"The Signature" June 27, 2014

SIGNATURE THE

SIGONELLA, SICILY

June 27, 2014

Vol. 31 No. 25

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Changes "in store" at NEX Sigonella

By MC1 Tony D. Curtis NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - If you’ve visited the Navy Exchange (NEX) on NAS I lately, you've probably noticed lots of things moving around. The NEX is rearranging their three Sigonella stores to better serve the community.

“At the main store, we’re making room for more of the lawn and garden in our outdoor area near the rear customer service desk,” said Julie Herring, NEX Sigonella General Manager. They have already moved sporting goods, pet items and lawn and garden from the NEX Depot to the main store. Bicycles, treadmills, and other exercise equipment has already hit the sales floor as well, she added.

They have moved furniture from the main store to the Depot on NAS II. Herring said the goal is to set up the Depot like a typical American furniture store.

“We have shifted depot items to the back to make room for all the furniture,” she said “It’s okay seeing furniture in a warehouse setting, but I feel like it will help customers if we have the furniture set up in an actual room layout.”

Once all Depot changes are made, Herring plans to extend the hours to better serve customers. “The hours aren’t down in stone yet, however we will be opening on Sundays and we will extend the hours at least an hour or so after what the current hours are now,” said Herring. “We’re looking at 9 a.m.

- 6 p.m. for new hours [Monday - Friday]. That gives people

see "NEX" page 15

SIGONELLA, Sicily (File Photo) Changes are underway for the Navy Exchange in Sigonella. Location of merchandise and hours are changing to better serve the NAS Sigonella community. (NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Office Archive Photo/Released)

Red, White, and BOOM! celebration slated for July 4

BY LT PAUL NEWELL NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Morale, Welfare, and Recreation’s annual Red, White, and BOOM! celebration will take place this year on July 4 at 5 p.m. in the Midtown area on NAS I. The event will be open to all base ID holders who may sponsor up to five guests. For more information specific to the event check the FAQ section located on page 3.

Aside from all the good eats that will be made available to guests, this year will feature many of the popular events participants took part in last year including corn hole, the John Paul Jones cardboard boat race, a hot dog eating contest, and plenty of activities for the kids to enjoy. MWR is also providing exciting music and entertainment. American rock singer-songwriter, David Cook, who rose to fame after winning the seventh season of American Idol, will take the stage at 9 p.m.

Liar Queen, a band covering the tunes of the famous Freddy Mercury led ensemble, will perform on the Entertainment Stage prior to Cook.

“We are very excited about this year’s event and all the activities that are planned. It is one of my favorite events MWR puts on because we get to bring a bit of America to our community.

The event takes months of planning within MWR and with many NASSIG departments and volunteers to make it all come together" said MWR's Marijo Gaudette.

Of course, no Independence Day celebration is complete without fireworks. Starting at 10 p.m. the Sigonella skies will be aglow with what organizers have assured will be a dazzling spectacle of flash and color. For safety precautions at 9:30 p.m. the Annex Gate will be secured and will remain closed until the fireworks have ended. While the Annex Gate is closed the Main Gate will be open to traffic.

The event will conclude shortly after the fireworks, but not until Cook takes the stage for a 30-minute encore.

For more event information, please visit: SIGMWR.COM.

see "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS" page 3

Around Sigonella:

Taormina:

Frequently Asked Questions for Red, White, and BOOM!

A trip to the beautiful hill city of Taormina

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Morale, Welfare, and Recreation’s annual Red, White, and BOOM! celebration will take place this year on July 4 in the Midtown area on NAS I. The event will be open to all base ID holders who may sponsor up to five guests. For more information specific to the event check the FAQ section located on page 3.

(U.S. Navy photo provided by NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Archives/Released)

Waste not!

Girl Scouts donate cookies to deployed service members PAGE 10

Scan for direct links to NAS Sigonella

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U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Command Master Chief CMDCM David Graham

EDITORIAL Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell paul.newell@eu.navy.mil Editor M. Todd Butler michael.butler@eu.navy.mil Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers MC1 Tony D. Curtis anthony.curtis@eu.navy.mil MC3 Cameron Bramham cameron.bramham@eu.navy.mil CONTACT US Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily thesig@eu.navy.mil DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 PUBLISHER Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher, Naval Support Activity Capodichino (Naples), Italy stampagenerale@tin.it Tel. 081-568-7884 Fax 081-568-7887 This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected.

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

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

E-mail: stampagenerale@tin.it.

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil, guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Friday proceeding the expected publication date.

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

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous 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.

cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Direct Line

Executive Officer Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney II Buongiorno, Sigonella!

Summer is officially here and I am sure everyone is looking forward all the normal traditions and routines this season has to offer. Cookouts, weekend getaways to quaint Sicilian seaside retreats, and plenty of pool time will hopefully become your hallmarks of an enjoyable summer on this beautiful isle.

While you enjoy yourselves, I would like to direct your attention to another way for us to gain satisfaction during this season. In fact, there are exactly 50,000 things to look forward to, if we all adjust accordingly. Beginning Tuesday, July 1, NAS Sigonella will compete against the Region's four other installations to see which base can "lose the most" (energy usage) from this time last year. Commander, Navy Region Europe's Biggest Energy Loser competition is set to pay out $50,000 to the base with the greatest percentage of savings in comparison to last July's electricity usage. We are extremely invested in this competition. The money will be put toward beautifying the winner's base -- something we can all enjoy and take pride in. If you look on the front page of last week's Signature you will see a few energy-saving tips for you to employ in our quest for the grand prize. With that said, winning the money won't necessarily be the biggest prize from this contest. The resulting change in energy consumption cultures will be our personal grand prize.

We tend to be extremely wasteful. If you can learn new energysavings habits I assure that you and the generations who follow will inherit the gifts of your savings by being good stewards of the resources we have all been blessed with.

This brings me to my next subject, Marinai Housing energy conservation. Although Marinai energy savings won't be counted during the Biggest Energy Loser competition, residents should still be invested in practicing the same "Sig Citizen" conservation

June 27, 2014

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Red, White, and BOOM! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

measures that they would if Marinai were part of the contest and for the same reasons mentioned above.

Energy consumption in on-base housing, be it Marinai or our singles living in the barracks, may not visibly translate to money out of your paycheck. However, being wasteful costs the government and ultimately all of us. Thus, disqualifying us from investing those losses in other quality-of-life projects. Be wise... even if you aren't paying, you're still paying.

Finally, June 15th came and went without much fanfare here, but it was a special day for Sigonellans none-the-less. It marked the 55th anniversary since the base opened in 1959. Though platforms, styles and uniforms (and the men and women who wear them) have changed throughout the years, Naval Air Station Sigonella is as viable a base today as it was when its gates opened for the first time. In 1959 our nation was in the throes of a bitter Cold War with the U.S.S.R. and Soviet Bloc countries.

Thirty years later the Berlin Wall crumbled and the Soviet Union followed two years later. Despite some recent regional turmoil, 1989 marked the beginning of a very gradual descent in prominence for this base as we shifted focus to the Middle East and Pacific since the first Gulf War. On this 55th Anniversary, however, it must be said that NAS Sigonella is as relevant as it has ever been. One look at where we are located geographically and all current events happening around us makes our contributions to the mission through professionalism extremely important. I hope you all realize how important you are in the promotion of regional security and freedom for the United States and its Allies.

Auguri, NAS Sigonella!

DRIVE SAFELY SIGONELLA

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June 27, 2014

Q: As a local national, how many guests can I bring to Red, White, and Boom?

A: Local national base employees are allowed to sponsor up to 5 guests.

Q: How do my guests gain access to the base?

A: Sponsors and all guests must bring valid photo identification to the Annex Gate. The Annex gate will open at 5 p.m. for local national card holders and their guests. The Main Gate will be closed to non-U.S. ID card holders. Any guest who does not provide photo identification will not be allowed access to Red, White, and Boom. Guests will also not be allowed access without their sponsors.

Q: Last year the Annex Gate was secured during the Fireworks Show. What about this year?

A: For your safety the Annex Gate will again be secured from 9:30 p.m. until the conclusion of the fireworks. During those hours, guests may exit through the Main Gate. After the conclusion of the fireworks, the Main Gate will be secured once again and the Annex Gate will be re-opened.

Q: Will parking be provided inside the base?

A: Yes. There will be limited parking near the in the stone lot adjacent to the sports field and access gate.

All guests are strongly encouraged to car pool. Once parking is filled, attendees will need to find parking outside the base.

Q: Will there be a guest list so my guests can access the base without their sponsor?

A: No. Guests must be accompanied by their sponsor. If the sponsor is not present, guests will be turned away at entry. Again, it is strongly encouraged that sponsors car pool with their guests. If for some reason this is not possible, sponsors should pre-plan a designated meeting place and time away from the Annex Gate to meet their guests.

Q: Will alcohol be served?

A: Yes, and we want all guests to have a great time. However, please know that random Breathalyzers will be administered to guests leaving the gate. Anyone who plans to drive should abstain from consuming alcohol. Legal actions will be taken against those who are driving and have exceeded the legal limit of alcohol intake. Also, sponsors, both U.S. and local nationals, will be held responsible for the conduct and general whereabouts of their guests.

Q: When will the parking lots on base be secured in preparation for Red, White and Boom?

A: The CDC and Gym parking lots will be secured starting July 1. If your vehicle is still parked there on July 3 it will be towed at owner’s expense.

Q: What kind of bags will not be allowed on base?

A: During our celebration backpacks, bags and coolers will not be allowed to enter the base. Women's purses will be allowed after they have been screened.

Q: What is considered contraband?

A: Knives of any size, BB Guns (Air Soft), Sling shots, Fireworks of any kind, Drugs, and any other items the CO deems as contraband.

Q: Will shuttle services run in the "Triangle"?

A: Yes. The shuttle will run between 4:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. The shuttle will pick up riders at NAS I in front of DODDS; at NAS II in front of the Flight Clinic; and at Marinai in front of the Youth Center.

Q: Will NEX and Commissary hours stay the same during the event?

A: Yes. The NEX and Commissary will retain normal business hours during the event.

Q: Will non-ID holders be able to enter the NEX and Commissary?

A: No. Anyone wanting to enter the NEX or Commissary will need to provide a valid ID. For more information, please visit: SIGMWR.COM or email us at communityactivities_sigonella@eu.navy.mil

Effective Sunday July 13, worship times will shift to the following schedule -- Roman Catholic at 9 a.m.; Traditional Protestant Worship at 11 a.m. (with Protestant Sunday School at 10 a.m.).

There will be no change to the Saturday Evening Contemporary Service time.

NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICES

TUESDAY - FRIDAY ■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS II Chapel) Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass PROTESTANT NAS I Chapel Saturday ■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services Sunday ■ 10:30 a.m. Traditional Worship NAS II Chapel SUNDAY ■ 5 p.m. Protestant Evening Service

Next menu review board meeting today!

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The next menu review board meeting will be held today at 1:30 p.m. at the galley. Ristorante BElla Etna is requesting maximum participation as the menu review board meeting is a great opportunity for customers to share any comments or suggestions on ways they can improve the quality of food and customer service for Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella service and community members.

MWR to host Corn Hole Tournament--Friday, July 4

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Sign up for the Corn Hole Tournament on Friday, July 4 at the Red, White, & Boom Celebration on NAS I starting at 5:30 p.m. This is a Captain's Cup event. Two person teams can register at the NAS I Fit District or the NAS II Flight Line Fitness Center. Only 3 teams per command may register. Winners compete for bragging rights and prizes. Sign up by Wednesday, 2 July.

Referees for the tournament are also needed.

For more information please call 624-0504 or e-mail Fitness_Sigonella@eu.navy.mil.

NEXCOM gives $51.9 million to MWR NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) released its fiscal year 2013 audited financial report which showed a $51.9 million contribution to Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).

“In addition to providing our customers with quality goods and services at a savings, NEXCOM’s mission is also to support Navy quality of life programs by contributing 70 percent of our profits each year,” said Robert J. Bianchi, Chief Executive Officer, NEXCOM. “This year, we gave Navy MWR $51.9 million from our 2013 sales. So, in addition to saving our customers money when they shop at the NEX, the money they spend also ultimately supports their own quality of life.”

Navy MWR uses the dividends from the NEX in a variety of ways. Installations receive part of the funds for specific installation level MWR efforts. The remaining funds are used for MWR capital projects to improve facilities.

"Navy MWR provides world-class programs for Sailors as well as all other service members and their family members, whether stationed ashore or deployed. We are able to construct and repair many of our golf, bowling, youth, and food & beverage facilities because of the significant contribution provided by the annual NEX dividend. These Sailor-generated dollars allow us to build and operate outstanding recreation facilities throughout the Navy and thereby enhance the common thread of 'Service to the Fleet' from MWR in partnership with NEX," said Edward J. Cannon, Director, Commander, Navy Installations Command, Fleet and Family Readiness.

Youth Wrestling Camp dates changed

Religious Ministries Department notice

ROMAN CATHOLIC Sunday ■ 8:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (NAS I Chapel)

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OTHER SERVICES/ACTIVITIES LATTER-DAY SAINTS SUNDAY at 1:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) Contact: sigonellalds@gmail.com or 624-9049 JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICE FRIDAY at 5:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) NIGHT STUDY WEDNESDAY at 5 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) ■ Italian Class Tuesday at 7 p.m (Classroom at NAS 1 Chapel)

■ AA Meetings: MONDAY at 5:30 p.m. (NAS I Chapel) second deck; THURSDAY at 7 p.m. (NAS II Chapel) NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/NavalAirStationSigonella Chapel

Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, CHAPLAIN DUTY: 335-831-4493 RP DUTY: 335-786-1950

Last year's musical headliners, the country music trio of “Scarletta,” entertained Red, White, and BOOM! audience members before the fireworks show began. This year's musical headliner is American rock singersongwriter, David Cook, who rose to fame after winning the seventh season of American Idol. Cook will perform at 9 p.m., followed by the fireworks show, which begins at 10 p.m. (U.S. Navy photo provided by NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Archives/Released)

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The dates for the Youth Wrestling Camp have been changed to July 21-25 to better serve the Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella community.

NAS Sigonella community members with children ages 10 – 15 interested in registering their kids for the camp can do so at the NAS I Fit District from now until July 16.

During the camp, the participants will learn wrestling fundamentals through instruction in a fun and exciting environment designed to improve their skills. All skill levels are welcome to attend. In addition, fun games will be included throughout the week to practice skills learned during the sessions. Camp will conclude with a barbecue.

A coaches/volunteer meeting will be held July 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the NAS 1 Midtown Classroom for anyone interested in assisting with the camp.

Please contact Youth Sports for more information at FitnessSigonella@eu.navy.mil or DSN 624-3785.

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June 27, 2014

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

June/July

27

2014

30

Monday ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FFSC

July 1

ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FFSC Pre-Deployment 9 - 11 a.m.

FFSC Post Deployment 1 - 3 p.m.

FFSC

Beach Trip 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Youth Complex

7

Tuesday

8

Relocation Fair 1:30 - 3 p.m.

FFSC

2

Wednesday ICR 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

FFSC

Virgin Mary Festival in Enna 2:30 - 10 p.m.

ITT

9

Sponsor Training 9 - 11 a.m.

FFSC

Thursday

3

Transition GPS 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FFSC Cooking Class 9:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m.

FFSC Sig Safe 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FFSC

10

Car Buying Strategies 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Friday Transition GPS 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FFSC Arrivederci Class 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

FFSC

4

Independence Day Red, White & Boom Celebration 5 - 11 p.m.

MWR NAS I

11

Arrivederci Class 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

FFSC

IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:

28

Saturday

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Turkish Steps 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

ITT

29

Palazzolo Acreide and St. Paul Festival 8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

ITT 1/2 price Bowling 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sparetime Bowling

Bonfire at Monti Rossi Park, Mt Etna 6 - 10 p.m.

Liberty

5

Siracusa II and Seafood 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ITT

Sunday

*Every Sunday

6

Circumetnea Historical Train Adventure 6:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

ITT

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Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box There are two ways to submit feed back to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis.

Visit The 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.

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

The Signature will anonymously publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."

Capt. Dennis responds to your suggestions Concern regarding the CDO watchbill rotation

Aromi and Scicli by Night 1:15 p.m. - 12 a.m.

ITT

Etnaland Water Park 10 a.m.

Liberty

12

June 27, 2014

13

Agrigento: Valley of the Temples & Bagliesi Winery Wine Tasting 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

ITT

FFSC: x4291 ITT : x4777, x4396 Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602 Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243 Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248 American Red Cross: x4900

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil and let us know!

A comment was received requesting a review of the CDO watchbill rotation.

Response:

Thank you for bringing your concern to my attention. Per the Command Watch Organization instruction, CDOs are defined as "an E7/E8, W1-W3, or O1-O3 designated by the Executive Officer (XO)". The instruction allows exceptions to watch standing eligibility when approved by the XO. Currently, the only exception to policy is the Security Officer due to the 24/7 nature of his position. Everyone, by instruction, that should be on the watch bill currently is. There are several individuals who are in varying stages of JQR completion. I will be notified of any individual who fails to complete the JQR within the required 90 days and, per the instruction, will be placed on the watchbill U/I weekly until qualified. We have two individuals that have exceeded the 90 day limit. They are working to complete their JQR. We also do have an exception to the four watch-standing pilots who are scheduled only on Wednesdays. This scheduling policy is in place to ensure we do not miss any operational missions. These missions take priority over the watchbill. As with any watchstanding, I make clear notes of professionalism regarding officer and chief petty officers’ assertiveness in obtaining certification and the execution of their duties. Thank you for your concern and willingness to ask the tough questions.

Concern regarding current prices for Splasher's Pool: What are the current prices for use of the MWR pool?

Response:

Thank you for your inquiry and the opportunity to respond. The rate for daily pass is set by the region: 5 and Under: Free Ages 6-15: $3.00 Ages 16+: $4.00 Guests: $5.00 We are able to locally set the punch card and seasonal passes and we have recently lowered the rates. For the punch cards, the price is $25 for 10 visits.

For seasonal passes, the new rates are: Family (regardless of size): $99.00 Individual (Ages 6-15): $24.00 Individual (Ages 16+): $49.00

Concern regarding ITT trip costs:

How are the costs of ITT trips computed? They seem expensive.

Response:

Thank you for asking the question. The prices of the ITT trips are computed at a breakeven point. When MWR puts together a trip, it is a competitive process from our vendors and includes all transportation costs and occasionally meals. Trip expenses are totaled and amortized across a minimum number of patrons per trip. Due to sequestration and ever tightening budgets, CNIC policy no longer allows us to supplement the cost of the trips. If you find a better price for one of these trips, please let MWR know so we can take advantage of it too. As always, if you are not satisfied with one of the trips, please fill out one of the post trip surveys. You can also contact the MWR ITT Manager, Ms. Kristin Wilcox, at 624-4777 or via email at kristin.wilcox@eu.navy.mil

Need an appointment at the hospital? Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial 095-56-2273, M-F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the weekend, holidays, or after office hours, please call 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen at the hospital or 335-578-8150 if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.

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June 27, 2014

June 27, 2014

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U.S. Navy HEADLINES Sailors receive second chance for military service

Saint Paul’s Festival this weekend in Palazzolo Acreide

century statue depicting the venerated saint and the Holy Relic 8:30 p.m. San Paolo Church); concert (10 p.m. piano Matrice).

Saturday, June 29: Blessing of animals and bread (9 a.m.); Solemn Holy Mass (11 a.m.); “Sciuta” (The float with the decorated statue of Saint Paul placed on top and the relics if the saint are carried in procession by devotees screaming “Viva San Paulu patronu!” (Long live Saint Paul the patron!) throughout the town historic center among firecrackers, colored ribbons called “Nzareddi”; Blessing of the babies is also performed -1 p.m.); Holy Mass (7 p.m.); Evening procession (8 p.m.); Musical show (10 p.m.); Spectacular grand finale with fireworks (midnight). For more information and directions visit http://sanpaolopalazzolo. wordpress.com/

ITALIAN HEADLINES Miracle of Sicilian mummy's moving eyes debunked

Festival Highlights Friday, June 28: “Giro di Galà” (parade with flag wavers, S. Giusto di Misilmeri drummers, town bands and horse parades – 6:15 p.m.); “A Sciuta Ra Cammira” (Public unveiling ceremony of the 16th

(ANSA) - Palermo - Some called it a miracle while others said it was a supernatural phenomenon after seeing the mummified remains of child apparently moving her eyes.

Among visitors, there was some agreement that Rosalia, a small mummy kept in catacombs of a Capuchin religious order in the Sicilian city of Palermo, "opens and closes her eyes".

The Capuchins, who declined comment on the reports for several days, finally issued an explanation last Thursday: the apparent eye movement was merely a trick of the light caused after the mummy was moved slightly. "It is an optical illusion produced by the light that filters through the side windows, which during the day is subject to change," says Dario Piombino-Mascali, curator of the catacombs site where more than 3,000 mummies rest.

After the mummy was shifted to a horizontal position, it became possible to see that her eyelids were not completely closed, leading to an optical illusion of eye movement, said Piombino-Mascali.

Rosalia, who is one of the most studied and visited of the mummies because of her remarkable state of preservation, was an Italian child who died of pneumonia in December 1920.

Her grieving father asked a Palermo embalmer to preserve the child and her body become one of the last to be admitted to the Capuchin catacombs.

After it was discovered in 2009 that her corpse was beginning to decompose, it was moved to a drier spot and hermetically sealed in a glass coffin.

SA Y

IT !

Learn These Words in Italian!

Animals (part 2)

JU ST

The procession featuring the statue of San Paolo, which is carried throughout the streets of Palazzolo Acreide, is one of the highlights of this amazing summer festival honoring the local patron saint. The festa is held yearly on the last weekend of June and features holy masses, processions, fireworks, live music as well as arts and crafts. (Photo by http://www.pyrotrinacria.com ) PALAZZOLO ACREIDE, Sicily - After a preparation lasting an entire year, the community of Palazzolo Acreide, a small breathtaking Baroque town nestled among the hills of the Siracusa province, is ready to display its never-ending devotion to San Paolo, its beloved patron saint.

The traditional Festa di San Paolo (Saint Paul Feast) takes place every year on June 28 and 29, featuring thousands of pilgrims who gather at the church of San Paolo to honor their celestial patron.

Saint Paolo is depicted as a bearded man holding a sword pointing upward and a book from which a snake hangs downwards. He is considered as protector from snake bites and scorpion and tarantula stings.

According to tradition, Saint Paul was bit by a viper, but the venom had no effect on him because of his supernatural powers. "San Paulu, maccia d'addauru, spina puncenti, nun muzzicari a mia e mancu a la genti " (Saint Paul, laurel tree, stinging thorn, don’t bite neither me nor other people).

This invocation, which was said to protect against those deadly bites, was given to devotees in return for offerings to Saint Paul by the “Ciarauli” who, according to legend , were shamans with supernatural healing powers. Typically born on the night between Jan. 24 and 25 (the night of Saint Paul’s conversion), they were believed to heal the poisonous bites with saliva and prayers. According to popular credulity, Ciarauli had also physical birthmarks on their body (bumps with tarantula or snakes’ shapes under their tongue or on their arms) which would “prove” their predestinated supernatural calling.

Tradition holds that they attended Saint Paul festivals to collect the “dedicated gifts” which devotees had promised to give to Saint Paul to thank him for a miracle. Ciarauli were skilled in snake handling techniques which they used to impress pilgrims. Saint Paul is also invoked for good crops and for the healing of children affected by hernias.

During the festival, devotees also buy the traditional "Cudduri di San Paulu," (elaborate votive ring-shaped bread) which is offered to relatives and friends for good luck.

The Saint Paul festival, which is also celebrated in several neigbouring towns such as Buccheri, Buscemi, Ferla, Cassaro, Giarratana, Monterosso, Canicattini and Solarino, is the main religious event in Palazzolo. Over the centuries, Saint Paul became more popular than Saint Sebastian, the other protector who is indeed considered as a “minor” patron saint and is celebrated on Aug. 10 just by one town’s district. Supporters of Saint Paul are called “Sampaulari” while the ones upholding Saint Sebastian are named “Sammastianari.”

English: lion Italian: leone

English: fish Italian: pesce

English: bee Italian: ape

English: tiger Italian: tigre

English: eagle Italian: aquila

English: mouse Italian: topo

Have fun practicing your Italian! Buona Fortuna!

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By LTJG Adam Demeter Recruit Training Command Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Two Sailors reentered military service after their graduation from the Navy Veteran/Other Service Veteran (NAVET/OSVET) program at Recruit Training Command (RTC), June 19.

NAVETs consist of prior U.S. Navy Sailors who were honorably or medically discharged from the Navy and OSVETs are service members from other branches of the military who voluntarily decided to reenter the armed forces as a Sailor.

"The NAVET/OSVET program is a great way for Sailors to finish what they set out to do the first time they entered the Navy or one of the other services," said Lt. Tim Woyma, ship's officer for NAVET/ OSVET. "The vast majority of Sailors that come through these doors were either involuntarily separated due to perform-to-serve (PTS), a medical condition, or they realized that getting out after their initial commitment wasn't helping them reach their goals. They want to continue serving and this is their second chance."

The NAVET/OSVET program is a two week long reintroduction to life as a service member and Sailor. For the OSVET candidates, they must pass the same evolutions a typical recruit at boot camp would finish over a span of eight weeks such as ship handling, live-fire, swim qualifications, and firefighting.

Since NAVETs have already received their basic training through RTC during their first term of service, they focus their two weeks on updating their Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) courses, mandatory training and medical, dental and service records.

Seaman James Dunn, a prior second class petty officer, will not be authorized to wear his previous rank until he completes the NAVET program. Once he graduates, he will have a permanent change of duty station (PCS) to Bangor, Washington, and serve on the nuclear-powered guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) as a machinist mate. According to Dunn, the decision to reenter military service was an easy one.

"Nowhere can you go in the civilian world and get the benefits we receive for the job we do," said Dunn. "When I got out, I added together my base pay, special pays, medical and dental coverage. I would have had to find a job that paid me $80,000 a year to be equivalent to what I was making in the military.

It's very hard to find a job that pays $80,000."

Two weeks ago, Seaman Jonathan Rodriguez was wearing the uniform of a U.S. Army Solider and was serving in the reserves before reporting to RTC. After working with a recruiter, he was selected for active duty service in the Navy and train to become an Aviation Boatswain's Mate.

According to Rodriguez, the Navy was the best fit for him in order to reach his professional and educational goals.

"I always wanted to serve the military in a full-time active duty status and the Navy made that happen," said Rodriguez. "The opportunity to take advantage of the educational benefits the Navy has to offer while also learning a new trade that is transferrable in the civilian world was really desirable."

The instructors who manage the program and oversee the candidates going through the NAVET/OSVET program are proud of the recruits' past accomplishments and look forward to being an influence as they set out again to serve in the military.

"The Sailors who I see come through this program are a cut above the rest," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Michael-Paul Aguilar, leading petty officer for the NAVET/OSVET program. "Nobody handed them this opportunity; they had to earn it. It has been very rewarding to mentor these types of individuals."

As for the NAVET/OSVETs who go through this program, they realize how fortunate they are and intend to take full advantage of this second opportunity.

"I would consider myself very lucky," said Dunn. "Once I get to [the USS Ohio], I'm going to jump right back into it like I never left."

Prior service members who are interested in the NAVET/OSVET program should visit www.navy.com to find a local recruiter.

Navy SG recommissions Preventive Medicine Unit in Rota From Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit Seven, Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan, Surgeon General of the Navy and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), joined Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit (NEPMU) 7 in Rota, Spain for a recommissioning and ribboncutting ceremony, June 20.

Capt. Juliann Althoff, NEPMU 7 officer in charge, welcomed personnel and guests, including several distinguished visitors, to the ceremony and thanked the BUMED, Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, U.S. Navy Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR), and Naval Station Rota for their work in helping the unit re-establish following an eight-year hiatus.

During her remarks, Althoff emphasized NEPMU 7's mission to support the fleet and deployed forces with its public health initiatives and requirements.

"You are looking at Navy medicine's latest asset, a forward based preventive medicine unit, the first Navy medicine unit to be stood up in recent memory," said Althoff. "This ceremony represents the return of NEPMU 7, a unit first commissioned almost 60 years ago.

It pays tribute to the unit's rich history while looking forward to the promise of its bright future here in Rota."

Previously disestablished in September 2006, NEPMU 7 will once again provide a comprehensive range of public health and preventive medicine services to customers within the Africa and Europe areas of responsibility.

"We are designed to be responsive while maintaining a small footprint, able to quickly deploy small capability-based teams throughout the theater in support of deployed forces," said Althoff.

"What this unit represents are thousands and thousands of people they'll never see. Why won't you see them? Because you won't have to, because they won't be ill. You won't have to because they'll be out performing the mission. And they won't need to be brought in and tended to," said Nathan. "Until you've suffered something from the environment around you, you can't appreciate what these people do. They're agile, they're expert and they're going to be out there and they're going to keep us in our job."

At the ceremony, Nathan was piped on with seven sideboys and one military working dog.

"This was the first time with a dog, and I liked it," he said.

First established as Navy Preventive Medicine 7 in 1956 and commissioned May 2, 1957, the command received its current designation of NEPMU 7 in 1971. The unit provided public health services to 6th Fleet and the European Theater and was originally homeported at Naval Support Activity Naples and relocated to Naval Air Station Sigonella in 1995.

The decision to re-establish NEPMU 7 included a change of venue from its former location in Sigonella, Italy to its new home in Rota, Spain.

Navy medicine's facilities team from the BUMED detachment in Jacksonville, Florida worked closely with the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC), NAVEUR and NAVSTA Rota in the selection, design and renovation of the facility for NEMPU 7, according to Mike Plante, BUMED director for Installations and Logistics.

"The project was ably managed by Lt. Shaun Bott, the BUMED Health Facility Planning and Project Officer (HFPPO), from design through the facility renovation phase," said Plante.

For more information on NEPMU 7, visit their website at http://www.med.navy.mil/ sites/nmcphc/nepmu-7/Pages/ default.aspx.

For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy. mil/local

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June 27, 2014

June 27, 2014

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Taormina

by Lyndsay Curtis www.LyndsayCurtis.com

Photos by Lyndsay Curtis & MC1 Tony D. Curtis

Taormina! My first trip to the beautiful hill city of Taormina was full of exploration, great food and a terrifying cable car ride down the mountainside. This city is so compact that the mail man rides on a bicycle to deliver packages. Alleyways with narrow stairwells are around every corner you see, and if you spend more than a few hours here you're bound to run into the same tourists or locals more than once as you walk along the city streets.

When you first enter town you'll walk through one of two gates to the city. Porta Catania to the South or Porta Messina at the North end of the city (pictured below). These two gates lead you onto the main drag of the city, Corso Umberto. Here you'll find all of the major shopping, restaurants, and alleyways with signs pointing to any of the big sights in town. Corso Umberto is a great place to begin your time in Taormina.

Our first stop in town was the Greek amphitheater. This theater was built in the seventh century B.C. and now serves as a stage for open air concerts. On the day that we went, the theater was set up for the annual Taormina film festival. A few parts of it were blocked off from our view, but generally it was great to see and lots of tourists were walking around marveling in the large structure.

Admission into the amphitheater is generally nine Euro. I'm not sure if we just had a very nice man at the entrance or accidentally sweet talked our way in... maybe a bit of both, but we managed to get in free! My favorite part about being inside of the amphitheater was the amazing views! If you walk around the outermost rim you have breathtaking views in every direction you turn. The rolling hills to the North, Mount Etna (which was just coming off of 3 very active days!) to the South, and the beautiful sea to the East.

After our tour of the amphitheater, we headed back to Taormina's "main street" Corso Umberto. Here we found a great little spot for lunch: Terrazza Angelo. We decided to split a calzone and an order of bruschetta to make sure we would be plenty hungry for gelato or a granita later on in the day! They were both wonderful and I will definitely be coming back to this nice little restaurant for another lunch on the terrace.

After we fueled up, we strolled the length of Corso Umberto and browsed through some shops, alleyways and saw all that the hillside town had to offer. One of my favorite things to do when traveling is remembering to keep my head on a swivel and peer down any alley way you pass by. There are so many little hidden gems to be discovered, you just have to find them! I loved this next little spot in Taormina. A narrow staircase right off of Corso Umberto leading up to a ceramics shop with "I (heart) TAORMINA" spelled out in tiles on the face of one of the steps. It was super cute and made for a great little photo op.

After we walked the length of Corso Umberto and explored as much of upper Taormina as possible, we decided to make a pit stop for gelato and then head on our way down to the beach. We were excited (and a bit terrified) to ride the cable car down. The cost was only three Euro each direction and delivered us safely down to the bottom where we had just a five minute walk to the beach!

Tony and I had read a lot about the blue grotto and other beautiful sights on the sea here in Taormina and decided to try our hand at hiring a boat to take us out for a tour! We very easily found a tour company that charged a fair price to give us a 45 minute tour of the area. This tour covered the main bay of Taormina, the blue grotto, a cruise around Isola Bella, two more small grottos and another large bay with beautiful sandy beaches. We were able to see quite literally a whole other side of Taormina and fell even more in love with this city while on the water!

We had a blast on our day trip to Taormina. I loved exploring this new city and being able to experience these beautiful sights and make great memories just an hour from home!

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June 27, 2014

Local Girl Scouts donate cookies to deployed service members

By Liz Zendner Special Events & Fundraising Chair, America Red Cross- Sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, SICILY - Every year, there is something that snack connoisseurs look forward to: Girl Scout cookie season. These delicious little morsels can only be purchased from Girl Scouts, and only during cookie season.

Girl Scout cookies are more than just cookies, they are an American tradition.

While some of the cookies have different names in different regions, almost anyone can name their favorite Girl Scout cookie without hesitation.

This year, the Sigonella Girl Scout troops are doing something special with their cookies-donating them. The local Girl Scout troops are generously sending over 200 cases of cookies to American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces offices in deployed locations (that’s more than 2,000 boxes of cookies!). “We have The local Girl Scout troops are generously sending over 200 cases of 2,500 boxes of cookies that are valued at cookies to American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces offices in deployed locations. “We have 2,500 boxes of cookies (pictured left) over $10,000. We’re excited about working that are valued at over $10,000. Pictured are Grace Overman, Allison with the Red Cross to share these with Havard, Emily Havard, Krista McCullough, Elizabeth Lancaster, our deployed service members,” stated and Savannah Wilson. (Photo by Kathryn Lasky, Station Manager, Sigonella Girl Scout Troop leader, Renee American Red Cross Sigonella) Lancaster. The offices in Kuwait, Bagram, and Djibouti will distribute the cookies to deployed the morale of deployed troops. Sometimes, the little service members at their bases; as well as any forward things are the greatest surprises. “It’s so wonderful to see the Sigonella youth embrace the idea of giving operating bases attached to them.

Emily Hayes, Deployed Red Cross Station Manager back to our troops, especially those who are deployed. at Camp Lemmonnier in Djibouti, had this to say These small gestures can have such a huge impact about receiving the donation, “Girl Scout cookies and we are thrilled to help the Girl Scouts make it are very popular with the service members here. We happen,” commented Red Cross Station Manager, are excited to distribute the cookies on behalf of the Kathryn Lasky.

THE AMERICAN RED CROSS AND THE GIRL Sigonella Girl Scout troops.”

This gift is more than a scrumptious treat; it is a SCOUTS OF AMERICA ARE A NON-FEDERAL warm reminder of home for those who are separated ENTITIES. THEY ARE NOT A PART OF THE from their families and friends for long stretches of DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS time. The Sigonella Girl Scout troops have embraced COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENT the idea that even a small thing, like cookies, can boost STATUS.

Friday, June 27 *Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Patties, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Penne Alfredo, Creole Scallop, Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Fresh Squash.

Speed Line: Pizza. *Dinner: French Onion Soup, Spaghetti w/ Fish Sauce, Chicken Parmesan, Beef Stew, Steamed Rice, Fresh Cauliflower.

Saturday, June 28 *Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Bacon, Creamed Sausage w/ Biscuit, Asstd.

Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Browned Potatoes, French Toast. *Brunch: Breakfast Items, Beef Rice Soup, Swedish meat balls, Manicotti, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Carrots, Collard Greens, Hot Dog & Chili Dog on Linea Bar, Cookies. *Dinner: Pepper Pot Soup, Baked Fish , Pasta Chef, BBQ Spareribs, Hot Dog & Chili Dog on Linea Bar, Baked Potatoes, Peas Squash, Cookies.

Sunday, June 29 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Minute Steak, Bacon, Creamed Sausage w/ Biscuit, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Italian Roasted Potatoes, French Toast. *Brunch: Breakfast items, Chicken Rice Soup, B.B.Q. Chicken, Pork Chop W/ Mushroom gravy, Chicken Gravy, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Hot Dog & Chili Dog on Linea Bar, White Cake. *Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Spaghetti W/Meat Sauce, Fried Shrimps, Roast Beef, Rice Pilaf, Peas & Carrots, Asparagus, Brown Gravy, Hot Dog & Chili Dog on Linea Bar, White Cake.

Monday, June 30 *Breakfast: Hot Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Minced Beef, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Onion Soup, Penne Amatriciana, Herbed Salmon Fish, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Steamed Rice, Green Beans, Cauliflower, Cookies, Ice Cream. *Speed Line: Asstd. Pizza *Dinner: Carrot Soup, Meat Loaf, Chicken Tetrazzini, Fishwich, Steamed Rice, Brown Gravy, Mix Vegetable, Cookies.

Tuesday, July 1 *Breakfast: Farina, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Bacon, Hash Brown Potatoes, Pancakes, Biscuits and Gravy, Grilled Sausage Patties. *Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Rib Eye Roll, Lasagna, Rice Pilaf, Calico Corn, Herbed Broccoli, Potato Bar, Ice Cream *Speed Line: Fishwich. *Dinner: Navy Bean Soup, Spaghetti Carbonara, Beef Stew, Chicken Drumette, Steamed Rice, Chicken Gravy, Cauliflower, Oatmeal Cookie.

Wednesday, July 2 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Minute Steak, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Home Fried Potatoes, French Toast. *Lunch: Puree Egg Drop Soup, Lasagna, Barbecue Chicken, Shrimp Scampi, Oriental Rice, Chicken Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Squash, Peas w/Carrots, Vanilla Cookies, Ice Cream. *Speed Line: Grilled Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Turkey Burger, French Fries, Baked Beans. *Dinner: Beef Rice Soup, Penne w/Fish Sauce, Roast Turkey, Beef Pot Pie, Steamed Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Vanilla Cookies.

Thursday, July 3 *Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles. *Lunch: Cream of Asparagus Soup, Pot Roast, BBQ Spareribs, Cordon Bleu, Oven Brown Potatoes, Corn Whole Kernel, Broccoli, Easy Chocolate Cake, Ice Cream. *Speed Line: Chili Dog, Onion Rings. *Dinner: Onion Soup, Chicken Adobo, Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Veal Parmesan, Fried Rice, Carrots.

Friday, July 4 *Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Sausage, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Roasted Potatoes, French Toast. *Lunch: New England Clam Chowder, Lemon Baked Fish, Meat Loaf, Mushroom Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Cauliflower, Carrots, Cake.

Speed Line: Asstd. Pizza. *Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Chicken Breast Parmesan, Spaghetti W/Tuna Sauce, Fried Rice, Cabbage, Cake.

As a reminder, all dependents are always welcome at the galley!

Please provide any negative or positive feedback. There is a suggestion box near the entrance to the galley, next to the serving line.

June 27, 2014

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ON THE GO WITH MWR

Tummy time: Not all bad

June 27, 2014

N.C. native leads Burundian soldiers

By Sgt. Ed Galo

Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14 Public Affairs

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – Parents are often concerned about allowing children to spend time on their stomachs. However, “tummy time” should begin right after birth.

This does not mean infants should sleep on their stomachs, but during waking hours and under supervision, “tummy time” promotes development of infants in a variety of ways.

When on their stomachs, babies have to lift up their heads and later their shoulders and upper back. These movements help strengthen those muscles and core musculature.

Weight bearing through their arms, wrists and hands as they push up helps to build strength in those areas, as well. It helps to build body coordination for skills such as rolling over, crawling and reaching. Time spent on their stomachs helps reduce the possibility of their heads becoming flattened in the back.

Here are six tips for “tummy time”:

1. Make “tummy time” part of the day. Incorporate “tummy time” into activities you already do, such as reading, drying off baby after a bath, changing a diaper or applying lotion. Children may begin to expect “tummy time” if it takes place regularly.

2. When on their stomachs, place toys around babies to that they reach out in different directions.

3. Talk to babies at their level to encourage them to hold their heads up and to promote smiling and cooing. A thin, small rolled towel or blanket under their arms with arms forward of the roll can help support babies while on their stomachs. Place a mirror in front of them so baby can look at himself and place the baby on textures such as towels or clean bath mats of varying textures.

4. “Tummy time” can take place on the floor, a parent’s chest, lap, or arms. Try different positions for variety and use of different muscles. Side lying also works to help babies use their hands together and as a transitional position between lying on their back and lying on their stomachs.

5. Keep babies entertained and supervised in these positions. If they become too fussy, remove them from lying on their stomachs and try again later in the day.

6. Limit the time your baby spends constrained in swings and other baby gear and encourage active play.

Remember, carry out “tummy time” on firm surfaces so that the airway is not blocked.

Make sure baby is awake and alert. Always supervise during “tummy time.” Consult with a care provider first if there are any doubts about a baby being on his stomach. Try to end “tummy time” before a baby gets too fatigued. For more information, visit http://tinyurl. com/o3qpcg.

GAME ZONE Colors

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

The words may be hidden in any direction.

BEIGE BLACK BLUE BROWN GOLD GRAY

GREEN IVORY ORANGE PINK PURPLE RED

ROSE SILVER TURQUOISE VIOLET WHITE YELLOW

MEDIUM

By Susan Johnson Early Developmental Intervention Services, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

CAMP MUDUBUGU, Burundi – The Marine Corps is known worldwide for its pride. One of the many things it prides itself on is that every Marine, no matter what the rank, can become a leader early on, whether it’s a seasoned general leading an entire Marine expeditionary force or a young lance corporal leading a fire team.

Private First Class Nalon Hutson, a rifleman with SpecialPurpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14.1, is one example of a young Marine leading others.

Hutson, 21, a native of Jonesville, N.C., has been in the Marine Corps for less than nine months and has been tasked with teaching classes to soldiers in the Burundi National Defense Force.

“I have taught hand and arm signals and this is my second class, which is land navigation,” said Hutson. “It’s pretty good to hold the responsibility to teach these guys. It’s been fun, I can’t wait to teach the other group. “(My favorite part) is to see them grasp the concept of how everything works and knowing that maybe I can make a difference in them coming back home alive and being able to accomplish their mission,” he said referring to future operations they may face in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Instructing a foreign army comes with many challenges, which Hutson must overcome.

“They pick up pretty well,” he said. “They’re pretty intelligent people and it’s been a good class to teach.”

Hutson has made a relationship with the Burundian soldiers, not only as an instructor, but as a friend as well.

“We get along,” he said. “I’ve made friends with several of them. I think they look at us as friends too and I’m sure as training goes on we’ll have a tighter bond with each other.”

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June 27, 2014

DIFFICULT

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Private First Class Nalon Hutson, a rifleman with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Africa 14.1, instructs soldiers with the Burundi National Defense Force on land navigation skills aboard Camp Mudubugu, Burundi, Feb. 18, 2014. Special-Purpose MAGTF Africa 14.1 strengthens U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command’s ability to assist partner nations in addressing their security challenges. The approximately 150 Marines and sailors conduct theater security cooperation, military-to military engagements and are trained to provide contingency support to crisis response. (Official Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Ed Galo)

EASY

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June 27, 2014

A Summer Safety message from Fleet Forces Command NORFOLK, VA - I firmly believe that safety underpins everything we do on and off duty. While many of us think safety first, we need to do a better job of keeping our mind on safety after we leave work. Your deliberate planning and attention to detail while on liberty may be the difference between you returning to work safely the next day or becoming a class alpha mishap statistic.

The return of warm weather always brings a renewed desire to get back to outdoor recreational activities that languished over the cold winter months. While we are all tempted to just jump back into those activities, the reality is that we often need to put a little bit of planning into place in order to avoid mishaps and injuries. Planning an activity starts with an idea, requires a sanity check, a safety check and then ends with the successful completion of the activity. Use your operational risk management Skills to make recreation a success.

Over 80 percent of all mishaps can be traced back to impulse actions.

The correct procedure was not followed, traffic laws were not obeyed, a shortcut was taken, or hazards were underestimated. Take control of the human factors, minimize your own human errors and those of your family.

Think things through and make common-sense plans for everything that you are going to do during the warm weather months. After you set a plan in motion you need to stick to the plan. The following is a cursory review of some of the planning that might help you get back into the summer swing of things.

A. Outdoor sports: Work your body into shape gradually, ensure that your equipment is in good working order, and ensure you are familiar with the fields and courses you'll be using in the coming months. If your sports are water sports - make sure you know your surroundings. Those of you with swimming pools need to ensure you have the right safety equipment to prevent potential mishaps.

B. Outdoor cooking/grilling: As you get ready to use your grills, outdoor cookers, and turkey fryers, check gas lines and burners for leaks, get rid of old starter fluid, reread the owner's manuals, keep a portable dry chemical or foam fire extinguisher nearby, never leave hot cooking equipment unattended, and keep the hot cooking equipment away from dry/dead shrubs, trees, etc. If your electric burner igniter doesn't work upon your initial attempt, don't keep trying! Give the gas from that unlit burner time to dissipate before another attempt.

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C. Boating: Do your preventive maintenance; renew your boat registration, get a boater's license, ensure all safety equipment is onboard and not expired, ensure there are enough personal floatation devices (pfd) onboard for the number of riders, ensure non-swimmers and children wear their pfd at all times when underway, and finally...always use a float plan to let someone know where you are headed and when you will be back.

D. Driving: People do more driving in warm weather months than during the rest of the year. Don't push yourself to make a deadline by taking unnecessary risks. Take the time to map out a route, check the weather, and ensure your "ride" is in proper working order. If possible, drive during daylight hours and check into a hotel at night. Tired drivers have similar reaction times as drunk drivers, so driving tired can be just as lethal as drunk driving. A naval safety center analysis of 900 driving fatalities revealed that driving between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. had the highest risk factors (i.e., 664 percent increase) of any other time of day! Break up long drives, stop when your body tells you to stop, don't overdo it. Use the travel risk planning system (trips) to assess the risk of your trip. This tool is available online with either a password or your common access card at https://trips.safety.army.mil/navy/login.aspx. I encourage everyone to use this effective planning tool, regardless of how many millions of miles you've logged without an accident to make sure you and your family arrive at your destination safe and sound.

When you make a plan, whether at work or on liberty, take the time to think through the things that might go wrong. Adjust your plan to avoid hazards and keep your head on a swivel for changes to your environment.

Most importantly, stick to your plan and eliminate impulse actions.

Every sailor, civilian, and family member is important to me. I want you to have a healthy and safe summer. Take care of yourselves and take care of your shipmates, wingmen, liberty buddies, and loved ones.

Adm. Bill Gortney

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June 27, 2014 "NEX" continued from page 1

the ability to stop by after work if they have to and then also on both Saturday and Sunday when individuals are looking for furniture.”

Herring said the hours on Saturday will also extend.

Also leaving the Depot is the bike vendor, who was there two days a week. “He’ll now be at the main store to do the normal servicing. He will still come on Tuesdays and Fridays,” said Herring.

Those are the changes for now, but coming this fall, there will be more changes to the NEX store and the NEX Mini-mart.

“After CPO season in the fall, we are going to take uniforms and bring them into the main store along with the tailor shop. We are going to make that transformation slowly,” she said. “We

are going to keep some uniforms there at the Mini Mart and some will come here to the Main store, so that we aren’t completely taking things away and you aren’t having to go back and forth.

We’ll make a full switch over right at the end of the transition.”

With the addition to uniforms to the main store, Herring is planning on changing the hours so it will be open on Mondays, making all three stores open seven days a week. “We will do that because I know that uniforms need to be accessible seven days a week to everybody,” she said. “We will change those hours as well once we get everything moved over, and those hours are still to be determined".

Herring said she is aware of the large number of people who work on NAS II and plans to keep

Heat Stress Flag Conditions Don't forget to check the Heat Stress Flag if you're running outside this summer!

FLAG COLOR WHITE

GREEN

YELLOW

RED

BLACK

TEMPS.

EXERCISING W O R K I N G OUTDOORS OUTDOORS

Below 80 °F

Low heat stress risk.

However, intense physical exertion can precipitate heat injury.

No work restrictions.

80 - 84.9 °F

Discretion required in planning heavy exercise.

This is a marginal heat stress limit.

15-minute work breaks per hour for moderate work. 30-minute work breaks per hour for heavy work.

85-87.9 °F

Strenuous exercise and activity curtailed for new personnel during first 3 weeks of heat exposure.

15-minute breaks per hour for light work; 30-minutebreaks for moderate work; 45 minutes for heavy work.

88 - 89.9 °F

Strenuous exercise curtailed for all personnel with less than 12 weeks training in hot weather.

30-minute breaks per hour for light work; 45 minutes for moderate work. Heavy work scheduled at cooler part of the day.

No physical training or exercise for all personnel.

45 minute work breaks per hour for light work only.

90 °F and above

The Heat Stress Flag is located across the street from the Safety Office (Bldg 634) on NAS II near the Flight Line Clinic Parking Lot. It is maintained by the NASSIG Safety Department: 624-5630.

PAGE 15

a small section of uniform items at the Mini Mart including the most popular items: ribbons, ribbon bars, collar devices, socks, belts buckles, boot bands, and tee-shirts.

Once the uniforms have shifted to the main store, there will be a renovation at the mini-mart to prepare for the NATO build up on NAS Sigonella. “In the fall, we are going to expand our mini mart. We definitely need to have more consumable items available,” she said. “We’ll add shelving, replace the floors, and stuff like that.”

The last major change coming to the NEX main store is planned for summer of 2015. There will be a major renovation inside and out. “We are going to completely redo the inside, add shelving, add merchandise lines,” said Herring. “We’ll do a branding project inside here as well, all of our décor will change on the inside. So it will be a really nice store when it’s finished.

That will probably take us about a year to do that.”

Herring added that during each phase of the renovations the stores will remain open. The areas under construction will be roped off so items are still accessible while merchandise is moved.

If you have any questions or comments about the changes to the NEX, contact Julie Herring at Julie.Herring@nexweb.org or DSN 624-4379.

How would you spend $50,000 to beautify our base?

During the month of July, Naval Air Station Sigonella will compete against four other regional installations during the Biggest Energy Loser contest as part of the Navy's ongoing effort to be good stewards of our resources. The winning base will be awarded $50,000 to beautify their base!

Specific details of the contest will be posted soon, but we want to hear from you now!

How would you like to see $50,000 spent on beautifying NASSIG? Please send your ideas to us at thesig@eu.navy.mil.

Do you have a passion for writing?

Are you looking for a little experience in journalism?

The Signature is seeking volunteers to help cover base events as well as feature and travel stories.

If this interests you, please call the NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Office at DSN 6245440 or email us at thesig@eu.navy.mil.

We thank you in advance for your interest and we look forward to our communities input as we continue our efforts to bring you the best possible local newspaper!

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THE SIGNATURE

June 27, 2014