The Signature | September 22, 2017

Sigonella Navy Lodge Celebrates National Hospitality Week

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Navy Birthday Ball

Suicide Prevention

Tickets on Sale Now

Sign up for the ASSIST Workshop

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N A S SIG O N E L L A

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Vol. 34 No. 35

NAS Sigonella Welcomes 27 New Chief Petty Officers

By MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Twentyseven chief selectees marched in unison while singing Anchors Aweigh, their voices echoing throughout the high-vaulted gymnasium, shaking the audience and marking the beginning of the 2017 Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella chief pinning ceremony.

In attendance were Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Installations Command, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, and Force Master Chief Andrew Thompson, along with the majority of NAS Sigonella leadership.

Guest speaker Force Master Chief Andrew Thompson opened his remarks with a question to the chief se-

lectees, “What day is it today?”

“The greatest day of our lives!” the selects yelled in unison.

"I know they look like the same people in different uniforms, but they are not.

They are not who you remember them to be," said Thompson. "Before this day if you were to cut them they would bleed blood like every other human being on earth. But now if you cut them they just bleed chief. That's who they are; it's embedded in everything that they do. I will caveat this with: please do not cut them when they get home."

Thompson continued his speech with advice on how the newest chief’s should continue their careers.

“As a fellow chief petty officer, I understand the sacrifice and hardship; I can also relate to the sense of pride and joy you feel today,” said Thompson. “You have joined one of the most

SIGONELLA, Sicily (September 15, 2017) – Force Master Chief Andrew Thompson gives remarks as guest speaker during Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s chief pinning ceremony. 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)

distinct and oldest fraternities of the United States military. Please remember that the respect you earn from you juniors is just as important as the respect that you earn from your peers and your seniors.”

After Thompson’s remarks, the chief selects marched in pairs up to center stage, each having their family and friends continue the Navy’s time-honored tradition of pinning on their gold fouled anchors and donning on the combination cover.

“It is an absolute honor to have been recognized as a chief petty officer and

to have gone through my season with such incredible group of selectees,” said newly pinned Chief Master-at-Arms Jeffrey Thoennes. “Thank you to everyone who supported us.”

The ceremony followed a six-week training period known as CPO 365 Phase Two, which began when the CPO advancement results were released. During Phase Two, senior leaders introduced the chief selects to challenges designed to strengthen their leadership skills and to provide a better understanding of what it means to be a Navy chief.

Congratulations to our newest chief petty officers!

HMC Orlando Atencia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naval Hospital Sigonella YNC Shane Belgrave . . . . . . . . . Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) ATC Anthony Bennekin . . Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) LSC Shannon Brosnan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security ITC David Carillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CNE DET MAST RPC Demario Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NAS Sigonella LSC Marion Farrales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NAS Sigonella HMC Eirol Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naval Hospital Sigonella YNC Matthew Herndon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commander, Task Force 67 HMC Ryan Houtz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SPMAGTF ITC Aaron Jens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CNE DET MAST NCC Joshua Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 MCC Joshua Karsten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Armed Forces Network (AFN) MAC Christopher Knight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security MMC Alexander Lange . . . . . . . . . Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) CMC Joe Leduc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Works Department HMC David Long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naval Hospital Sigonella AMEC James Pankey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 BMC Matthew Parsons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NAS Sigonella AEC Carlos Ramos . . . . . . Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) LSC Raniel Reyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Transport Department (ETD) HMC Kevin Sadler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naval Hospital Sigonella ATC Michael Teeples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrol Squadron (VP) 16 MAC Jeffrey Thoennes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security MAC Jessicarose Thurber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security MAC Ryan Vanderpool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Security AEC Nathan Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patrol Squadron (VP) 16

Vice Adm. Jackson Visits NAS Sigonella

By MC2 Christopher Gordon NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Naval Air Station Sigonella’s personnel took advantage of an opportunity to highlight the base’s recent accomplishments and direct support to the Navy’s fleet, fighters and families.

Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Installations Command, visited the base Sept.

15 in order to obtain a better understanding of the work being done at the installation level and, more importantly, determine ways to assist with their efforts.

“Like a destroyer, cruiser or carrier, our installations deliver a combat capability, and to do that we have to provide the fuel, water, electricity, and support to the various combatant commanders’ and fleet commanders’ objectives throughout our area of operations,” said Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, EURAFSWA region commander, who accompanied Jackson during the tour.

Known as “The Hub of the Med,” NAS Sigonella, located near the center of the Mediterranean Sea, is well placed to support operations by the U.S. 6th Fleet, other U.S. military units, and U.S. allies and coalition partners.

Jackson, along with Capt. Brent Trickel, commanding officer of NAS Sigonella, also toured the facilities that provide quality of life services for Sailors and their families. Leadership visited nu-

merous facilities on the installation, including the gymnasium, chapel, and several housing units.

"These facilities are staffed by first-rate employees who are dedicated to supporting our service members and their families," Trickel said. "It is through these facilities our service members and families are able to lead healthy lifestyles, stay fit, and relax."

Jackson also spent time during her visit to recognize the newly-selected chief petty officers during the installation’s pinning ceremony. A total of 27 chiefs were promoted in front of their loved ones and colleagues.

“It was an honor to have Vice Adm. Jackson and Rear Adm. Williamson at the pinning to be able to witness this great day for all,” said Chief Machinist’s Mate Alex Lange, a newly pinned FY18 chief. “I was excited to see the turnout from the community and their support for the newest chiefs.”

During the tour of EURAFSWA, Jackson also visited Naval Support Activity Bahrain and Naval Support Activity Souda Bay. CNREURAFSWA encompasses a geographic area that spans across three continents, and three Geographic Combatant Commands, stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf and from Northern Europe into Africa. EURAFSWA has dangers that include combat, low-intensity conflict, hybrid war, humanitarian crisis and terrorism.

SIGONELLA, Sicily (September 15, 2017) – Capt. Brent Trickel, commanding officer of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, guides Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Installations Command, on a tour of NAS Sigonella. 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)

THE SIGNATURE

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Direct Line

Lt. Andriana Genualdi, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Officer Hello Sigonella!

Some of you may know me as the base PAO, but I am also a member of the NAS Sigonella Women’s Networking Group (SWNG). You may or may not have heard of the group so that is why I decided to get the message out in the paper.

The SWNG is a non-federal entity that is focused on helping female service members at NAS Sigonella connect with each other. Our organization’s vision is to create a space where female service members across all ranks and disciplines can come together to share ideas and resources to empower themselves to be better in any arena they chose to pursue. We want to create a safe space for productive and educational discussions and foster networking opportunities to address professional and personal issues specific to our female service members here in Sigonella.

In the past the SWNG has held meetings on topics ranging from how to work with different personality types in

the workplace, to nutrition over the holidays, to how posture affects confidence.

For each of these meetings the group brought in a presenter from another command or accompanied the topic with visual aids and group exercises.

Outside of the meetings the group also does occasional social activities, to include a hike at the beautiful Cava Grande nature reserve. These opportunities give the members a chance to relax with each other out of uniform in an informal setting.

In addition to offering meetings related to different personal and professional development topics, the group can also link members up with people who have similar experience or background in specific topics. Interested in a particular sport? We probably know someone else who is too. Interested in learning more about a particular college degree? We might have a member with that very same degree. Simply giving a diverse group of women the chance to meet up with each other can help to

open up avenues of opportunity in a broad range of fields.

Many women in the military may find themselves stationed at a command or in a division where they are the only female and that applies here in Sigonella as well. This group is a way to connect women across the base that might not have the chance to interact with other female service members in their daily work. Though specifically geared and tailored for women, all are welcome to attend the meetings.

Another opportunity the group offers is the chance to participate in community relations volunteer events. In the past the group did a food drive and got the chance to have a Thanksgiving meal with Italian school children who put on a presentation for the group as a way of saying thanks.

Coming up in the next few months the group is planning on offering a few self-defense classes and the opportunity to do a clothing drive and volunteer at a soup kitchen.

The group holds meetings regularly on the third Thursday of the month during lunch, so as not to interfere with working hours. The meetings are held in different locations across the installation, so keep an eye on the All Hands Messages for next month! For more information, or to be included on the email distribution list please send an email to me at andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil.

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 “NAS II Mini-Mart restocking time and product options”:

The following comments are in regards to the NAS II Mini-Mart. I have been stationed here for at least 3 months now to provide content that is not an isolated case. I have notice that basic hygiene items at the mini-mart take in excess of 3-4 days to get restocked, which then requires me to get transportation to the NAS I NEX to purchase these same items. The point I am making here is these items are in stock but the mini-NEX is not restocking them in a timely mater.

This is a big inconvenience as the mini-mart is essentially a convenience store lacking the convenience.

Secondly, the refrigeration system does not keep the drinks cool. Either the equipment is malfunctioning or proper restocking is not taking place at closing of the NEX.

Response:

Thank You for your comment regarding hygiene items at the NEX NAS 2 Mini Mart. I would like to apologize if our on hand stock levels have not been sufficient between replenishment cycles. We receive replenishment trucks from our Naples distribution center twice weekly, on Tuesday and Friday. On these trucks are basic consumable items including health and beauty, household cleaning etc. We have taken a look at our inventory levels on our out of stock items, and have requested an increase in our replenishment quantities to ensure a positive in stock position on a daily basis. We will continue to monitor these levels and continue to communicate increases as necessary. To address your comment

regarding refrigeration, the refrigeration system at the NAS II Mini Mart is fully functioning at this time. The Mini Mart is extremely busy both during the morning and during the lunch and after work timeframes. In order to keep our coolers full and ready for our customers, we stock at various times during the day.

If you ever find that a drink is not cool enough, please notify a member of the management team and we will do our best to rectify the situation. If ever in the future you have a concern with any of the NEX operations, please feel free to contact NEX General Manager directly at 624-4379 or at john.sisson@nexweb.org.

Thank you again for your comment as it helps us in improving our operations and ensuring we are delivering Premiere Customer Service to all of our patrons.

Comment regarding “Bravo Zulu for HAZMAT Team”:

I would like to give a BZ to the base Hazmat team. I had a very terrible turn over with my shop's previous hazmat coordinator. Honestly, I didn't know what I was doing but the HAZMAT team did an awesome job explaining how the receiving & stowing hazmat procedures work. With the knowledge he's obtained being there for just a few months, front desk clerk LSSA SuttonChappell helped me from start to finish with assistance from LS2 Zhang. Both were extremely patient with me and it helped tremendously with the stress of being thrown to the wolves in regards to taking over this collateral. Thanks again Hazmat team!

Response:

Thank you for your positive comment recognizing an outstanding HAZMAT

"ICE" continued on Page 3

THE SIGNATURE

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA

Name: Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Stephone Wells Hometown: Waco, Texas Department: Naval Hospital Sigonella From managing paperwork, assisting doctors and facilitating patient records, hospital corpsmen like Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Stephone Wells play many roles at Naval Hospital Sigonella.

“Right now I’m working in the operational management department at the hospital and basically what we do there is make sure the hospital runs normally,” said Wells. “Anything that happens as far as the quarterdeck or if there is any training going on, we are the first person to notify the command.”

Wells also assisted in administering the Flu vaccination between 18 to 20 September, making sure everyone correctly filled out their paperwork before heading in to get their shot.

On top of his normal workload, Wells is a Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor, teaching up to 12 students a month, and he also helps out as a command sponsor for new check-ins.

When he’s not at work, Wells enjoys making and listening to music, playing sports and working out, along

with being a mentor to junior Sailors.

“A lot of times I like to just hang out with the younger Sailors and just teach them a little bit here and there about life, making sure they’re good to go,” said Wells. “I know how it could be seen as a weird hobby but it’s kind of like a Big Brother type thing, making sure they’re taken care of and they know someone has their back.”

If he’s not working, volunteering,

"ICE" continued from Page 2

or doing his hobbies, Wells enjoys going out and travelling.

“My favorite part about living in Sigonella is having the opportunity to go places you’ve never gone before and do things you’ve never done,” said Wells. “Going to different countries, trying out different food, learning about culture and meeting different people; you end up learning so much more than what you see on TV.”

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

Comment regarding “Poor Security building conditions”:

Comment regarding “NGIS Room service/check out protocols”:

Thank you for your comment regarding pest control in the NASSIG Security spaces. Building #606 is currently going through a much needed re-modeling as most of the infrastructure was put in place during the 1980s. The building will be certified pest free upon completion. The NASSIG Public Works Department (PWD) does a great job supporting pest control efforts, but there are a lot of pests right in the middle of Sicilian farm country. As for Building #320 and Marinai Pass & ID, once the issue was raised the trouble ticket was submitted for PWD to conduct pest control. Once pest control is complete it is incumbent upon all occupants of these facilities to keep it clean and do their part to keep pests out.

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

PAO Staff Writer \ Photographer MC2 Christopher Gordon Christopher.Gordon@eu.navy.mil

team. They are a true group of professionals who set the standard for how business should be done. I will be sure to pass along your praise. Thank you again for your comment.

Response:

EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Andriana Genualdi andriana.genualdi@eu.navy.mil

Editor MCC Jessica Vargas Jessica.Vargas@eu.navy.mil

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention and if you have any other questions or concerns regarding this issue, please contact the Security Operations Officer, ENS Kentzell at 624-2491 or the Assistant Security Operations Officer, MACS Laines at 624-7142.

The standards in the NAS I precinct/shack, the Marinai precinct/shack, and the NAS II shack/ security building are very low. Each of these buildings have a tremendous amount of pests. NAS I building #320 has a major ant problem. NAS II building #606 has been infested with ants, cockroaches, and mice. Marinai building G has mice throughout the buildings.

Mice have many diseases and viruses. The security members are concerned for the sanitation and health of the members working in these buildings due to these pests. There needs to be a higher amount of pest controls to handle this problem.

Improving sanitation conditions throughout the buildings will make a less disgusting work environment.

Commanding Officer Capt. Brent Trickel Executive Officer Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Command Master Chief Acting CMC ATCS Bill Rhodes

I went into the office at approximately 0845 to tell them I was checking out today. Then I took my bags with me to sign for my house on Marinai. At 0930 I purposely left: my cats, their food, litter box, cages and some of my food in the fridge.

I returned for them at 1030, where I found a gentlemen in my room, despite the do not disturb sign being on the door and it not being past 1100. He had thrown away my food, the cat bowls, the litter box /associated cleaning items and had taken the cages away. I got the litterbox out of the trash, but that was all I could find in the giant trash bag. I went to speak to a manager but the attendant was busy and I needed to get back to the house with my animals and for an inbound maintenance worker. Since I don't have a vehicle yet I will come back when I have to be on the base anyway.

Sincerely, Captain Risk

Response:

Dear Captain Risk, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and perception in regards to your recent experience with the NGIS program in Sigonella. In view of that, I would like to share our standard protocols and procedures with you as it relates to this particular situation.

When you arrived to the front desk and informed the desk clerk you were checking out; she processed your request and

"ICE" continued on Page 4

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

Navy Lodges Celebrate National Hospitality Week From NEXCOM Public Affairs

Navy Lodge Sigonella is participating in National Hospitality Week from September 25-29. This week is dedicated to recognizing the tireless work that Navy Lodge housekeeping, front desk representatives, and maintenance staffs do on a daily basis to support our military families.

“The Navy Lodge staff is very excited to participate in National Hospitality Week,” said Elizabeth Leavitt General Manager. “They do so much throughout the year to make sure our guests have a clean and comfortable stay at our Navy Lodge. This week allows our associates to show off their housekeeping and guest service skills and have fun at the same time.”

Navy Lodges worldwide are planning

several activities such as health and safety awareness, bed making contests, laundry bag relay, appreciation luncheons, toilet paper pyramid carrying, roll-a-way bed races and much more.

It’s difficult to leave home, whether for that military-mandated permanent change of station (PCS) move or a hardearned vacation. That is why it’s important to pick a military lodging location that offers the many comforts of home.

Navy Lodges provide generous amenities such as kitchenettes, cable TV, free WIFI, Complimentary Continental Breakfast daily, pet accommodations, and most importantly, great guest service.

Reservation can be made by calling 800 NAVY INN, or on line at www.navy-lodge.com. For all military lodging location visit www.dodlodging.com.

Navy Lodge Sigonella Staff (From left to Right) Antonio Di Mauro, Peppe Veca, Rosanna Sciuto, Francesca Terranova, Carmela Leonardi, Elizabeth Leavitt, Carmela Zito, Alfio Giunta, and Antonio Motta (Photo Courtesy of Navy Lodge Staff)

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

"ICE" continued from Page 3 presented you with your folio with all your lodging charges for your signature. At that moment, our Lodging Property Management system changed your status from an in-house guest to a check-out. Unfortunately, during the check-out process there was no mention of items or cats being left in the room, or any special arrangements being made to remain in your room beyond the processed check-out.

As such, when the housekeeper entered the room shortly after your check-out, he noticed the items and contacted his supervisor for guidance.

In turn, the supervisor contacted the Front Desk staff who informed him that the room was a check-out. Therefore, as a matter of NGIS policy, the housekeeper collected the items left in the room and applied our "Lost and Found" procedures which state, "Perishable items should be disposed of immediately". This is done immediately to prevent pest infestation. Hence, the food was discarded, and the litter box and bowls were bagged by the housekeeper. The larger items (cages) were given to the supervisor for further processing. When you returned to the room the housekeeper showed you the bag with the litter box and bowls; and the larger items (cages) were available in front of the Housekeeping Office. As for the two cats, the housekeeper was unaware that they were stowed under the bed; and we’re grateful you returned when you did.

In closing, the goal at NGIS is to provide quality lodging facilities to our valued customers, so if you would like to discuss this matter further, please feel free to contact Aprile M. Cason, NGIS General Manager, at DSN: (314) 624-6827 or by email Aprile.Cason@eu.navy.mil and she will be happy address any further questions or concerns.

Navy Lodge Sigonella Staff (From left to Right) Antonio Motta, Antonio Di Mauro, Elizabeth Leavitt, Roberto Spadaro, Marilyn Lazzara, Luciano Di Dio, Carmelo Pisasale, and Giulia Bottelli. (Photo Courtesy of Navy Lodge Staff)

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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Celebrate the 2017 Navy Birthday Commemoration Ceremony and Ball in Style!

By The Navy Birthday Ball Committee

SIGONELLA, Sicily – It’s that time of year again! All around town one can find a commanding officer trimming loose threads off of her dress uniform; a sailor polishing his dress shoes to the perfect spit shine; civilians and local nationals comparing gowns, suits, and tuxedos over lunch; and local nationals showing them the best places to shop…it’s none other than Navy Ball season in sunny Sigonella!

Back in the days of old, when ships were made of wood, and Sailors were made of steel, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo Zumwalt authorized recognition of 13 Oct as the Navy birthday. Since 1972, each CNO has encouraged a Navy-wide celebration of this occasion "to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.”

The Navy Birthday Ball Committee cordially invites you to please join us as we honor 242 years of service to our country through this year's theme, "Sea Power to Protect and Promote."

The Ball will be held on the Navy’s birthday— October 13—at the Four Points by Sheraton Catania Hotel and Conference Center.

This year all ticket purchases will be conducted via the Navy Ball Sigonella website, located at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navy-ball-sigonella-tickets-33337039984#tickets.

All are invited to attend, and tickets are affordable for such an outstanding evening of fun, comradery, great food, and dancing!

Remember that your rank and ticket(s) will be matched at the door, so be sure to make the right selection when you order.

The evening will kick off with cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by all the things that make the Navy Ball traditional and memorable. The official ceremony, dinner, and cake cutting will last from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This year the event will be held at the beautiful Four Points by Sheraton Catania on the beaches of Aci Castello. If the food is great, the scenery is exceptional! Navy Ball attendees can book a room for €85/night (single) or €100/night (double). There are only so many rooms reserved, so be sure to book your room early by calling +39-095-711-4111 and mention you're with the Navy Ball. To top off a lovely evening out on the town, baby sitting services are available for $4 per child/per hour.

Don’t forget to buy your tickets early—once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Remember: Check out https://www.eventbrite.com and search for “Navy Ball Sigonella” for tickets. See you there!

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THE SIGNATURE

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

A fruitful idea: fabric made from orange peel by orange fiber Story by https://materia.nl

In Italy, the citrus industry discards one million tons of citrus fruit peels annually. While the peels are of course biodegradable, it still costs a lot of money to dispose of them properly. The start-up Orange Fiber, run by Adriana Santanocito and Enrica Arena, has developed a new kind of fabric, which is entirely made of waste citrus fruit peels.

The idea came to Santanocito while working on her thesis in fashion design. Since Sicily, where she is from, is responsible for a major amount of peels, she tried to think of a way to reduce the amount of waste. And thus the idea to make fabric from the discarded peels was born.

The peels are processed with a patented method to extract the cellulose that is spun to form the final yarn. The fabric looks and feels like silk: soft to the touch and a shiny appearance. The biodegradable yarn can be spun with any type of existing yarn.

Aside from looking pretty and feeling nice, the orange yarn has an additional benefit: thanks to nanotechnology, the material still contains essential oils and vitamin C that are present in the citrus fruit peel. The skin absorbs these oils and is nourished by them, making the fabric a wearable body cream.

According to Orange Fiber, despite the oils, the fabric does not feel greasy. The oils are guaranteed to last at least twenty washing cycles, but the company is experimenting with recharging methods with special fabric softeners.

The company made three prototype fabrics. One is a lace silk in black and white, the second a cream colored satin from which clothes such as summer dresses can be made, and lastly, a viscose-like fabric, which is intended to make clothes for daily use like shirts. The citrus peel yarn has won several national and international awards.

Now, orange you glad there is a solution for waste citrus fruit peels?

Italy 'still committed' to bill on citizenship rights for migrant children Story by The Local Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said the government is still committed to a bill that would grant citizenship rights to children born to migrant parents.

A parliamentary vote on the bill, which has the support of the ruling Democratic party, was stalled in July amid vehement opposition from right-wing and center-right conservative parties.

Gentiloni said at the time that the vote would be dropped until later in the year due to other “urgent deadlines”.

The announcement of the delay also came after a surge in migrant arrivals in June which brought the total arriving since the start of the year to almost 100,000. It also followed a poll which showed dwindling support for the legislation among Italians, even though such a path to citizenship exists in many other EU countries and despite supporters insisting the draft law has nothing to do with newly-arrived migrants.

Adriana Santanocito and Enrica Arena, two Sicilian young entrepreneurs created the world’s first prototype of tissue from citrus fruits, a light and soft, high quality, similar to silk fabric. The Orange Fiber received many awards, up to the prestigious Global Change Award, the competition of H&M Conscious Foundation that awards the most innovative ideas that revolutionize fashion from an ecosustainable point of view. (Photo by https://ecobnb.com)

Currently, children born to immigrant parents in Italy have to wait until they turn 18 before being eligible for citizenship.

The bill was also scrapped from the senate’s September calendar after failing to garner enough support in the upper house.

But Gentiloni insisted on Thursday it remained “a job to do”.

“It's still summer, the commitment we talked about remains," he said.

Under the proposed legislation, one of the parents would have to have been legally pres-

"migrant children" continued on Page 14

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Advancement Exam SME Recruitment Realigned to TYCOMs, Rating Sponsors From Naval Education and Training Command

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Effective Jan. 1, the responsibility for recruitment and selection of fleet subject matter experts (FSMEs) for advancement exam readiness review (AERR) panels will transfer from U.S. Fleet Forces Command to type commands and rating sponsors as announced Sept. 15 in NAVADMIN 229/17.

Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Fleet Master Chief Russell Smith said that the AERR selection realignment will ensure a common approach to community leadership involvement in FSME selection and nomination.

"The new process allows type commanders (TYCOMs) and rating sponsors to become more engaged with the recruitment and selection of the AERR panels because they are closer to the deckplate level where the expertise resides," said Smith.

"This will also ensure that each rating's priorities are addressed, establishing a clear way forward."

Rating AERRs provide fleet input to exam planning and content development. Panel members from fleet and shore-based commands work as FSMEs for their respective ratings to develop E-4 to E-7 rating advancement exams for future cycles, impacting full sailorization by affecting the careers of every testtaker in the Navy. Selected chief, senior chief, and master chief petty officers on active duty, full-time support, and reservists currently on active-duty for special work may participate in the AERR process.

TYCOMs will be responsible for nominating AERR FSMEs for the ratings under their purview.

For example, commander, Naval Air Forces is responsible for aviation ratings, including aviation boatswain's mate and aviation machinist's mate.

Specific rating responsibility breakdown is detailed in the NAVADMIN. "The knowledge that the fleet experts bring to the reviews is invaluable, as that's what makes the exams relevant and identifies a Sailor with the right skills to select for advancement," said Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) Command Master Chief Master Chief Electronics Technician (Nuclear) James Berhalter.

"TYCOMs and rating sponsors should nominate panel members that are exceptionally qualified and cover a wide diversity of rating experience and expertise. Only the best qualified candidates should be selected."

AERRs vary in length between one to two weeks, and exam readiness reviews are held throughout the year with each specific rating being reviewed on an annual basis. The reviews are held at NETPDC at Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida. AERR participants receive temporary additional duty orders from their parent command, paid for by NETPDC. NETPDC maintains the current AERR schedule on My Navy Portal at http://www.mnp.navy.mil/ group/navy-advancement-center/mycpo. Quarterly NAVADMINs announce upcoming AERRs at least six months in advance of AERR convening dates.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 16, 2017) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) take the Navy-wide E-4 advancement exam at James D. Kelly Fleet Recreation Center. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Burke/Released)

Changes to CMS-ID Mean More Opportunities at Negotiation From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy announced, in NAVADMIN 231/17, that job announcement windows and the period of time Sailors have to negotiate orders are changing within the Career Management System Interactive Detailing (CMS-ID), Sept. 18.

Sailors' negotiation timeframes in CMS-ID are being extended by three months allowing earlier applications for advertised billets. This longer timeframe also means Sailors will have more billets available from which to choose.

"These changes further enhance NPC's (Navy Personnel Command) commitment to meeting fleet readiness requirements by aligning the most qualified Sailors to our most critical billets," said Rear Adm. John F. Meier, assistant commander for career management, Navy Personnel Command. "Additionally, the longer window provides greater opportunity for Sailor choice in the assignment process, while providing greater lead time for orders release and overseas/sea-duty screenings."

Previously, the orders negotiation window was

seven to nine months before a Sailor's projected rotation date (PRD). With the new policy, Sailors will begin negotiating and applying for advertised billets seven to 12 months before their PRD. In addition to an increased order negotiation timeframe, advertised billets will now have a two-month requisition window. The longer requisition window adds more available billets for Sailors negotiating orders.

In order to accommodate these changes, the Career Waypoints (C-Way) application timeline has been extended.

Sailors may obtain reenlistment authority prior to negotiating in CMS-ID by starting the C-Way application window 16 months prior to their soft expiration of active obligated service (SEAOS) and PRD. This roll out is determined based on their SEAOS. CMS-ID is a web-based system that allows Sailors to view available jobs and make their own applications or apply through their command career counselor. Sailors can view CMS-ID through a secure website located at http://www.cmsid.navy. mil.

For more information read NAVADMIN 231/17 at http://www.npc.navy.mil.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

Congratu

to our Chief Petty

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

tulations

r FY18 y Officers!

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:

PINK COSTUME CONTEST AT BREAST HEALTH AWARENESS RUN

Sigonella slow down!!

Traffic is the biggest hazard you will encounter in the area.

An average of 20 vehicle accidents are reported each week.

Although these accidents are primarily minor fender benders, drivers should not become complacent on the roads. This is like playing Russian roulette with a major accident that could happen right around the corner.

The leading cause of accidents in Sigonella is speeding.

Slow down, don’t talk on the phone, pay attention to the road ahead, avoid passing at all times and obey all traffic rules. Enjoy your tour, travel the island and live to tell your European experience.

NAS 1 Mondays AA Meeting:

Command, Department or Organization: Health Promotion and Wellness Center and MWR Date of Event: October 04 • Time of Event: 1630 Location of Event: Marinai - Community Center Point of Contact Name: Giuseppe Licari • Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-4710 Point of Contact Email Address: usn.sigonella.navhospsigonellait.mesg.hp@mail.mil Additional Information: Come out and join U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Health Promotion and MWR for the annual Breast Health Awareness Run, in conjunction with Sigonella's Run Series. Wear your best pink fashion and you can win a prize!

Registration starts at 4:30 pm • Run starts at 5:30 pm

Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services 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

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

Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200

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

Weekly Traffic Report: Sept. 4 - Sept. 11, 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.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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What you need to know about Non-Combatant Evacuation

By HT2 Corbin Cooney Emergency Management

Try to imagine yourself in a catastrophic situation where you are being told to evacuate the country as soon as possible. You have only enough time to gather only bare essentials, leaving possessions that you hold dear behind. This scenario sounds like something out of a movie, right? Well, it’s similar to what happens in a NEO or Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation. A NEO can be ordered by the Department of State in response to a natural disaster, terrorist activity, war or civil unrest in a foreign country, with the order being carried out with support from the Department of Defense. Depending on the situation, evacuation can be voluntary or mandatory and can include different levels of personnel such as military and accompanying family members, DoD employees, federal contractors or private American citizens in the area (including pets!), and also select host nation or third country nationals. Upon notification before, during or after a situation, officials of the Department of State will assess the occurring situation and determine the severity of the situation, who is affected, who can be evacuated and the best or most reasonable means of transportation available to evacuate personnel: this can be by land, sea or air. A safe haven for evacuees could be set-up in the immediate area surrounding an installation or at one of the DoD installations located though out Europe. If officials determine CONUS is the best location available for evacuation, personnel should expect 30 days of stay time while the situation is further assessed; in extreme situations this could also include repatriation to the continental United States. Being stationed to an OCONUS DoD installation, Sigonella citizens MUST keep in mind that this is a real operation and could be ordered if a situation occurs warranting a NEO. BE PREPARED! You should already have an emergency supplies kit ready to go at home, but a NEO kit should be a separate, small, ready to go kit of bare essentials that you can grab and go in under 5 minutes. If you are accompanied, your family should be aware of NEO instructions, where your NEO kit is located, and be prepared to move without their sponsor. A NEO kit should contain originals or copies of: • Identification such as passports, military/ dependent I.D. or driver’s license • Emergency Pay Form DD-1337 or DD-2461 • Power of Attorney/Family Care Plan • Shot Records • Sojourner’s Permit (non-military) • Household Goods (HHG) Inventory • POV title/registration & Insurance policy • Important documents such as marriage or birth certificates, wills, insurance policies • Family Communication Plan

As stated before these items need to be in a small carrier such as a backpack that you can keep on you and will not be a burden to carry.

Also, if you or family members have a regularly prescribed medication ensure that you have an adequate supply on hand. Along with the above items, you can pack toiletries, a First Aid Kit and a change of clothes, as long as you have room in your kit and it is not a burden as you can expect to hold these items for a long period of time. If you own a pet, be aware that you are responsible for registering your pets with the base veterinarian and maintaining an Animal NEO kit, which should include: • Airline approved kennel of appropriate size for each pet • Absorbent “puppy pads” & plastic disposable bags • Leash with a harness or collar • Pet I.D. (keep spares) and paperwork to include vaccination records • Food and water The NEO of NAS Sigonella personnel will be coordinated through the U.S. Embassy in Rome with mass notifications promptly following the order. Official notifications will be passed from the EOC utilizing: the AtHoc system (Desktop notifications, Giant Voice, Telephone notifications); Facebook; all hands email; AFN television and AFN radio-106.9 The Eagle. These notifications will inform Sigonella of where to assemble and which of the three phases are in place: • Phase I(Ready)- Family members stand-by at home • Phase II(Set)- Family members prepare to evacuate • Phase III(Go)- Proceed to assembly points with NEO kit; from assembly point personnel will be shuttled to a processing or departure point The processing point is where you will show the documents from your NEO kit or Animal NEO kit, to officials standing by. Personnel and their pets will receive a wristband before exiting the processing point that will be scanned upon departure and again at arrival to the safe haven to ensure 100% accountability.

Each command on board NAS Sigonella is required to have a NEO representative that can supply personnel with information or the NASSIG NEO instruction--NASSIGINST 4310.1F. If you are not sure who your NEO representative is, ask your chain-of-command.

It is the responsibility of ALL HANDS to keep and maintain a NEO kit, ensure NEO representative has an up-to-date recall number and housing information and AtHoc notification information is up-to-date. If you have any questions regarding NEO or Emergency Preparedness, feel free to contact your Community Preparedness Coordinator-HT2 Cooney at corbin.cooney@eu.navy.mil or 624-8283.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

GAMEZONE Beatles Songs 1

PLEASE PLEASE ME POLYTHENE PAM SEXY SADIE SOMETHING SUN KING TAXMAN TELL ME WHY THE END TICKET TO RIDE TWO OF US WAIT YER BLUES YESTERDAY

MEDIUM

HELLO GOODBYE HEY BULLDOG HEY JUDE HONEY PIE I ME MINE I WILL IF I FELL IN MY LIFE JULIA LADY MADONNA LOVELY RITA MICHELLE NO REPLY OH DARLING

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ANOTHER GIRL ASK ME WHY BIRTHDAY BLACKBIRD CRY BABY CRY DAY TRIPPER DEAR PRUDENCE DIG A PONY ELEANOR RIGBY FIXING A HOLE FLYING GET BACK GETTING BETTER

DIFFICULT

Find and circle all of the songs by The Beatles that are hidden in the grid.

The remaining letters spell the name of an additional Beatles song.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2017

"migrant children" cont’d from Page 6 ent in Italy for five years for children born here to be granted citizenship, so it would not apply to those refused asylum and ordered to leave the country.

Along with the far-right Northern League, opponents include the Popular Party (AP), a small centrist party in the ruling coalition led by foreign minister Angelino Alfano.

The number of people arriving on Italy’s shores has fallen since the Italian government launched a crackdown on NGO search and rescue ships operating off the coast of Libya in the Mediterranean in July.

Italy Lays Down the Law: No More Mussolini Wine, No More Hitler Cakes Story by The Dailybeast ROME—Baker Umberto Avigliano of the southern Italian town of Maratea was just doing business when he put the finishing touches on the toothbrush mustache on a cake emblazoned with the face of Adolf Hitler above the inscription, “Auguri Chef,” (Best Wishes, Chef).

He had taken the order for the €30 ($36) cake from the wait staff at a local restaurant who apparently have a running joke with their chef who they say looks and sometimes acts a lot like the German Führer.

But when he put the cake in the refrigerated window case for pick up, locals from the town complained and the local paper accused him of “making Nazism banal” under the headline: “How is it possible that we have made a sweet treat from the man responsible for the Holocaust?”

“It wasn’t my choice to make that cake,” Avigliano told The Daily Beast by phone. “Some people want beautiful women on their cakes; some people want dictators. I’m just the baker.”

Avigliano says he took the Nazi cake out of the window case after several people stopped in the shop to complain. But the fact he felt no qualms about making a Hitler cake in the first place is telling. The country is peppered with monuments to Italy’s dark past, and it is common for Italians affiliated with the farright parties to lament the passing of that dark era.

There is wine with Benito Mussolini labels and even a 650-bed beach club near Venice that was warned last month for displaying outright Fascist Party propaganda. Just last week, the far-right Forza Nuova Par-

ty introduced an anti-immigration poster featuring a white woman in the clutches of a black man, almost exactly like the propaganda Mussolini used against American soldiers during World War II, right down to the slogan: “Defend her from the new invaders.”

But homage to the horror might soon be a thing of the past.

Last Tuesday, Italy’s lower house of parliament passed a law that criminalizes fascism fanaticism. The measure includes jail time for the public display of the stiff-armed Roman salute commonly used by fascists and Nazis. Those who display or sell fascist or Nazi gadgets also face six-month to two-year sentences, which would increase by eight months if those goods were sold online.

The new law still has to pass the Italian senate where it faces stiff opposition from Italy’s Five Star Movement and right-leaning parties who say it is an infringement on free speech. It replaces a law that only goes as far criminalizing attempts to revive the Fascist Party.

The law does not address what to do with the many monuments to fascism across the country. Unlike many of the Confederate statues under scrutiny in the United States, the Italian monuments were all put up

by Mussolini to feed his egomania, not to honor him after he died.

Over the summer, part of the forest he planted north of Rome that spelled out “Dux” (Duce in Latin) in enormous letters was destroyed in a wildfire. The dictator’s granddaughter, Alessandra Mussolini, who is a right-wing member of parliament, wants it replanted.

Those who support the bill aren’t calling for the many obelisks and towers built as shrines to fascism to be brought down, just that they be scrubbed of the standard “MUSSOLINI DUX” engravings. But they do want to shutter stores like the many in the northern city of Predappio where Mussolini was born.

On July 29, the day Il Duce was born, hundreds of mostly foreign sympathizers flock to his hometown donning black shirts to honor the dictator. Any time of the year, one can buy mugs with swastikas and flip-flops with any variety of propaganda slogans. His former home is now a museum that provides a list of fascist-friendly restaurants. In a ski resort outside of Rome, guests can sleep in the very bed where Mussolini was briefly held prisoner during World War II.

A two day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Workshop will be offered September 29 and 29 at the NAS II Chapel. ASIST is the world’s leading suicide intervention skills workshop. Developed in 1983 and regularly updated to reflect improvements in knowledge and practice it has become the “go to” Suicide

Prevention program for the US Military. During the two-day interactive session, participants will learn to intervene and help prevent the immediate risk of suicide.

For more information or to register contact the CREDO Facilitator, Rich Graves at DSN: 624-5231, Cell: 345-307-8460, or e-mail at: richard.graves.ctr@eu.navy.mil

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In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month We Remember Admiral David Glasgow Farragut

By Lt. j.g. Chloe Morgan Naval History and Heritage Command

Every year, the Navy joins the nation in observing National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Patriots of Hispanic Heritage, like Admiral Farragut, continue to build legacies of freedom and diversity as they fight for the security of our country and the peace of the world.

Adm. David Glasgow Farragut was a Hispanic Sailor who devoted a remarkable 59 years of his life to naval service, ultimately becoming the U.S. Navy’s first admiral.

The Early Years: A Tale of Two Fathers Born at Campbell’s Station, near Knoxville, Tennessee, on July 5, 1801, his birth name was James Glasgow Farragut.

Farragut’s father, Jordi Farragut Mesquida, was from Minorca, Spain, and was the captain of a Spanish merchant ship. His ship was operating around the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico when the United States declared its independence from Britain in 1776. After Spain announced its support of the United States, he changed his name to George and joined the South Carolina Navy as a lieutenant, serving the young nation proudly.

After losing his wife to yellow fever in 1808, George called on his friend and fellow naval officer, David Porter, to help with family matters. Since he felt unable to care for a young child, George Farragut asked then Capt. Porter if he could take his son and raise him as his own.

His friend agreed, and in 1809, James Farragut joined his new family.

Immediately, Porter introduced the eight-year-old Farragut to the Navy and he began spending time at sea with his newly adopted father. Receiving a naval appointment to midshipman one year later, at the very young age of nine, Farragut grew up quickly and rose up to the responsibility. At this time, Farragut changed his name from James to David in order to show admiration and gratitude for his new family.

Farragut experienced life at sea off the coast of the United States aboard man-of-war ship Essex in 1811. During the War of 1812, Essex captured so many whaling vessels that Farragut was made the prize master of the Alexander Barclay. Farragut, at the incredibly

Portrait photo of Farragut in a dress uniform, later in his life.

young age of twelve, captained her safely to Valparaíso, foreshadowing his future naval legacy.

Taking Command Farragut’s first command was the schooner Ferret in 1823 at the age of 22.

However, it wasn’t until the Civil War where he really began to show his legendary leadership.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Farragut was called upon to serve, but had to choose between his native state, Tennessee, and the federal government. In January 1862, after declaring his loyalty to the Union, was given command of the Western Blockading Squadron.

After Commodore Farragut’s astonishing victory over the Confederate

Navy in New Orleans on April 28, 1862, the United States Navy honored him by creating the rank of rear admiral. It was on June 16, 1862, that David Farragut became Rear Adm. Farragut, becoming the first U.S. Navy Sailor to reach the rank of admiral. He went on to support the Union campaign at Vicksburg and was instrumental in the success of securing the Mississippi River fort, Port Hudson, from the Confederates.

In 1864, Adm. Farragut displayed his tenacity and toughness in battle by confronting the last Confederate stronghold of the Gulf of Mexico, Mobile Bay. As his armada arrived in the bay, they were met with mines anchored to the sea bottom (during that era, mines were referred

to as torpedoes, which, given presentday language, has been known to cause some confusion). One of his ships, the Tecumseh, struck a mine and sunk immediately. The entire armada came to a harrowing halt.

Although some dispute his actual words, one thing is for sure, Farragut understood the importance of momentum in battle, and it’s been said it was during this battle that he cried out the famous phrase “damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” Impassioned by his boldness, the armada continued through the mines and won a decisive victory. For his efforts, the Navy yet again created a new rank, vice admiral, to which he was appointed. His promotions were not finished, however, because shortly after the war, President Lincoln promoted Farragut to the newly created rank of full admiral.

A Lasting Legacy Adm. David Farragut died in 1870 and received a hero’s farewell. President Ulysses S. Grant led 10,000 soldiers and Sailors through the streets of New York during his funeral procession. In 2013, Farragut’s gravesite at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx was honored as a National Historic Landmark. A tall marble pillar marks the gravesite with symbols of his naval service.

Before his death, in January 1865, the “United Service Magazine” said of Farragut: “…the public, who now see only high courage and indomitable vigor rewarded by great and brilliant victories, will recognize the completeness and harmony of a character that has so far appeared to them only in profile. The stainless honor, the straightforward frankness, the vivacity of manner and conversation, the gentleness, the flow of good humor, the cheerful, ever-buoyant spirit of the true man – these will be added to the complete education, the thorough seamanship, the devotion to duty, and lastly, the restless energy, the disdain of obstacles, the impatience of delay or hesitation, the disregard of danger, that stand forth in such prominence in the portrait deeply engraven on the loyal American heart, of the great Admiral.”

Farragut’s “ever-bouyant spirit” continues to live on in history books and in the Navy. His bold leadership style and infamous line, regardless of its factual accuracy, remains a battle cry for Sailors 152 years later.

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SEPTEMBER 22, 2017