The Signature | October 20, 2017

Fire Prevention Week NAS Sigonella Fire Department Spreads Fire Safety Awareness

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Oranges, Horses, and Water Balloons The 2017 Command Challenge

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From the Safety Office

N A S SIG O N E L L A

Halloween Safety Tips

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OCTOBER 20, 2017

Vol. 34 No. 39

NAS Sigonella Celebrates 242 Years of Naval History

SIGONELLA, Sicily (October 13, 2017) – The oldest Sailors in attendance, Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, left, and Capt. Donald Hocutt, right, and the youngest Sailor, Hospitalman Madison Whittaker, cut the Navy’s 242nd birthday cake with Capt. Brent Trickel, center, during Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s annual Navy Birthday Ball, Oct. 13. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

By MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Service members and civilians aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella celebrated the Navy's 242nd birthday at Sigonella’s annual Navy Ball, held at Four Points by Sheraton, Oct. 13.

The ceremony opened with service members from the Navy, Army, Air

Force, and Marine Corps conducting the presentation of the POW/MIA table.

“Thank you for all for coming, with this diverse crowd we’ve got Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, retirees, Italian military and civilians in attendance, thank you so much for making the effort to get here and celebrate with us tonight,” said NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel.

SIGONELLA, Sicily (October 13, 2017) – Service members and civilians stationed on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella dance during NAS Sigonella’s annual Navy Birthday Ball, Oct. 13. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

During his remarks, Trickel spoke to the numerous achievements of today’s Navy and underscored the importance of the operations being performed out of NAS Sigonella.

“At NAS Sigonella you’re about as close to the front lines as you can be without actually being on the front lines,” said Trickel. “Remember that, stay vigilant, and remember every single thing we do everyday is directly supporting those on the front line.”

Following his remarks, Trickel introduced the evening’s guest speaker, Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations at Headquarters, Joint Force Command Naples, Italy. Tynch explained the importance of those on board NAS Sigonella, remarking, “You are the critical logistics hub and operational hub in an increasingly strategic and complex theater. Tonight we celebrate our birthday and it’s only fitting to recognize the legacy of where we are and what we’ve inherited in the past.”

Tynch spoke on the history of the United States and Sicily, starting back during the Barbary Wars and how Sicily allowed U.S. ships to use her ports and resupply.

“Today our partnership with Sicily is just as important as it was over 200 years ago when we were just being

founded. We are forever grateful for that enduring and lasting partnership and friendship between our two nations and I can see it here tonight in the crowd.”

In closing, Tynch spoke on the accomplishments Sigonella has achieved in the past year and the hard work the service members put in every day.

“For a birthday party like tonight it’s always appropriate to remember we all stand on the shoulders of our Navy predecessors, the legacy they left us, and our proud history that makes us the world’s finest Navy,” said Tynch. “That history is always being made; it’s being made today, and being made everyday by every one of you. As we finish up tonight let it be a great source of comfort to all Americans, and let it be the worst nightmare for all our adversaries, to know the U.S. Navy is on the job.”

The ceremonial portion of the evening finished with a cake cutting by the oldest and youngest Sailors and the commanding officer. The Navy Ball Committee kept the action going by holding a raffle, giving out prizes including speakers, headphones, and blenders. Following the ceremony the dance floor opened up and attendees celebrated until the late hours of the night.

THE SIGNATURE

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OCTOBER 20, 2017

Direct Line

Fire Chief John Smithgall, NAS Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services Ciao Sigonella, Every year, one week in October is recognized as Fire Prevention Week, a tradition started by President Calvin Coolidge in 1925 to commemorate two fires that have had major impact on the public to remember the results of fires.

The Great Chicago Fire and the Peshtigo Forest Fire both happened on the same dates on October 8th and 9th in 1871. The Great Chicago fire resulted in a massive loss of life and property, while the Peshtigo Forest Fire killed over 1000 people, completely destroyed 16 towns and burned over 1.2 million acres. These are two fires that brought about fire prevention awareness but there have been many more large scale fires throughout history.

This year’s fire prevention week theme “Every Second Counts - Plan 2 Ways Out” was spread throughout the community by members of the Fire & Emergency Services. I had the honor to be on AFN radio spreading the word about the fire prevention, the misuse of candles and space heaters and the proper and safe use of home fire pits.

Elementary school children had an exciting visit to Fire Station #1 to learn all about fire safety and see the fire truck and the equipment used by the firefighters, and last but not least--the Child Development Center children had a visit from Sparky and the firefighters to teach them about fire safety.

I am not exactly sure who had a better time, the kids or the firefighters?!!!

The highlight for me is always the

outstanding Fire Prevention & Live Fire Demonstration during Fire Prevention night, which was held recently in Marinai housing complex. A special thank you goes out to the Fire Prevention and Fire Training divisions for the successful night. Watching the kids go through the fire prevention trailer while learning to stay low and getting out safely is one of the best ways to put a smile on the parents faces too.

Our Catania firefighters came out and showed the community what they have to offer and The Red Cross and Emergency Management teams were also on site helping to spread the prevention and readiness message to our community. Crowds were treated to the use of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) / Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) demonstration in a situation that is all too familiar and reason enough that everyone needs to be trained in CPR and the use of Public Access AEDs (both can be helpful when someone’s life is in danger). Everyone’s eyes were focused on the Helicopter live fire trainer as the flames lit up the night reminding everyone just how beautiful but deadly fire can be.

The best firefighters anywhere, I can proudly say, demonstrated their skills in controlling and extinguishing the numerous fires the helicopter live fire trainer or “Fire Breathing Dragon” challenged them with. A point of interest is that the teams of firefighters were a perfect example of the diversity that makes up the department as we have

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswain’s Mates (ABH) and local national firefighters working together. What a night! It was also great to hear folks thanking us for the great time they had watching the demonstrations put on by our team!

Just wait till next year!!

Fire prevention needs to be practiced all year long and especially around the busier times of the year when everyone seems to be going a mile a minute.

During the winter months, home fires can start from unsafe holiday decorations, misused candles, portable heaters and unattended cooking. There are also a number of injuries caused by the use of fire pits and everyone’s fascination with poking a fire to see the flames and sparks go higher. I recall a quote by Charles Dudley Warner, “To poke a wood fire is more solid enjoyment than almost anything else in the world. “During Spring time fires are started to burn all the tree limbs that fell during the winter increasing the chances of having controlled fires spread quickly out of control. Summer time, when the weather is fine, the grills come out and the dangers of fires and fire related injuries increase like ants at a picnic with just a few of these examples: Damaged or leaking propane grill valves, improper and excessive use of charcoal lighter fluid, use of gasoline to start fires and the challenge of “who can build the biggest bonfire?” while camping. Fall fires are a combination of burning leaves and the wind blowing burning ashes and embers all

around. This causes fires to start in unlikely places such as roofs and upper sections of trees.

Fire prevention starts with YOU and the time taken to be sure your family and homes are fire safe is NOW! By taking heed to what I’ve described already and by ensuring the following items garner your undivided attention you can help ensure you’ve done everything in your power to prevent fires!

- Store flammable liquids properly - Ensure electrical cords are in proper working order - Ensure surge protectors are not overloaded - Conduct family fire drills - Ensure smoke detectors work and have good batteries (Change every 6 months) Let’s all help keep NAS Sigonella and our surrounding community safe!

Thank you for your support and we look forward to serving you in the future.

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 Suggestion 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 “Autumn Fest smoking areas”:

Will measures will be taken to ensure that NAS I is not a "Smoke Pit" during Autumn Fest? I hate bringing my kids with everyone smoking wherever!

efforts to re-direct smokers to the appropriate location. If you see someone smoking outside the designated area feel free to address this with the MWR staff or Security personnel on site so they may correct the situation.

Response:

Comment regarding “Gym Hours of Operation”:

Thank you for voicing your concerns about smoking at Autumn Fest. Smoking will be limited to the designated smoking area located between The Commons and Midtown, across from the movie theater exit. Signage will be placed throughout the event designating the main event footprint as a smoke free zone and re-directing customers to the designated smoking area. Additionally, numbers at Autumnfest will be fewer than in previous years. I expect every sponsor to ensure their guests are aware of and adhere to these rules. Smoking in the event footprint is a constant challenge and event staff will continue

Service members today face an operations tempo environment like none prior. Meeting that demand requires peek physical performance, and adds increasing stress on the service member. To meet this demand, NAS Sigonella is also a 24 hour operational installation, requiring odd hours for its service members. However certain base operations are not available for the “Night Owl” or “Early Bird”. With physical readiness failures on the rise, why not take steps to prevent this and improve overall morale for the “Early Bird” or “Night

"ICE" continued on Page 3

THE SIGNATURE

OCTOBER 20, 2017

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: Aviation Structural Mechanic

2nd Class Touray Famara Hometown: Detroit, Michigan Department: NATO AGS

Walking around Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella one can easily spot American Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, and Marines going about their day, but Sigonella also hosts NATO service members hailing from Canada to Germany to many other countries around the world. Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Touray Famara works with these NATO members every day at the Motor Vehicle Registration Of-

fice (MVRO) – our version of the DMV – to assist them in their unique vehicle needs.

“Typically in a week I help around 15 NATO members use their car over here,” said Famara. “There are a bunch of foreign nationals working at NATO and they have a bunch of different paperwork compared to Americans; they have to go through a different process as far as their insurance so it can get a bit complicated.”

When he’s not assisting NATO members at MVRO, Famara helps with any additional work he can, along with being the Command Fitness Leader (CFL) and training coordinator.

"ICE" continued from Page 2 Owl” by allowing them the option to work out during these times? Maybe an individual who failed their PRT is intimidated by larger crowds at the base gym, and would improve their workout during a quieter time. Quite possibly there could be stress in someone’s life that would be better worked out in the gym at 2300 instead of in a pub. Aside from going for a run or sitting stagnant behind a videogame, options on base are currently limited. With NAS 2 being the epicenter for night time operations and being in close proximity to Marinai, having a 24 hour gym there would be ideal. With the gym being smaller and stand alone, there is less likelihood of an incident occurring to personnel or property. The idea of a 24 hour gym on a 24 hour installation is not necessarily a new one; in fact Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst has had one implemented for just over two years: https://gomdl.com/ activities/fitness-and-sports/fitness-access-jb-mdl/ With this being said, what are the chances of implementing a 24 facility on NAS Sigonella?

Response:

Thank you for your feedback regarding the MWR Fitness program. MWR currently operates NAS I Midtown Fit District at 90 hours of operation each week in accordance with CNICINST 1710.3. The current CNIC Operations Plan allows for expansion of one fitness center to add additional hours beyond the required 90 hours. The NAS II facility was chosen because the

On top of his collateral duties, Famara volunteers most of his time with the Second Class Petty Officer Association, and will be at this year’s Autumn Fest assisting in passing out Cotton Candy.

If he’s not working or volunteering, Famara plays for both the Sigonella rugby and soccer team, travelling around Europe for games, and even won the last two championship soccer titles.

“When I’m not playing sports I’m going to school for aircraft maintenance and going to the gym,” said Famara. “Right now my plan is to be a contractor when I get out of the Navy and do my Navy job on the outside.”

Famara has been on board Sigonella for a little over a year, and says his favorite thing about living in Sicily is how cheap it is to travel around Europe and the surrounding countries.

“My family is originally from Ghana, West Africa, so I get to visit them and it cost me less than $500 to go there, when its almost $2,000 in the states,” said Famara.

Additionally, his favorite part of working in Sigonella is the wide variety of people he gets to meet for his job.

“I love working with all the different kinds of nationalities that I work with,” said Famara. “I get to learn their culture so it’s pretty exciting for me.

They bring in food and let me try all the exotic flavors they’re cooking up so I think it’s pretty cool.”

majority of the military workforce is on NAS II. Based on similar customer feedback to expand operation hours at the fitness center, MWR recently expanded their hours at NAS II to remain open an hour later during the months of February and March 2017. Patron utilization data did not support maintaining the additional hours of operation.

In response to your request for a 24-hour facility, currently MWR is not resourced to support the additional hours of operation and, per CNIC Instruction, patrons are not authorized to utilize the facility unsupervised. Additionally, the current design and layout for the fitness center does not comply with CNIC instruction for operating the facility unmanned. MWR management will continue to assess the needs of the Sigonella community to ensure opportunities for our military members to be physically fit.

If you have future or further questions, the MWR Fitness Coordinator, Mr. Joshua Burkhard, can be reached at 624-4301 (or +39-095-56-4301) or via email at fitness_sigonella@eu.navy. mil.

Comment regarding “NAS 1 ECP Wait Time”:

Is there a more efficient way to move cars through the NAS 1 gate on work/school days? Checking every single bus with a dog takes a long time. Vehicles in both directions were backed up and today my kids were nearly late to school because of this delay. It shouldn't take this long to get through the gate.

"ICE" continued on Page 4

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 Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@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 factorof the purchaser, user or patron.

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

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

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

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands.

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

NAS Sigonella Observes Fire Prevention Week

By MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Fire and Emergency Services Department hosted a Fire Prevention night Oct. 11, on Marinai, as part of Fire Prevention Week.

The Fire Prevention night started off with firefighters from NAS Sigonella and Catania giving tours of their trucks and equipment, handing out fire safety information, and taking pictures with the audience.

“The one message to send out to all the people is that fire prevention is very important and even though we only talk about it once a year, it’s important to practice it year round,” said John Ogletree, assistant chief of training for NAS Sigonella’s fire department. “This year’s theme is to have a plan and have two ways out of your house in case a fire breaks out.”

Fire Prevention Week was held from Oct. 8 – 14, and was a week packed with information, education and fun.

Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 when the city of Chicago burned from Oct. 8 - 9, leaving 100,000 homeless, more than 17,400 structures destroyed and 250 people dead. According to legend, the fire broke out after a cow, belonging to Mrs. Catherine O’Leary, kicked over a lamp, setting the barn on fire and eventually the entire city. In 1920, President Woodrow

Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which Oct. 9 falls.

“Regardless of the size of a fire, immediately back away and call 911,” said NAS Sigonella Fire Chief John Smithgall.

“Material things can be replaced but your life cannot. Unless it’s a small fire in the immediate stage and you can put it out with a garden hose or extinguisher, do not try to be a hero and put it out yourself.”

In 2016, there were 1,342,000 fires reported in the U.S., causing 3,390 deaths, 14,650 injuries, and $10.6 billion in damages. Fire departments respond to a fire every 24 seconds.

A few tips to remember to prevent house fires is routinely inspecting your home, checking the gas system, air conditioning and heating units, as well as ensuring the safe use of power outlets and converters.

“A few additional tips we want to promote include making sure we don’t leave our cooking unattended, so always whenever we cook don’t leave it alone,” said Ogletree. “A good routine to follow is to check your batteries in your smoke detectors every 6 months and an easy way to remember that is to change it the same time when daylight savings changes.”

For more information on fire safety visit www.redcross. org, navigate to the get-help tab, click ‘types of emergencies’, then fire.

SIGONELLA, Sicily (October 11, 2017) – Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Fire and Emergency Services Department hosts a Fire Prevention Night at Marinai military housing in observance in Fire Prevention Week. 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 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

OCTOBER 20, 2017

"ICE" continued from Page 3

Response:

Thank you for contacting me in regards to morning traffic on NAS I. My Security Department’s number one mission is the protection of the community, especially our children. I understand your frustration for the wait at the Entry Control Point, however I will not endanger the Sigonella community or our assets for time efficiency. By utilizing our impressive Military Working Dogs, we cut down on the time it would take a sentry to search a bus and their scent capability makes them much more efficient. The Security Leadership takes base security and personnel safety very seriously and I commend them for all the effort they put forth to do so. Security uses internal manpower to plus up the ECPs during the morning rush pulling those Sailors away from their primary duties. I ask you to be patient when entering the installation and know that these extra security measures are NOT to inconvenience you, but to keep everyone in the Sigonella community safe! I will also point out that out that your “inconvenience” is nowhere close to those experienced at fleet concentration areas such as Norfolk or San Diego.

I thank you for your comment and if you have any further questions/concerns pertaining to this topic, please contact the Security Operations Officer, ENS Kentzell at 624-2491 or the Assistant Security Operations Officer, MACS Laines at 624-7142.

SIGONELLA, Sicily (October 11, 2017) – Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Jonathan Schwanz and Firefighter Paulo Mantello extinguish a controlled fire during the annual Fire Prevention Night in observance of Fire Prevention Week. 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 Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Gordon/Released)

OCTOBER 20, 2017

THE SIGNATURE

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Swordfish Dive in for the “Double Dip”

David Goodwin competes in the 100 meter butterfly race. (Photo by Brice Goodwin) Story by Brice Goodwin

Over 150 swimmers from seven teams across the European Forces Swim League descended on the NAS I pool over Columbus Day weekend to compete in one of the largest swimming events of the season hosted by the Sigonella Swordfish. Dubbed the “Double Dip,” it consisted of a Pentathlon meet on Saturday, and Standard meet on Sunday, as swimmers from Germany, the United Kingdom, and Italy dove in to test their skills and speed during the Swordfish’s second event of the season.

Head Coach Molly Fuselier and Assistant Coach Matthew Young introduced a new training regimen to swimmers earlier this season that incorporated “dry land” training to increase stamina, core strength and endurance.

Their dedication to training, and commitment to the swimmers, was on full display during the meet as the Swordfish demonstrated the return on their training investment throughout the weekend.

For some teams, their weekend started early with a Thursday afternoon time trials event, pitting swimmers against a stopwatch instead of a competitor. The goal was to earn a qualifying time, and coveted spot on the team, for Individual Championships which will be held at the Olympic Stadium Pool in London later this season. For the Swordfish, their hard work paid off as 17 swimmers beat the clock and earned qualifying times for their performance in the water. In the 400-meter freestyle, Marley McElree and Keely Webster were two of seven swimmers to flash their competitive streak to coaches and teammates. Allison Havard made the 800-meter Freestyle seem effortless as she and six others shaved their times, while David Goodwin, Nicholas Schlosser, Jordan Barcenas, Alyah Perkins, and Hannah Davis sped through 59 laps to earn times for the 1500-meter freestyle.

Swimmers returned to the starting blocks again on Saturday morning; this time to compete against one another in five individual events representing each of the four official strokes (Butterfly, Back, Breast, and Free).

Each event was either 50-meters or 100-meters, based on whether swimmers were 12 years or younger, or 13 years and above. For the fifth event, swimmers completed a 200-meter or 400-meter Individual Medley, depending on their age. To earn the top spot of High Points Winner, swimmers had to successfully complete all five events in their respective age groups. By the time the water had settled, the Swordfish swept eight of 17 First, Second, and Third Place Pentathlon wins. Hannah Davis, Alyah Perkins, David Goodwin, and Davan Webster all seized First Place wins in their respective age groups. Second Place was clinched

by Shannon Buckley in the 10-year-old Girls group, and Third Place wins were captured

by Jordan Barcenas, Eleanora Andre, Shepard Blair, Isabel Berdugo, and Keely Webster. There were several other Swordfish swimmers who tightened their goggle straps and gave notice that they’re a force to be reckoned with in future meets; Gabriella Goodwin and Charlie White earned Fourth Place Medals, and Sydney Edwards and Nicholas Schlosser earned Fifth Place medals for their determination and perseverance in the pool.

Sunday morning, just as the sun crested over the pool, the Swordfish entered the water for their final demonstration of competitiveness, hospitality, and sportsmanship. When the final whistle had sounded, the Swordfish left the pool happy and contented. Win or lose, they’d showcased their graciousness as hosts to the visiting teams, and as a swim team able to achieve what the mind believes. With the final points tallied, the Swordfish completed Sunday’s event with a Second Place win and a renewed determination to strive for success at their next event.

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THE SIGNATURE

OCTOBER 20, 2017

Italy school students 'strike' over work experience Story by BBC

Thousands of Italian school students are protesting nationwide over work placements that they say contribute little to their future job prospects.

The students are calling it a "strike" in 70 cities. Student unions organized the protest via social media.

Italy's Student Network says "no more exploitation through free labor".

It says 95% of schools - about 900,000 children - participate in work experience schemes. Italy has the EU's third-highest jobless rate, at 11.2%.

There was some vandalism by protesters in Milan, targeting what they saw as symbols of capitalist exploitation: the chamber of commerce building, a McDonald's restaurant and a Zara clothing store.

The student unions claimed 200,000 youths protested across Italy - however, there was no independent estimate of the total.

The students want the government to fulfill its promise to draft a statute defining the status of people doing work experience and a code of ethics for companies using them.

The strike - with rallies in Rome, Naples, Milan, Salerno and other cities - was also in protest against alleged underfunding of state schools.

"We want work placements that provide real alternative training and quality for all," said Student Network national coordinator Giammarco Manfreda.

Italy "continues to lack rules defining who can or cannot offer work experience", he added.

"We're tired of being humiliated by our companies, whose work experience does not amount to training at all."

An "anti-exploitation" statement from the student unions said "we are students, not merchandise in the hands of businesses" and "we are sick of being sent to wait on tables".

'In school, but learning nothing' Italian Education Minister Valeria Fedeli defended the center-left government's education policy. She said internships gave students "complementary skills that enable them to face the future with more knowledge".

But she pledged to address the students' complaints and work to raise the quality of internships, Ansa news agency reported.

Italian media reported that paint was daubed on some buildings in Milan and a McDonald's restaurant was pelted with eggs and tomatoes.

Youths also smashed a window at the Milan offices of the center-left Democratic Party (PD), then hurled paint and smoke bombs into it.

Internships for students at some global businesses, including McDonald's and Zara, were launched by the PD government of former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in July 2015.

Youths in the last three years of school have been getting the work experience, branded as "exploitation" by the protesters on Friday.

In a statement McDonald’s said its outlets across Italy were taking "up to 10,000 students each year", with the aim of helping young people develop skills required in their future employment.

Rome stumps up more Alitalia cash, extends sale deadline Story by AFP Rome - Struggling Italian carrier Alitalia received a boost on Friday when Rome said it would add €300 million ($355 million) to a bridge loan package and extend its deadline for finding a buyer.

"The deadline for the procedure of ceding assets belonging to Alitalia and other societies of the group ... has been extended to April 30, 2018," the government said in a statement.

Alitalia, struggling to compete with low-cost rivals, went into administration at the start of May after staff rejected job and salary cuts as part of a two-billion-euro rescue plan.

In May, Rome said it would provide a €600 million loan to keep the carrier's planes in the air for around six months, staving off liquidation of the flagship airline.

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 14

SANT’AGATA LI BATTIATI, Sicily – Sigonella CLB-6 Marines show students of the Sant’Agata Li Battiati’s Scuola Media Statale “M. Pluchinotta” middle school various exercises to stay fit during a NASSIG PAO COMREL event held on October 5 as part of the highly-requested and busy community relations’ projects conducted by Sigonella service members at Sicilian schools of all grades during the school year. School COMRELs include English language interaction and speaking activities, volunteer work days, as well as presentations by base experts on different topics such as healthy eating, American history and traditions, life and career in the U.S. military, American sports, drug abuse prevention, Internet Security and more.

(Photo and caption by Alberto Lunetta)

THE SIGNATURE

OCTOBER 20, 2017

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Comfort Welcomes Newest Arrival

By Petty Officer 1st Class Ernest Scott Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

CARIBBEAN SEA -- The sound of two bells rang through the passageways of the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) as the announcement passed over the ship's one main circuit.

"Sara Victoria Llull Rodriguiz, born this day Oct. 14, arriving!"

With Comfort underway in the vicinity of San Juan, Puerto Rico, providing medical assistance throughout a region devastated by Hurricane Maria, the birth of Sara aboard the ship was a reminder of the work to be done but also hope for the future of the island.

"I never thought that our special moment would happen here on this ship," said Francisco Llull Vera, Sara's father.

"Everyone has been so helpful and gentle while caring for our baby. I hope this opens the door for those who still need help to seek out the Comfort."

At 6 pounds 8 ounces, Sara may be small, but her presence is mighty. Her birth on Comfort gained the attention of Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello who said this has been a bit of good news that has gone across the island.

Capt. Kevin Robinson, Comfort's mission commander, said the special occasion is one felt throughout the ship.

"I think the birth of that little girl has reinvigorated the crew," said Robinson.

One of Comfort's primary missions is to provide full hospital services to support U.S. disaster relief and humanitarian operations worldwide. Although

fully equipped, capable and ready to support, Sara's delivery came to many as a welcome surprise.

"We stood up the labor and delivery ward prior to getting underway," said Lt. Karri Washbon, a labor and delivery nurse aboard Comfort who assisted with Sara's birth. "We expected to see a lot of patients, but we weren't sure how often we'd get to utilize this aspect.

With every birth there is a unique story and we are glad to be a part of their experience. Now everyone just wants to see the baby!"

While more than 800 medical personnel and support staff aboard Comfort want to greet their newest "shipmate," Sara's 6-year-old brother Alonzo and 4-year-old sister Sofia, who are currently staying with family ashore in Puerto Rico, anxiously await her return.

"They are so excited to meet her," said Tania Rodriguiz Ramos, Sara's mother. "I got the chance to call my family and let them know that I am ok and that the baby is healthy and happy.

It's a huge blessing for Sara to be here; I owe everything to the doctors and nurses and everyone on board."

The last birth aboard Comfort occurred Jan. 21, 2010, while the ship was providing humanitarian relief in support of Operation Unified Response following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused severe damage in Haiti.

Recognizing the rarity of the situation, Comfort's current Ship's Master

CARIBBEAN SEA (Oct. 15, 2017) Puerto Rican Governor Ricardo Rossello holds the first child born aboard the U.S. Navy hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in more than seven years. Comfort is underway operating in the vicinity of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to provide medical services with additional visits being planned around the island. The U.S. Health and Human Services and Puerto Rico Department of Health representatives are prioritizing patients at each stop prior to Comfort's arrival. The Department of Defense is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ernest R. Scott/Released)

erating in the vicinity of San Juan to provide medical services with additional visits being planned around the island.

The U.S. Health and Human Services and Puerto Rico Department of Health representatives are prioritizing patients at each stop prior to Comfort's arrival.

The Department of Defense is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-ofgovernment response effort.

Roger Gwinn ceremoniously renamed one of the ship's two small boat tenders the Sara Victoria.

"We wanted to do something special, the crew has taken to the baby as one of our own," said Gwinn. "As she goes forward in life, we hope she carries Comfort with her."

As of Oct. 15, Comfort has delivered more than 10 tons of food and water, 21,000 liters of oxygen and treated more than 100 patients to relieve pressure on the Puerto Rican health system.

Comfort is currently underway op-

Formidable Shield 2017: Ship Engages BMD Target During NATO Exercise, MDA and Navy Conduct SM-6 Test Launch From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy -- Ships from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States participated in a live-fire integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) scenario, defending against a ballistic missile target as well as three anti-ship cruise missiles Oct. 15 as part of exercise Formidable Shield 2017 (FS17).

Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) is conducting Formidable Shield on behalf of the U.S. 6th Fleet. The U.S.

Missile Defense Agency is also a major participant in this exercise.

During the collective self-defense scenario, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) successfully detected, tracked and intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target with a Standard Missile-3 Block IB guided missile.

Simultaneously, the Spanish frigate SPS Alvaro

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 15, 2017) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) fires a standard missile 3 during exercise Formidable Shield 2017. Formidable Shield is a U.S. 6th Fleet led, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO-conducted exercise which will improve allied interoperability in a live-fire integrated air and missile defense environment, using NATO command and control reporting structures. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Theron J. Godbold/Released)

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OCTOBER 20, 2017

Oranges, Horses, an

The 2017 Comma Photos by YN2

Congratulations to SPMAG

OCTOBER 20, 2017

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nd Water Balloons

and Challenge Gabrielle Milly

GTF for winning 1st Place!

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OCTOBER 20, 2017

NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:

MSF RIDERCOACH COURSE

Command, Department or Organization: Safety Office Date of Event: 22 Oct-01 Nov • Time of Event: 0800-1600 • Location of Event: NAS 2 Bldg. 622 Safety Office Point of Contact Name: Mr. Marlon Gomez and MM2 Sierra, Raul Point of Contact Phone Number: 624 - 5630/6266 Point of Contact Email Address: Raul.sierra@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Do you want to be a certified motorcycle instructor? This course will teach you how. Be prepared to ride everyday if you enroll in this course.

Required riding gear includes a helmet that complies with DOT standards; eye protection; over-the-ankle, sturdy footwear; long pants; long-sleeved shirt or jacket; full-fingered gloves, and of course, your own motorcycle. Be prepared to spend time studying during off-class hours.

This is an intensive program that requires focus. The course is approximately 60 hours long.

You must be a licensed and experienced motorcyclist, at least 18 years old, who currently rides on a frequent, routine basis.

As a teacher, you need good communication skills. As a RiderCoach, you'll be called upon to to help teach motorcycle courses. A sincere desire to help reduce motorcycle accidents, injuries, and deaths is the prime motivator of a RiderCoach.

NAS 1

AVERAGE JOE BOWLING LEAGUE REGISTRATION NOW - 3 NOV

Command, Department or Organization: MWR Date of Event: NOW - 3 NOV 2017 Time of Event: Location of Event: Sparetime Bowling Center Point of Contact Name: Jennifer Brehmer Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4302 Point of Contact Email Address: Jennifer.

Brehmer@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: Average Joe Bowling League is back by popular demand! League starts 6 November.

Grab a few friends and join us for this fun league that runs every week for 6 weeks, followed by play-offs.

Teams are comprised of 4 individuals for league play and up to 2 alternates.

This league doesn't require expert ability, just people looking to have 10 frames of fun!

All scores will be handicapped to level the playing field. Cost is $280 per team (maximum of 10 teams) for the duration of the league and includes nightly snacks. Register through November 3.

For more information, please call 624-4302 or email Jennifer.Brehmer@eu.navy.mil. *Note, there will not be league play the week of 20-24 NOV due to Thanksgiving holiday.

Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services

Mondays AA Meeting:

1800-1900

Tuesdays Protestant Women of the Chapel: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900-1100 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 AWANA: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1645-1900 Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1430 Wednesdays Protestant Men of the Chapel: .0600-0700 Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 Catholic Ladies' Guild (3rd Wednesday): . . . . . . . . . . 1600-1800 Thursdays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230

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

Youth for Christ (YFC) Youth Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1200-1530 Choir Practice: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1630-1800 The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2030 Fridays Daily Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . 1130-1230 First Friday Mass and Holy Hour:. . . . . . . . . 1700-1830 Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200

NAS 2

Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): .

1800-2100

Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . 1800

Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-1900

Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS):. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1045-1200

Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2000 Roman Catholic Mass NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0900 Non-Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) - NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . 1300 Non-Liturgical Protestant Service NAS II Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800

Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600

Weekly Traffic Report: Oct. 2 - Oct. 9, 2017

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 out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.

OCTOBER 20, 2017

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OCTOBER 20, 2017

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OCTOBER 20, 2017

GAMEZONE

Delicious Desserts

PARFAIT PASTRIES PAVLOVA PEACH COBBLER PINEAPPLE DELIGHT PLUM SQUARES RAISIN PUDDING RUM BALLS SORBET STRAWBERRY SHORT CAKE STRUDEL SUNDAE TIRAMISU TORTES TRIFLE

MEDIUM

ECLAIRS EMPANADAS FLAN FRUIT CRUMBLE FUDGE GELATO GINGERBREAD ICE CREAM JELLY ROLLS LEMON BARS MACAROONS MERINGUES MONKEY BREAD MOUSSE NUT BRITTLE

EASY

AMBROSIA APPLE CRISP APPLE PIE BAKED ALASKA BAKLAVA BANANA SPLIT BREAD PUDDING BROWNIES BUTTER TARTS CARROT CAKE CHEESE CAKE CHOCOLATE CAKE CINNAMON ROLLS CREME BRULEE CREPES

DIFFICULT

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

The remaining letters spell a secret message.

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"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 6 Those interested in making binding offers for the whole airline were initially given until October 2nd, then October 16th prior to Friday's move which Rome put down to market conditions.

Irish no-frills carrier Ryanair expressed early interest but two weeks ago said it was dropping the idea as it struggles with the fallout from thousands of cancellations of its own flights owing to a pilots' shortage.

Italian woman granted sick pay for time off to look after her ill dog Story by Agence France-Presse An Italian woman has won her battle to be granted sick pay for days she took off to look after her poorly dog, in a first for the pet-loving country.

The woman, a Rome academic, won her case with the help of lawyers from the Italian Anti-Vivisection League (LAV), one of the biggest animal rights groups in Europe, the organization said.

A judge accepted the lawyers’ case that her university should count her two days off under an allowance for absences related to “serious or family personal reasons”.

Their argument was underpinned by a provision in Italy’s penal code that provides for people who abandon an animal to “grave suffering” to be jailed for a year and fined up to €10,000.

“It is a significant step forward that recognized that animals that are not kept for financial gain or their working ability are effectively members of the family,” said LAV president Gianluca Felicetti.

Things to Do and See in Italy in October 2017 Story by Italy magazine EUROCHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Perugia, 13th - 22nd October 2017 The theme for this year's biggest chocolate show in town takes on a musical twist. All Other Music is the concept for Eurochocolate 2017 (13th - 22nd October), and will manifest itself in an abundance of tuneful ways from a piano made of chocolate to a selection of good-time games relating to music.

President Eugenio Guarducci explains that the event will aim to animate live music with a greater number of urban spaces for street artists and musicians to showcase an “ever more welcoming and fun city”.

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“Our goal is to blend musical notes with the notes of sweetness that always spread to Perugia, with the intention of involving different musical ambitions to reach the varied people of Eurochocolate. All this in one cities like Perugia, where music and chocolate are home.”

For more information and detailed schedules visit http://www.eurochocolate.com/ BOLOGNA BEER FESTIVAL 14th - 16th and 21st - 23rd October 2017 With the Summer season over, at least you can console yourself with a cheeky pint. And where better to do so than the Bologna Beer Festival?

The Bologna Beer Festival is essentially four events for the price of one. This year's festival comprises Irish, Country, October and Worldwide Beer/Restaurant Festivals. The entire shebang isn't a matter of beer guzzling, but a celebration of different cultures and traditions that take you on a worldwide tour. You can learn about Irish folklore, Celtic traditions, and also country dancing! Games, handicrafts, exhibitions and much more combine to provide an insightful, informative and entertaining tour of the world: not to mention some of the finest beers to sample from locations far and wide as Ireland, Brazil and Argentina!

For more information and detailed schedules visit, http://bolognabeerfestival.it/ PETS FESTIVAL Emilia Romagna, 21st – 22nd October 2017 We all love pets, so whether your friend is canine, feline, reptilian, or something else, the Pets Festival at Emilia Romagna is the place for you this October.

Now in its fifth edition, the Pets Festival caters for all kinds of animals, with separate sectors for each one. These include the Dog Area, in which industry professionals, breeders and retailers will be around to provide more information on all things bow wow. Likewise, for cats, there will be a special area reserved for acquiring extra knowledge on feline friends. It should be pointed out that dogs and cats will not be for sale, but for interested parties, it is possible to reserve a puppy from the breeders of adopted dogs living in kennels.

There are also special areas concentrating on animals such as guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, reptiles, and even horses. There will also be a lush green area that offers a wide range of plants, water plants, orchids and bonsai trees

OCTOBER 20, 2017 (and yes, these will be on sale). All in all, it's the perfect place to visit this October if, like me, you're a keen animal fan.

For more information and detailed schedules visit, https://www.facebook.com/Petsfestival/timeline CHESTNUT AND BLACK TRUFFLE FESTIVAL Bagnoli Irpino, 21st - 22nd and 27th - 29th October 2017 Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year is Campania's Chestnut and Black Truffle Festival. It's a milestone that will be celebrated with plenty of style and atmosphere as the streets and shop windows of Bagnoli Irpino are decorated to mark the festival.

A great selection of chestnuts and truffles will be available for visitors to sample. They can also enjoy other local foods and drinks, meet local artisans and producers and experience special guided tours. Furthermore, they can also do some chestnut picking and truffle hunting of their own in the local woods!

This year's landmark event takes place over the last two weekends of October, with an extra Friday thrown in for good measure on the 27th.

For more information and detailed schedules visit, http://www.prolocobagnoli-laceno.org/ GENOA SCIENCE FESTIVAL 26th October - 5th November 2017 Sometimes, these events and festival pages are just as much about educating the mind. A far cry from those old school days of test tubes, Bunsen burners and chemistry classes, the Genoa Science Festival is the real deal.

As well as schools, families, researchers and general fans of science can come along to this largescale event which starts at the end of October. Scientific principles, theories and futures are talked about, debated and explored through a number of methods including meetings, conferences, workshops and shows. The up-to-the-minute scientific issues and concepts are explored in great detail at this global event, which boasts national and international guests from the world of science. Come and meet them and other like-minded science fans at this universally acclaimed event this Autumn.

For more information and detailed schedules visit, http://www.festivalscienza.it/

OCTOBER 20, 2017

Halloween Safety From the NAS Sigonella Safety Office

Although children look forward to tricks, treats, and ghoulish garb, Halloween can be fraught with fright for parents, with candy given to their kids by strangers and a legion of masked and costumed trick-or-treaters at the door. However, following a few safety tips can ensure safe fun for kids and candy-givers alike.

To ensure that trick-or-treaters, you, and your house stay safe, remember the following tips: • Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark, lest someone go bump in the night.

• Keep your house well lighted, both inside and out; you wouldn’t want to miss any particularly good costumes, would you?

• Ask your Neighborhood Watch or local citizen’s group to haunt (patrol) your community.

• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to your police or sheriff’s department.

To make sure even the scariest costumes are safe, keep the following in mind when buying or designing one: • Try makeup instead of masks; it’s more comfortable and doesn’t obstruct vision the way masks can.

• Check to ensure that costumes are flame-retardant so that young ones are safe around jack-o’-lanterns, candles, and other flames.

• Keep costumes short to ensure that the only trip taken is the one around the neighborhood.

• Look for brightly colored costumes, attach reflector strips to costumes and bags, and remind trick-or-treaters to carry glow sticks and flashlights.

• If a costume involves any sort of fake weapon, make sure that it is made of a flexible material such as cardboard or foam. Or, avoid the whole problem of weapons by challenging your child to design a costume that is scary without one.

For information please contact the Safety Office: 624-6261/6265

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"NATO" continued from Page 7 de Bazan (F101) fired an Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) against an incoming anti-ship cruise missile while the Netherlands frigate HNLMS Tromp (F803) fired ESSMs against a pair of incoming anti-ship cruise missiles.

This was the first time NATO's smart defense concept was demonstrated with ships serving as air defense units protecting naval ballistic missile defense units.

Following that event, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy sailors aboard USS McFaul (DDG 74) successfully test fired a Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). That flight test, designated Standard Missile Controlled Test Vehicle (SM CTV)-03, demonstrated the successful performance of an SM-6 launched from an Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense capable DDG and was conducted as part of the system's flight certification process. The SM-6 test was not part of the Formidable Shield exercise, but was conducted in coordination with that event to leverage the available range assets.

"I am extremely proud of the Task Group members and their performance during these complex, live-fire engagements," said Capt.

Shanti Sethi, commander, Task Group IAMD for Formidable Shield, and Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet's Task Force 64. "The exercise scenarios are designed to test our limits and give us a unique opportunity to truly practice how we would fight together as an alliance. We are coordinating and sharing information in real time the way we would in a real IAMD operation."

Formidable Shield is designed to improve allied interoperability in an IAMD environment, using NATO command-and-control reporting structures and data-link architecture.

FS17 is the inaugural iteration of this exercise.

"I couldn't be more proud of the government and industry team from across the NATO alliance who planned and executed these missions," said U.S. Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves. "Both the joint exercise and the Navy test launch truly demonstrate the capabilities the U.S. and our allies

PAGE 15 are developing to defeat complex, cruise and ballistic missile threats."

More than 14 ships, 10 aircraft, and approximately 3,300 personnel from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S., are participating in FS17 on the U.K. Ministry of Defense's Hebrides Range located on the Western Isles of Scotland.

"Formidable Shield is, as the name already implies, a formidable setup for both testing architectural constructs to TDL (tactical data link) and for the conduct of operational decision making of the complex environment of Integrated Air and Missile Defense," said Cmdr.

Peter Jansberg, Danish Navy, CTG IAMD Senior Operations Officer.

"As such, Formidable Shield demonstrates the necessity of constantly maintaining and sustaining a Joint Operational Air picture, so all nations have the ability to act and operate from the same hymn sheet. This making the decision line as short as possible, and the room for error minimal."

U.S. ships participating in Formidable Shield include the Arleigh Burke-class guidedmissile destroyers Donald Cook, USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), and the Louis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Medger Evers (T-AKE 13).

Formidable Shield 2017 began Sept. 24, and is scheduled to conclude Oct. 18, 2017. This exercise is planned to be a recurring, biennial event, and is designed to assure allies, deter adversaries, and demonstrate our commitment to collective defense of the NATO alliance. Formidable Shield and exercise Joint Warrior 17-2, a U.K.-led, multinational exercise in a maritime training environment for allies to improve interoperability and prepare forces for combined operations, are occurring concurrently.

STRIKFORNATO is a rapidly deployable headquarters that provides scalable command and control across the full spectrum of the alliance's fundamental security tasks. As part of that mission, STRIKFORNATO is responsible for integrating U.S. naval and amphibious forces into NATO operations.

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