: 1330-1600

NAS 2 Tuesday AA: 1730-1830 Wednesday Protestant Women of the Chapel: 1830-2100 Thursday Daily Mass:

1130-1200

Weekly Traffic Report: January 8 - January 21, 2019

As a reminder to everyone: There are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been at PT, working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be turned around at the door.

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JANUARY 25, 2019

JANUARY 25, 2019

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GAMEZONE BRISKLY DOWN EARLY EASILY FAST FIRST FOREVER FORWARD GENTLY GREATLY HENCE HIGH HOMEWARD HOWEVER LITTLE

LONG LOUDLY MONTHLY NEARBY NEVER NOWHERE OFTEN ONCE PRESENTLY QUICKLY QUIETLY QUITE RARELY RATHER REALLY

SHORT SLOWLY SOFTLY SOMETIMES SOMEWHERE SOON THEN THERE TODAY TOMORROW UPWARD WEEKLY WISELY YESTERDAY

MEDIUM

ACROSS AGAIN AHEAD ALMOST ALREADY ALSO ALWAYS ANYWHERE APART AWAY BACK BEFORE BEHIND BELOW

EASY

Find and circle all of the adverbs that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

DIFFICULT

Adverbs

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"ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 are donations from devotees. The magnificent golden crown sitting atop the bust is studded with gems donated by English King Richard "The Lionhearted" in 1190 during a visit to Sicily on his way to a crusade. It is undoubtedly the best piece of the collection.

Anyone who attends the festival will be impressed by the huge candles that devotees carry on their shoulders while they perform the processions. Every year, Catania wax shops sell hundreds of tall wax candles known as “ceri.” Devotees carry these candles in tribute to a saint who has granted them a miracle they have been asking for. The miracle could be invoked for a pregnancy that is in serious danger, if someone is suffering from an incurable disease, or after one has survived a traffic accident. It is up to the devotee to decide how heavy the candle should be and for how long they should carry it. But according to Catania wax dealers, the most requested candle size is the one that weighs approximately 85 pounds. And some devotees request candles that can weigh up to 350 pounds. Carrying ceri in procession is usually a lifelong practice. If one devotee is too old or sick to carry a heavy candle, another person such as a son or a relative will continue to participate in the procession in their place.

The Life of Sant'Agata According to tradition, Agata came from a rich family. Her virtues and beauty drew the attention of Quintianus, a local Roman governor who actively and brutally persecuted Christians. Agata, who already consecrated herself to God, refused his advances. In retaliation, Quintianus decided to punish Agata by having her locked up in a brothel where Aphrodisia, a wicked woman, tried to corrupt Agata's virtue and faith by playing tricks on her.

But Agata never wavered and resisted all of Aphrodisia’s attempts. Quintianus began torturing Agata including cutting off her breast. This act is often depicted in Christian medieval paintings as a peculiar characteristic of Saint Agata. Eventually, after repeated torture, Quintianus had Agata condemned to the stake. But while she was burning alive, a violent earthquake struck Catania. This natural disaster was welcomed by the Catanians as a sign of God who wanted her torture to end. A riot broke out in the city, forcing Quintianus to stop the infamous execution. Agata was instead brought back to her prison where she died soon after on Feb. 5, 251 A.D. Later that same day, the evil Quintianus, who was fleeing because he feared the riot, drowned in the Simeto River.

Festival Schedule On Feb. 3, the first day of the celebrations begin with a holy a mass celebrated at the Cathedral at 0800 which is repeated at 0930 and 1100. At noon, the solemn "processione per l'offerta della cera" (offering of the wax procession) departs from the Church of St. Agata “Alla Fornace” and heads toward the Cathedral.

Eleven Cannalori representing local guilds lead the procession.

Parades of the city's banners followed by historic 18th century Catania Senate carriages also follow the procession. All Catania civilian and military authorities take part in the procession. A half-hour later, Catania fire brigade officials offer a floral gift to the Saint and a religious hymn is performed at the cathedral. The celebration day ends in the evening with a spectacular fireworks show in piazza Duomo called "I fochi do tri."

Feb. 4, the second day of the festival, begins with the traditional "Messa dell'Aurora" (dawn Holy Mass) at 0600 at the Cathedral. It is one among the most intense moments of the festival. The "Cammaredda," the small room located inside the Cathedral where the relics and statue of Saint Agata are permanently kept, is opened before a crowd of moved and applauding devotes.

At 0700, a procession called “processione per il Giro esterno,” parades the Saint Agata bust and relics tour throughout the city. It leaves from Porta Uzeda in piazza Duomo where the Catania Archbishop performs the offering of a candle before the icon of the Madonna della Lettera. The procession proceeds along via Dusmet, via Calì, piazza Cutelli, via Vittorio Emanuele, piazza dei Martiri, via VI Aprile, piazza Giovanni XXIII (train station), viale della Libertà, piazza Iolanda, via Umberto, via Grotte Bianche, and piazza Carlo Alberto (Catania outdoor market).

At piazza Stesicoro, devotees who pull the carriage show their skills performing the challenging "Capuccini slope." It consists of running while dragging the heavy float up to the Church of Saint Agata "La Vetere," located in piazza San Domenico. There, the procession stops for a couple of hours to allow devotees to rest.

At 1800, the procession starts again from piazza San Domenico and continues through via Plebiscito, via Vittorio Emanuele, piazza Risorgimento, piazza Palestro, via Garibaldi, via Plebiscito, via Dusmet and eventually back again to piazza Duomo through Porta Uzeda Feb. 5 is the main festival day. A solemn holy mass is celebrated at the Cathedral at 1015. Cardinal Francesco Montenegro, the Archbishop of Agrigento, presides over the holy mass along with local priests and Sicily's highest-ranking bishops. During the high mass, the "Cappella Musicale del Duomo" (the Cathedral Cantata Choir) sings. In the afternoon, another Sicilian bishop performs a holy mass at 1600 at the Cathedral.

Later, the most spectacular procession of Saint Agata’s relics, known as “processione per il Giro interno,” commences at piazza Duomo at 1700. Crossing via Etnea, it moves ahead up to Piazza Cavour. The procession, which continues all night, reaches its height early on Feb. 6 when it arrives at the slope of via San Giuliano on its way back to Piazza Duomo. Running fast, devotees pull the Saint’s

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float up to via San Giuliano. Since the Vara weighs several tons, it is a spectacular and dangerous proof of physical strength that can only be performed by the strongest devotees. Driven by pure devotion, thousands of people stay up until dawn to participate in this unique moment. At the end of the hard climb, the crowd releases the tension with a liberating thunderous applause.

Another special and moving moment of the procession is the stop at the Church of San Benedetto in via Crociferi at dawn when the Benedictine contemplative nuns sing to Saint Agata in front of a huge crowd that remains silent, enchanted by the performance honoring the patron saint. Eventually, the saint is brought back to the Cathedral.

Complementing the festival, the traditional "Fiera di Sant'Agata" or Saint Agatha’s Fair, featur-

JANUARY 25, 2019 ing booths selling clothes, shoes, toys, and food is set up near the historic center of the city.

Traditional Sweets During the St. Agatha festival, you can also satisfy your sweet tooth. Make sure you visit Catania’s pasticcerie (pastry shops) or panifici (bakeries). There, you’ll get a chance to sample the delicious "olivette di Sant’Agata" (Saint'Agata's small olives), torrone (nougat), and cassatine.

Olivette (olive-shaped and green marzipan sweets) are related to a legend telling an episode of the saint's life. Tradition holds that when Agata was on her way to stand trial before Quintianus, she bent to tie her sandal. As she did that, three olives miraculously sprouted where she had stepped. After St. Agata's death, these olives were

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 19

JANUARY 25, 2019

"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 18 preserved as relics. Olivette are also available in a chocolate covered version.

Torrone is nougat is made with sugar, honey, egg whites, almonds, and hazelnuts.

As tradition tells, it was first prepared for the wedding banquet of Bianca Maria Visconti and the duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza that took place in Cremona in 1441. Chefs made the dessert in the shape of the 13th century tower, which still flanks Cremona’s cathedral, because it was included in bride’s dowry. The tower was named “Torrione” (in Italian, big tower), thus the dessert was given the name “torrone.” Guests of the wedding banquet, who came from across Europe, were so impressed by the savory taste of torrone that they

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praised its delicacy as they returned home, giving it a worldwide reputation.

Torrone has many different flavors. The traditional hard white one includes almonds or hazelnuts, but it can be enriched with liqueurs like rum, Gran Marnier, or Strega. There are chocolate variations, and they can also frosted with lemon, pistachio or orange icings.

Cassatine are breast-shaped pastries which symbolize the torture underwent by St. Agata.

They are filled with ricotta cheese, covered by sugar glaze, and topped with a candied cherry.

For more information about the festival, visit: www.festadisantagata.it www.circolosantagata.it www.facebook.com/festadisantagatact www.cattedralecatania.it

"CAC" continued from Page 7 “We find Sailor feedback and suggestions are critical for a successful application,” said David Driegert, program manager for the Navy’s Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240). “Our Sailors are tech savvy and when we include them in the process, the end result is always a better application. We want their candid feedback, what they like and dislike about the app and what future capabilities they desire.”

Going CAC-less is a multi-step process and requires Sailors to enable CAC-free setup in MNP. They must also download the MyRecord App and a Navy-approved third-party application, Okta Verify. Okta Verify allows Sailors to create a secure MultiFactor Authentication account to log-into the MyRecord (Beta) App. Sailors may receive an email regarding the activation of their account, however no action is required.

The entire process should take less than five minutes and can be used on mobile devices with iOS version 10, 11, and 12 or Android version 6, 7, 8 and 9. Step-by-step instructions to go CACless are available in NAVADMIN 008/19.

Both mobile apps are available for free in the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and the Navy App Locker.

Burke added, “Starting with the MyRecord Mobile (Beta) App launch in January, new capabilities and functionality will be released over time. Sailors can expect continuous updates to the app that will offer more tools right at their fingertips and allow them and their spouse to accomplish things that used to require a trip to a Personnel Support Detachment. Coupled with the Customer Service and responsiveness of MNCC, you can expect continuous improvement in how personnel service are delivered in the coming months.”

Sailors can send their comments to the MyNavy Career Center (MNCC) Contact Center either by selecting the email link on the Beta release in the MyRecord App (askmncc@navy.mil) or by calling 1-833-330-MNCC (6622). Sailors should also contact MNCC if they are experiencing any difficulty with the app.

“This app allows Sailors greater flexibility on when and where they can access their personnel information, allowing them to maintain continued focus on their job and operational environment,” said Driegert.

For more information about MyNavy Portal MTP&E’s Transformation and Sailor 2025 initiatives, visit the CNP website at https://www.navy.mil/cnp/index.asp, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/usnpeople/ or Twitter at https://twitter.com/usnpeople.

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JANUARY 25, 2019