The Signature | March 23, 2018

Active Duty Fund Drive

Base to Base

NWU Type 3

Weekly Update

Shamrock Run

Frequently Asked Questions

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N A S SIG O N E L L A

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MARCH 23, 2018

Vol. 35 No. 11

NAS Sigonella Brings Home NEY Award

By Csc (Sw/Aw) Blu Guevarra photos by MR2 Glen Moran

“Bring the trophy home” Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s Ristorante Bella Etna galley is the proud winner of the Captain Edward F. Ney Award for Food Service Excellence. Ristorante Bella Etna won the small shore category award for 2018.

This annual award encourages excellence in Navy food service programs with the objective of improving the quality of life for our Navy personnel.

“Winning the Ney award means a lot to us. It means we are doing our job the right way. After serving in this galley for 25 years, I feel that this place is part of my life and we will keep improving and be ready for next year’s competition,” said Mimmo Strano, Ristorante Bella Etna’s deputy operations manager.

More than 45 host nation civilians, three Navy culinary specialists, and two Marines worked tirelessly to ensure that Ristorante Bella Etna was not only ready for the inspection, but

that they were also providing the best quality meals and the best food service in the Navy on a day to day basis.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Francisco Marigundon, NAS Sigonella food service officer, who leads the operation said, “We couldn’t have done it without the support from local Sailors, tenant commands, and the Region.” Marigundon continued, “We try to create healthy, fresh, and delicious menus that give each visitor a taste of home—and, a taste of Sicily!”

During the Five Star Accreditation conducted by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Carlos Solinap, the Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (CNREURAFSWA) Galley Program Director, Ristorante Bella Etna received a perfect score of 100%. This landed them the nomination as a Ney Award Semi-Finalist. In November 2017, NAS Sigonella was inspected by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Alicia Lawrence for the Ney Finals. and Ristorante Bella Etna was then

selected by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Wanda Trammell to be the Ney Finalist for 2018.

Marigundon said, “This galley is unique because we have Italian-infused menus and we probably have the biggest salad bar, fruit bar, and bread bar in any Navy dining facility.

We are very proud of our accomplishments and extremely honored to earn the Ney Award. Last year we were finalists, but this year we earned it and finally get to bring the trophy home!

So whenever you get a chance to visit Sigonella, please feel welcome at our table. Buon Appetito!”

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Name: Hospital Corpsman Cory Troche Hometown: Winlock, Washington Department: Flight Line Clinic One of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella’s primary missions is the support of the numerous squadrons temporarily and permanently stationed here. Sailors attached to those squadrons require specific medical care that only specialized healthcare professionals can accommodate.

Hospital Corpsman Cory Troche is one of those specialized healthcare providers.

“I’m a flight corpsman so I maintain Sailors’ flight status; pilots, air crew Sailors, and air traffic controllers have to take a special physical every year to make sure they can go up in the air, and they come to me to get that physical,” said Troche.

Troche is also the infection control representative, where he conducts training on how to prevent

infections, and he’s a part of the biohazard waste program, where he facilitates the safe treatment and disposal of used needles and contaminated waste.

“I enjoy what I do at the clinic, it’s different from a lot of corpsman jobs and it makes me feel diverse in my skillset,” said Troche. “I get to do procedures with the doc, like biopsies–cutting things out of people; being hands on in procedures is really cool.”

When he isn’t at work, Troche sometimes volunteers with the base schools, and has even coached the local dodge ball team. Additionally, Troche has continuously taken classes while being stationed in Sigonella, and is nearly done with his associate’s degree.

MARCH 23, 2018

In his free time, Troche plays guitar, reads, and collects records. He also has an interest in tattoos, having gotten 16 tattoos since checking onboard almost 3 years ago.

“I guess you could say getting tat-

toos is kind of a hobby of mine, I love the artwork and the skill that goes into each piece,” said Troche. “I’ve had a hand in helping out setting up the tattoo convention in Catania and had a really good time attending.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interactive Customer Evaluation Comment regarding awards:

This is my first duty station and I don’t know what ribbons I am allowed to wear. Whenever I ask my chain of command, everyone assumes but doesn’t know for sure. I would just like to know the correct answer. I know I can wear the National Defense and Pistol and/or Rifle ribbons, but I hear there are others I might qualify for. Could there be an award section in the Plan of the Week which lists the criteria for awards that can be earned while stationed at NAS Sigonella?

I would be much obliged for your help. Thank you kindly, Sir.

Response:

Thank you for your comment regarding personnel and unit awards. As a starting point I would recommend giving your Leading Chief Petty Officer and Leading Petty Officer the opportunity to look into exactly which ribbons you are entitled to wear. Another great resource is the Navy and Marine Corps Awards Manual, SECNAVINST 1650.1H, which provides guidance and regulations concerning personnel and unit awards available. If after discussing with your chain of command you are still unsure what ribbons you are authorized to wear, please feel free to stop by the base admin office located in Bldg. 618 and any of the Sailors that work there will be more than happy to help clarify things for you. For any further questions or comments regarding awards please contact the Administration Officer, CWO3 Telly Myles, by phone at 624-2071 or by email at telly. myles@eu.navy.mil.

Comments regarding Marinai AFN/Internet IP Addresses:

Cable television service has gotten worse than it was before. We also lost two channels and the rotating TV schedule. Internet TV is unwatchable as there is constant pixilation which makes me nauseated to watch. This happens at all times of the day, even while trying to watch sports at 0200. In Japan the Base CO signed a letter to designate the base and base housing as a U.S. location. For example, we are unable to stream Amazon even if using a VPN. Would you please sign a letter to designate housing as a U.S. location so that we can gain access to more U.S. content? Thank you for your support.

There seems to be an issue with the internet service provider and the changing IP addresses that affect paid services, specifically Hulu. Hulu continuously shows that it is not available due to geographic locations and upon speaking with the company, they stated that they would need the ISP to contact them and provide IP addresses that would be exempt from the geographic restriction. This would prevent a lot of frustration in not being able to utilize paid subscriptions for weeks to months at a time. Thank you for the consideration in this issue.

Response:

Thank you for your comments regarding AFN and designating Marinai Internet IP addresses as U.S. locations.

To address the AFN quality and new channel lineup, with the transition from

"ICE" continued on Page 3

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MARCH 23, 2018

Active Duty Fund Drive Weekly Update

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THE SIGNATURE U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA 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

"ICE" continued from Page 2 standard to high Definition channels, the scrolling schedule has been removed. All channels are now in High Definition located on channels 102-109 (If you live in Marinai you may have to re-scan for channels on your television). Below are the links describing the channel line-ups for AFN (I have included new and old channels for comparison): New lineup: https://view.joomag.com/afn-improving-services final/ 0233730001511453169/p2?short Old lineup: http://www.afneurope.net/AFN-Satellite-Channel-Guide/ To address the issue with IP addresses being designated as U.S. locations, in September 2016, we sent IP addresses to Hulu and Netflix to designate Marinai and Unaccompanied Housing as U.S. locations, thus allowing these platforms to be streamed without use of a VPN. To my knowledge, there have not been any changes to this program. We are researching with Telecom Italia regarding this concern and will ensure that measures are taken to rectify this issue. In regard to Amazon, we did not send information to Amazon in 2016 with Hulu and Netflix, primarily due to the fact we were not asked specifically about Amazon at the time. We are currently looking into sending IP information to Amazon. However, I would like to warn customers, that with the increase of online content streaming, especially as online content becomes rapidly available

in 4K format, the usage will have an impact on overall internet bandwidth availability.

In the future should internet customers have any issues with streaming content due to IP addresses, I would request that you contact the Quality of Life (QOL) office at the Navy Exchange and let them know your address, so this can be pinpointed accurately to determine what the issue may be. The Marinai QOL Internet office phone number is 624-4974.

Comment regarding Bravo Zulu for MWR:

The MWR here at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella is OUTSTANDING! I have been in the Marine Corps for over 23 years and I can personally attest to the quality and support that this MWR facility does for our service members. Of note, Ivory Harris is the right individual for this job and facility. She has gone above and beyond to ensure that our Marines and Sailors are taken care of..

Response:

It's great to hear that MWR has positively contributed to your quality of life and enhanced your 23 years of service, particularly the outstanding experience you describe during your time at NAS Sigonella. MWR strives to create positive, memorable, experiences for all customers. The Liberty Program Manager, Ivory Harris, and her team, are well deserving of your positive feedback. Thank you for taking advantage of MWR programs and events. We wish you all the best on your next adventure.

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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MARCH 23, 2018

AOSC Hosts a Sicilian and American Cooking Exchange

Story by Ashley Terpstra AOSC Vice President Photos by: Joanne Conway, Melissa Grady, and Ashley Terpstra

On Sunday, March 11th the All Officers’ Spouses’ Club (AOSC) hosted an American and Italian cooking exchange event with “Club del Fornello Siracusa,” a cooking club comprised of women from the city of Syracuse whose motto is “in front of a set table we share our best part.”

Members from the two groups met at the MWR Kitchen on NAS1 and spent the afternoon together.

With the assistance of a translator, the two groups of women enjoyed socializing, cooking, learning tricks of the trade from one another and of course eventually lots of eating! The AOSC members decided before the event to focus on a Tex-Mex theme since many Sicilians are not familiar with this type of cuisine.

Once the gathering began, AOSC member Joanne Conway demonstrated Cowboy Caviar for an appetizer and shared the recipe with each attendee in both Italian and English. AOSC member Patricia Schenke then explained and presented her homemade cornbread as a side dish. AOSC Advisor Marla Trickel brought in several pans of her chicken enchiladas and discussed how it was prepared.

Member Bobbi Loeffen went last demonstrating how to assemble her made-from-scratch strawberry shortcake topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and mint from her own garden!

The Sicilian ladies showed the AOSC ladies how to make several traditional dishes using local ingre-

dients from the region of Siracusa, including penne pasta with sausage and broccoli, braciole alla messinese (a thinly rolled meat dish filled with smoked cheese and breadcrumbs), and a salad of blood orange, fennel, and spring onions. For dessert, they had cannoli that were filled during the event with ricotta, chocolate shavings, and pistachio.

During the cooking portion, the AOSC members were able to assist the members of the Club del Fornello with preparing the food, allowing for a lot of fun interactions between both groups. When all of the dishes were ready, everyone sat down together at the table with their food, enjoying the variety of flavors and getting to know one another better.

Everyone agreed that all of the food was fantastic or “bounissima!” One of the members of Club del Fornello had prepared a gift of a jar of capuliato ahead of time for each lady of AOSC that attended the event. Capuliato is made from dried cherry tomatoes, capers, basil, bay leaves and orange peel and a significant amount of olive oil. The ingredients are blended until a thick paste is formed and often more oil is then added. It is similar to pesto

and can be used for bruschetta, with pasta or mixed with breadcrumbs as a coating for vegetables. At the cooking exchange, it was used in the pasta dish and also sampled on bread. This was an extraordinary gift and was received with gratitude.

The AOSC also sent a foil-wrapped plate filled with food home with each of the Club del Fornello members. Both groups agreed that such an outstanding and unique event where both countries are represented and can come together over the enjoyment of cooking of food should occur again, thus plans are in the works for a second meet up!

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P-8A Poseidon Supports Missions in U.S. 5th Fleet

A P-3 Orion, left, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 40, sits on the flight line adjacent to a P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 5. The 'Mad Foxes' of VP 5, detached from Commander, Task Force (CTF) 67 to CTF 57, are supporting missions in U.S. 5th Fleet to demonstrate cross-combatant command interoperability, deter potential adversaries and to provide large-scale intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance collection.

(Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jakoeb Vandahlen)

By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

the P-8A's combat systems in an operational environment with our partners was an incredible experience. The dynamic 5th Fleet is the perfect place to demonstrate our versatility.”

The P-8A was also able to exercise its full command, control, communications and intelligence (C4I) suite, sharing their tactical picture in near real-time with CTF 50’s Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group via exchange networks like Links 11 and 16.

The P-8A Poseidon, the Navy's newest maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, is a multi-mission capable replacement aircraft for the legacy P-3C Orion. It is a militarized version of the Boeing 737 and utilized for a wide-array of missions.

U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

MANAMA, Bahrain -- A P-8A Poseidon from the 'Mad Foxes' of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5 supported maritime operations in U.S. 5th Fleet under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, Feb. 24 to March 3.

The first time a P-8A had deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet since 2016, the aircraft conducted missions spanning the area of operation in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and Arabian Sea. “By having an asset deployed to Italy operate here in Bahrain, and to do so extremely well, we demonstrate the inherent maneuverability of naval air forces and the ready, relevant posture of the maritime patrol and reconnaissance community,” remarked Capt. Chris Flaherty, commodore of CTF 57. “Though we planned this crosscombatant command interoperability as a proof of concept, it highlights how we can flow forces between theaters in a matter of hours to respond to crisis. We will continue to exercise these capabilities, in conjunction with our counterparts at CTF 67 in Italy and CTF 72 in Japan, to ensure we provide fleet commanders with cross-component options to cross-component threats.”

The aircraft participated in two long-range intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, supported U.S. Navy ships as they transited through the Strait of Hormuz and provided an orientation flight for members Lt. Fan Yang, right, a tactical coordinator assigned to Patrol (VP) 5, demonstrates the systems onboard a P-8A of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Squadron Poseidon aircraft to members of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The (RSNF) while conducting a mis- 'Mad Foxes' of VP 5, detached from Commander, Task Force (CTF) 67 sion over the Red Sea. to CTF 57, are supporting missions in U.S. 5th Fleet to demonstrate “It was a unique experience for cross-combatant command interoperability, deter potential our crew to work with the Saudi adversaries and to provide large-scale intelligence, surveillance Arabian military,” said VP-5 pilot and reconnaissance collection. (Photo by Mass Communication Lt. Steve Mehr. “Demonstrating Specialist 2nd Class Jakoeb Vandahlen)

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Pietraperzia to host Good Friday Religious Festival on March 30

MARCH 23, 2018

Sigonella First Responder Association Gives Back

Story by Rebecca Taylor

Can you imagine your entire hometown showing up at your son’s Bar Mitzvah, taking Communion in the town square, setting up Stations of the Cross along Main Street or preparing a Ramadan feast in the public park? Probably not. In the United States, a country with a diversity of faiths and a separation of Church and State, religious ceremonies are generally celebrated privately, within the walls of the homes or houses of worship of each faith group. In Italy, in contrast, the long predominance of the Roman Catholic Church has allowed an intertwining of religious and civic life, with important religious celebrations spilling out into the streets and becoming public events in which everyone participates. As a result, over the centuries many Italian towns have developed distinctive ceremonies that are not just personal religious observances but expressions of community spirit and unity as well.

A good example is the observance of Good Friday in the town of Pietraperzia which this year falls on Friday, March 30.

Good Friday commemorates the day Jesus was crucified, suffered and died. It is an important and very solemn Christian holiday. Many Sicilian towns hold Good Friday observances, but the tradition of Pietraperzia, located in the province of Enna near Caltanisetta, is unique. The name of the observance is “Lu Signuri di li Fasci,” which is Sicilian for “Our Lord of the Bands.” The bands, or “fasci,” are long strips of white linen cloth which are attached to the end of a tall, wooden mast; a crucifix is then mounted onto the mast. The entire assembled construction, called a “fercolo,” is then raised upright in a dramatic moment and carried through the town at the head of a procession. Pietraperzia currently has about 7,300 residents. Its population has shrunk over the past century; many “pietrini,” as the residents of Pietraperzia are called, emigrated in the early years of the 20th century. But each year some of those who have moved away return to Pietraperzia to participate in their hometown ceremony. And some of those who cannot be present will call a family member or friend and listen to the raising of the “fercolo” over the phone.

Pietraperzia has held a procession of the crucifix on Good Friday for well over 200 years.

After hours of busy preparation, the spectacular procession of the cross begins around 8 p.m. on March 30 and lasts through late night crossing all the main road of the town’s historic center.

A fascinating century- old tradition

This year the ceremony began as it has for centuries, in the Church of the Carmine, home church of the Confraternity of Maria Santissima del Soccorso, the fraternal organization in charge of the event. Members of the confraternity were there dressed in their ceremonial regalia - a long-sleeved white robe, a light blue tunic or cape and a white headdress.

Member Andrea Rapisardi stated that his confraternity, one of three in Pietraperzia, has been in existence since 1306 and that there has been a Christian church on this site for even longer - the first was built around the year 1000. The current building retains the outer walls of the structure built in the 14th century. The rest of the church has been extensively rebuilt, but portions of the floor were recently replaced with Plexiglas so that visitors can see some of the remaining crypt and flooring of the earlier church below.

But on the afternoon of Good Friday the focus of attention was the church’s crucifix with its life-sized figure of Christ carved in the 14th Century of sorbo wood. This crucifix would be carried out of the church and become the starring element in the evening procession through the town. But first, at 3 PM, it was taken down to lie in state; throughout the afternoon the faithful came to participate in a unique tradition. Upon entering the church, participants made a small donation and were given a length of red ribbon.

These red ribbons are called “misureddi,” meaning little measures. Each ribbon was placed upon the crucifix, stretched first across the shoulders of the Christ figure and then the length of the body, thus making the sign of the cross. The ribbon was then tied around the participant’s arm. The “misureddi” represent the connection between the believer and the suffering Christ and are a symbol of divine protection.

"ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 14

Photo/caption by Alberto Lunetta CATANIA, Sicily – On March 16, a group of volunteers from the Sigonella First Responder Association helped the young students of the Istituto Comprensivo "Montessori -Mascagni" school in Catania to beautify the school grounds and create an allergy-free environment by removing weeds and invasive plants.

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MARCH 23, 2018

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Navy Identifies Deceased Sailors in F/A-18F Crash From Naval Air Force Atlantic

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Two U.S. naval aviators died March 14, 2018, when their F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed on final approach near Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida.

The aviators have been identified as Lt. Cmdr. James Brice Johnson and Lt. Caleb Nathaniel King, both Florida residents.

Both pilots were assigned to the "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron Two One Three (VFA-213), based at Naval Air Station Oceana and assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight.

"The entire Blacklion Family is grieving the loss of two great Americans. Lt. Cmdr. Johnson and Lt. King were phenomenal young men, exceptional naval aviators, and were living models of what honor, courage and commitment really mean," said VFA213's commanding officer, Cmdr. Kevin Robb.

Johnson, a naval aviator and 2007

graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, was piloting the jet when the incident occurred while King, a 2012 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, was serving as the weapons systems operator.

"As warfighters they excelled in combat, as naval officers they exemplified the qualities of what our Navy values most dear. I was extremely proud to have led, flown and served with both Brice and Caleb," Robb said. "I would ask that during this trying time we all keep the families of our two heroes in our thoughts and prayers."

The F/A-18F remains in the water where it crashed and will stay there until a Mishap Investigation Board (MIB) conducts its investigation. The MIB consists of highly qualified naval officers with extensive experience in all aspects of aviation.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and squadron mates of these two aviators," said Rear Adm. Roy J. Kelley, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. "A full investigation

will be conducted to discover the cause of this mishap."

VFA-213 is scheduled to complete

their training in Key West on March 21 where they will return to Naval Air Station Oceana.

WASHINGTON (March 16, 2018) Composite image showing naval aviators Lt. Cmdr. James Brice Johnson, left, and Lt. Caleb Nathaniel King. The Florida residents died March 14, 2018, when their F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed on final approach near Naval Air Station, Key West, Florida. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

First For Finland: Lincoln Welcomes Partner Nation Pilot

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Allen Lee USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (March 17, 2018) U.S. Marine Corps. Capt. Michael Humiston congratulates Finnish Air Force Capt. Juha Jarvinen upon completion of an arrested landing of an F/A-18C Hornet assigned to the Sharpshooters of Marine Strike Fighter Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101 on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). This marks the first time a Finish pilot has performed and arrested gear landing aboard an aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian M. Wilbur/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- A Finnish Air Force pilot made history for his country by becoming the first to land an F/A-18C Hornet on a United States aircraft carrier, March 17.

Capt. Juha "Stallion" Jrvinen preformed an arrested landing on the Nimitz-Class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and is currently attached to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 101 to become qualified as a pilot instructor.

To successfully land an F/A-18C on an aircraft carrier, pilots must hook on to one of four wires located on the flight deck. The goal is to catch the third wire, giving pilots the best and safest chance to land.

When Jrvinen was asked about his landing aboard Abraham Lincoln, his face lit up as he reflected on this once-in-alifetime experience.

"It was pretty intense," said Jrvinen. "I was extremely happy because I knew I actually caught the wire when I felt the sensation of rapidly slowing down, but at the same time I was a little disappointed because I caught the second wire and not the third."

Before landing on an aircraft carrier, Jrvinen had to complete the same training that Navy and Marine Corps pilots undergo.

"We put him through the same repetitions of fuel carrier landing practice events that all students go through," said Maj. Shane Bursae, an instructor for VMFAT 101. "The purpose of this is so that when he does move on to teach students in the Finnish Air Force, he has knowledge and first-hand experience of what he is teaching."

Jrvinen shared his thoughts on going through the training and working with the instructors.

"The training is very valuable to me," said Jrvinen. "The way they fly is so different to what I'm used to, and I think the instructors figured out the perfect syllabus to train students."

Bursae was on the flight deck observing when Jrvinen landed for the first time.

"Seeing it happen, I was absolutely excited," said Bursae.

"Having done it myself, I was happy that he could share in the challenge of it, but also the excitement of everything that goes with shipboard operations."

Jrvinen is a part of the first pilot exchange between the United States Marine Corps and the Finnish Air force. He was hand-selected for the program by his superiors for his work ethic. Flying in the Finnish Air Force for 15 years and instructing for the last five, he has earned every qualification available as a Finnish pilot.

This program not only allows officers from the United States and Finland to build and improve upon their pilot training programs, it also strengthens the partnerships between these two countries and their military services.

"I think the program is a really good opportunity to see how other countries' pilots operate and train," said United States Marine Corps Capt. Michael Harp, the pilot schedules officer for VMFAT 101. "It's also cool from a cultural stand point to work with pilots from another country."

Jrvinen plans to take his newly gained skills back to the Finnish Air Force and share his knowledge to his Finnish counterparts.

"I'm excited to bring back a lot of real experience," said Jrvinen. "Not theory, but real life training experience. Now this is all reality to me, and I have a better understanding of the big picture."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.

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MARCH 23, 2018

Shamrock

Photos by: Randy Lati

MARCH 23, 2018

k Run 2018

imer and Ivan Messina

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MARCH 23, 2018

NAS SIGONELLA COMMUNITY PAGE All Hands News Bulletin:

GALLEY MODIFIED DINNER MEAL HOURS AND SERVICE ON 23-24 MARCH

Command, Department or Organization: GALLEY, RISTORANTE BELLA ETNA Date of Event: March 23 and March 24, 2018 Location of Event: NAS 2 Galley Point of Contact Name: Food Service Officer, CWO3 Marigundon Point of Contact Phone Number: 624-5739 Point of Contact Email Address: francisco.marigundon@eu.navy.mil Additional Information: The Galley's dinner meal hours will move to 1500 to 1700 on Friday, 23 March and on Saturday, 24 March to repair the pipe under the Galley which services the restrooms and drainage system for various sinks.

The Galley will also serve a modified menu and will be using paper products starting at dinner, Friday, 23 March through Saturday dinner, 24 March.

Sunday morning the Galley will be back to normal operation.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Organization: Religious Ministries Department Date of Event: March 25th - April 1st Catholic: Palm Sunday, March 25th at 9:00 am Holy Thursday, March 29th at 6:30 pm Good Friday, March 30th at 6:30 pm Easter Vigil, March 31st at 8:00 pm Easter Sunday, April 1st at 9:00 am All services will be held at NAS 1 Chapel Protestant: Palm Sunday, March 25th at 11:00 am Maundy Thursday, March 29th at 5:30 pm Good Friday March 30th at 5:30 pm Easter Sunrise Service, April 1st at 6:45 am - Pavilion Next to Umberto's in Marinai Easter Sunday, April 1st at 11:00 am Point of Contact Name: Religious Ministries Department Contact Phone Number: 624-3975 Additional Information: Unless Listed Otherwise, All services will be held at NAS 1 Chapel.

For more information find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NavalAirStationSigonellaChapel

Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Worship Services NAS 1 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 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

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

Saturdays First Saturday Rosary and Mass: . . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Liturgical Protestant Service NAS I Chapel - . . . . . . . . . . . 1800 Sundays Catholic Mass: . . . . 0900-1000 Catholic Religious Education (DoDDS):.

1045-1200 Protestant Service: . . . . . . . . . 1100-1200 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1330-1600

NAS 2

Wednesdays Knights of Columbus (1st Wednesdays): . . . . . . . . . . . 1700-1800 Protestant Women of the Chapel (PWOC): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2100 Thursdays AA Meeting: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-1900 Sundays Protestant Service and Fellowship: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800-2000

Weekly Traffic Report: Mar. 12 - Mar. 19, 2018

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.

MARCH 23, 2018

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USNH Sigonella Partnership with the American Red Cross By: Samantha Wudel, CAPT Benjamin Young, and LT Mark Knutson

The American Red Cross, in partnership with Naval Hospital Dental Directorate in Sigonella offers a six month Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program each year. This comprehensive training program is designed with military dependents in mind. Participants are trained in the scientific theory and practice by military and civilian dental professionals.

CAPT Benjamin Young, DC, USN presents a Certificate of Completion to Ms. Angela Sheafer certifying that she is a Prophylaxis Technician and that she has personally provided dental cleanings to thirty patients.

ages and military obligations oftentimes prevent the staff from assisting chairside; the Volunteer Dental Assistants allow us to treat patients that we may not have been able to see without their assistance. The most recent graduate from our training program is Ms. Angela Sheafer. Because of her selfless devotion to duty, eleven dentists were able to treat 6,215 patients and provide dental treatment worth 2,218,838 dollars in spite of a critical shortage of dental assistants. Because Ms. Sheafer was interested in learning how to clean patient's teeth, she completed the demanding Prophylaxis Technician certification course and became clinically proficient. Following certification she independently provided hygiene care for thirty patients and contributed to their improved oral health. Our current Volunteer Dental Assistant Students are Ms. Vanessa Colodro and Ms. Jhornalize Mundy. Another American Red Cross Volunteer that the Dental Clinic would like to recognize is Ms. Jennifer Medina, Registered Dental Hygienist. Wanting to maintain her clinical skills while stationed overseas, she willingly volunteers in our clinic cleaning patient's teeth.

Although she receives no remuneration whatsoever for her services, she provides necessary patient treatment that the clinic would not be able to provide without her. To date, Ms. Medina has personally provided 3,866,300 dollars' worth of dental treatment to 197 patients!�- CAPT Benjamin Young, DC, USN, the Naval Hospital's American Red Cross Volunteer Dental Assistant Training Program Officer On February 9, 2018 the Dental Clinic said farewell to the most recent graduate of the American Red Cross Dental Assistant Program.

Angela Sheafer participated in the Dental Assistant Apprenticeship Program from October 2016 through March 2017. Once her training was complete Angela continued to volunteer regularly at the Dental Clinic and was a valued member of the team. In the end, Angela has contributed over 800 hours of volunteer time. Her departure was commemorated with a command letter of appreciation.

A new class of Dental Assistant Trainees started in January 2018. This year's participants are expected to complete the required 500 hours of on the job training early this summer.

Participants learn about customer service, basic anatomy, dental theory and terminology. In addition to traditional classroom learning, participants complete 500+ hours of chair side on the job training. The goal of the program is to provide participants with the entry level requirements for a career as a Dental Assistant. After gaining proficiency assisting the general dentists, the Volunteer Dental Assistant Students can assist in the dental specialties of orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Following completion of the training program, the Volunteer Dental Assistants can continue to assist in the dental clinic furthering their education and expertise.

"Family members make a lot of sacrifices supporting the US military mission. Whether they are dependents of active duty military, DoD Civilians, or contractors, family members often find it difficult to obtain technical training and meaningful careers as they relocate with their families from location to location.

This is a great opportunity for professional development." - Samantha Wudel, Regional Program Manager.

"The Naval Hospital and the Dental Clinic truly appreciate the hard work and dedication shown by all of our American Red Cross Volunteers.

Not only are the Volunteer Dental Assistants gaining skills and experience that will make them competitive when applying for employment with civilian dentists, they are helping us see more members of the Sigonella com- Ms. Vanessa Colodro and Ms. Jhornalize Mundy are our current munity as patients. Personnel short- Volunteer Dental Assistant Students.

MARCH 23, 2018

THE SIGNATURE

MARCH 23, 2018

GAMEZONE FENCING FISHING FOOTBALL GOLF HANDBALL HOCKEY JAI ALAI LACROSSE POLO RACQUETBALL RUGBY

RUNNING SKATEBOARDING SKATING SKIING SOCCER SOFTBALL SQUASH SURFING SWIMMING TENNIS VOLLEYBALL WRESTLING

MEDIUM

ARCHERY BADMINTON BASEBALL BASKETBALL BILLIARDS BOCCE BOWLING BOXING CRICKET CROQUET CYCLING DARTS

EASY

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

The remaining letters spell a secret message - a Vince Lombardi quotation.

DIFFICULT

Sports

PAGE 13

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Navy Working Uniform Type III FAQs Here are a few of our commonly asked questions from ‘Ask the Chiefs’ Q – Can I wear the Coyote Brown Fleece with the NWU Type III in port/on base/in garrison (i.e. in-port/ashore)?

A – The Coyote Brown Fleece is an organizational clothing item issued when overseas contingency operations dictate its wear. The black fleece is issued as a part of the Navy sea bag and is a mandatory possession and prescribeable wear NWU Type III item. It is the authorized fleece that may be optionally worn with the NWU Type III for daily wear. Refer to NAVADMIN 214/17 Q – Are Brown Boots authorized to wear with the NWU Type III? A – Yes, brown boots may be worn in suitable environments and location as authorized by the commanding officer or appropriate authority. Refer to NAVADMIN 214/17 for the list of authorized boots worn with the NWU type III. Q – May I wear gloves when wearing the Black Fleece with my NWU's?

A – Whilst the Black Fleece is authorized as an optional NWU outerwear item, black gloves are authorized for wear during severe environmental conditions and only when wearing the NWU Parka. The NWU fleece is not considered as a severe cold outerwear item and as such wearing of gloves is not appropriate.

Q - Are skirts an optional item to authorized for wear with the female E1-E6 jumper style Service Dress Blue (SDB) uniform?

A - No, the female E1-E6 jumper style SDB uniform is worn with broadfall slacks only. An optional skirt does exist for wear with the female E1-E6 Service Dress White (SDW) uniform.

Q - Are brown T-shirts authorized for wear with the FRV/IFRV Coveralls?

A - Yes. Per COMUSFLTFORCOM R DTG 051859Z FEB 18, the brown shirt has been added along with the blue Tshirt for optional wear with the FRV and IFRV coveralls. Upon the termination of authorized wear of the NWU Type I (1 October 2019), the blue T-shirt will no longer be authorized for wear.

Fig.1.

Q - Where is the correct placement of the nametape on the Type III Parka?

A - The nametape on the NWU Type III Parka is to be placed on the right sleeve per Fig.1.

Q - What is the correct placement of the secondary warfare insignia on the type III NWU? A - There are two options. The secondary warfare device may either be 'stacked' flush above the U.S. Navy Service tape under the primary warfare device.

Conversely, the secondary insignia may be sewn under the U.S. Navy Service tape and at the top of the left pocket flap per Fig.2.

Q - Why don't the Type III NWU accoutrement strips (e.g. name, service, warfare, insignia tapes, etc.) have black pixels in the fabric pattern?

A - NWU Type III fabric Fig.2. strips are made intentionally with no black pixels to avoid distorting the appearance of black embroidered names, lettering and insignias.

Q - Are Reverse U.S. Flag and Don't Tread on Me (DTOM) patches mandatory wear items for the NWU Type III? A - Non-tactical Reverse U.S. Flag and DTOM patches are optional wear items for the NWU Type III and may not be prescribed or mandated for wear. Reverse U.S. Flag and DTOM issued for tactical operations may be prescribed when mission requirements dictate their wear per unit commander or Combatant Commander's discretion. Refer to NAVADMIN 214/17. Tactical patches are the property of the U.S. Navy and procured through OMN funding. Personal purchase is not authorized.

Q - With the transition to the NWU type III, does that mean that blue command ball caps are no longer authorized for wear?

A - Despite the transition from NWU Type I to NWU Type III, blue command ball caps are still authorized for wear with all NWU's. Coyote brown colored ball caps are authorized for optional wear with the NWU Type II and III only.

Q - As female chief 's and officers are currently authorized to wear male khaki trousers as an interim accommodation until better designed and fitting female slacks become available, can the male shirt or female tuck in shirt also be worn?

A - No. Due to the difference in design and resultant 'gig line' distortion, the male khaki slack is only authorized for wear with the female overblouse. Refer to NAVADMIN 174/16 for further details.

MARCH 23, 2018 Navy Working Uniform (NWU) Type III phased roll-out plan Phase-two of the three phase plan to outfit the fleet with the NWU Type III uniform and required accessories is well underway. Commencing 1 October 2017, the 24-month outfitting plan began with recruits and new accessions at Recruit Training Command (RTC) and Navy Training Command Newport, RI. NWU Type III uniform distribution and availability for the fleet will occur through phased increments via Navy Exchange Uniform and Uniform Call Centers as well as On-line purchases.

Also during the 24 month outfitting period, enlisted Sailors will receive at the end of their anniversary month, a Clothing Replacement Allowance (CRA) that contains a stipend to procure mandatory NWU Type III uniform components. The CRA stipends will provide 50% of the total required funding each year.

By 30 September 2019, all enlisted fleet Sailors will have received their total allowance for procuring all required sets of NWU Type IIIs and associated components.

Current Outfitting Status NWU Type III uniform components are being issued at all accession commands and available for purchase at all Navy Exchange Uniform Centers, Navy Exchange Uniform Call Centers and AAFES stores that support/sell Navy uniforms. The new 8 point cover with ACE logo is on track for introduction at accession commands beginning April 2018. Fleet availability for purchase of the new cover will commence in July to allow adequate time for inventory build and delivery to Navy Exchange Uniform Centers. Any price adjustment in the cost of the new cover will be reflected in future CRA installments following April 2018.

MARCH 23, 2018

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"ITALIAN NEWS" continued from Page 6 Outside in the crowded piazza another important element of the “fercolo” was prepared. The Cross - actually a thick mast of cypress wood nine meters in length--was carried from the church at 6 PM and laid in the piazza. It was attached to the “vara”—a square base of oak with two long thick poles which will be used to carry the entire “fercolo.” Then the members of the confraternity began to direct the tying of the “fasci”. These bands or strips of white linen, 33 meters in length and about a half a meter in width, were tied in the middle around a large iron ring at one end of the cypress mast. The linen bands are owned by individual families of Pietraperzia. As an act of devotion and gratitude the owners make a donation and register the band to be used for the ceremony.

They do not just provide the linen bands but also actively participate in the procession. A family member is assigned to hold each end of the attached band. The holders will pull on the bands to raise the “fercolo;” throughout the procession they must keep the bands taut to help balance and steady the “fercolo.”

One of those holding the rolled end of a band in the Piazza del Carmine was Marco Tragno. He explained that the approximately 300 linen bands owned by the families of the town exceeded the capacity of the “fercolo.” And so the confraternity established a rotation system; the bands are numbered and registered and each year one third of the bands are excluded. This way each family participates for two years and then sits out one year.

The family’s name and the year of purchase are embroidered on the band in red. Tragno said that his family had purchased their linen band as an act of gratitude after he recovered from a serious illness as a child. Between Good Friday festivals they keep the band at home. The bands are handed down from father to son. One of the oldest bands still in use bears the date 1888. At 8:00 the third element of the “fercolo” appeared. A large globe representing the world and constructed of ribs of gold-painted wood and squares of colored glass was carried out of the church. It was affixed to the end of the cypress mast, above the ring of white bands. Then there was an announcement asking for silence and a hush came over the crowd of bystanders.

The crucifix emerged from the church, passed from hand to hand by a line of confraternity members until it reached the “fercolo.” The members cried out, “Pietà e misericordia Signuri!” which means, “Piety and mercy Lord!” The crucifix was placed at the top of the globe to symbolize Christ’s reign over the world. A voice came over the loudspeaker again, reminding the crowd of the solemn meaning of the festival and requesting - in Italian, English and German-that there be no clapping when the “fercolo” was raised. As the tension mounted, the crowd was pushed back from the center of the piazza where the assembled “fercolo” lay waiting to be raised. As the band holders prepared for the lift, a confraternity member struck the oak base of the “fercolo” with a staff, making a sound like a drum roll. At this cue hundreds of bystanders raised their cameras and cell phones to capture the dramatic moment. And then, suddenly, the night sky above the piazza was dominated by a white mountain formed by the stretched

PAGE 15 bands radiating from the mast. This mountain was crowned with the globe and crucifix on its summit, 12 meters above the ground. As the procession began the “fercolo” became a moving work of art. The white bands hid the cypress beam from view and made the crucifix appear to float on them as it sailed majestically down the street.

The cone shape formed by the bands expanded and contracted as the “fercolo” moved forward, changing shape to fit the confines of the streets.

The fasci holders rolled and unrolled their fasci to maintain a constant tension as they changed their formation. Lights inside the multi-colored globe caused it to glow and cast an iridescent shimmer onto the snowy white of the bands below.

Unlike an American parade float which hides the machinery that propels it, the “fercolo’s” human engine was an integral part of its performance. At its base, the two long carrier poles rested on the shoulders of dozens of porters lined up in close formation on both sides. Like those who hold the linen bands, the porters who carry the “fercolo” volunteer as an act of devotion. It required the carefully coordinated efforts of about 500 porters and fasci holders to raise and move the “fercolo.”

As they made their way forward the porters struggled to carry the nine tons of combined weight of the “fercolo;” their struggle represented a sharing in the suffering of Christ and echoed the suffering depicted on the cross above them.

It would have been easier to just display the “fercolo” in the piazza and have everyone come to view it there. As part of the preparation for the procession, the streets on the procession route had to be cleared of all obstacles. Electrical wires which were strung across streets had to be taken down to allow the “fercolo” to pass. But the parading of the “fercolo”, its movement and its appearance throughout the town, was an essential part of its purpose. Catching sudden glimpses from afar of the glowing white “fercolo” as it appeared between the buildings of the dark town was a startling and surreal experience. At each main intersection, the “fercolo” stopped. This gave the porters a needed rest, but also gave the residents watching from their balconies a good look at the “fercolo.” Even those unable to leave their homes were a part of the procession.

The “fercolo” of Our Lord of the Bands was followed by two others--”L’Urna de Cristo,” a glass coffin containing a sculpture of the dead Christ, and “L’Addolorata”, a statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. After its slow tour through the town, the procession returned to Piazza del Carmine about midnight where the “fercolo” was lowered and dismantled. The linen bands were taken home and the crucifix, globe, and mast were carried back into the Church of the Carmine until Good Friday next year.

Though the ceremony is an important expression of unity for the town, outsiders are welcome to come and witness the event, as evidenced by the announcement made in several languages. But not all visitors come from distant countries. Antonino Ferraro and his family came this year from the town of Canicatti, which is about 30 kilometers from Pietraperzia, to witness the procession for the first time. “People have been telling me for 15 years that I needed to come and see it, and finally this year I was able to do it.”

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MARCH 23, 2018