CO’s Corner CDR Jeffrey Buss Thanks for a great 2012!! I am looking forward to an even better 2013. We have a lot of very exciting initiatives in work for 2013 that are designed to help take our organization from “good” to “great”. A few of them include: initiating the 360 degree review for midterm counseling for all E-6 and above, standing up a Joint Fleet Telecommunications Operations Center and the associated watch positions and finally conducting leadership development training at all levels of the command. I ask every one take a moment and reflect back on 2012, count your blessings and look at what you did well and what you can improve on in 2013. Set goals, specific goals for yourself and come up with a detailed plan to achieve them. Write your goals down and put them some place where you will see them frequently. Don’t waste your time or this wonderful opportunity to be on shore duty in Sicily. Achieving your goals is going to depend on your ability to control your actions and thoughts as well as your ability to manage your time wisely. Sounds easy, but it isn’t.
Find a mentor to keep you on track and hold you accountable. We have some of the finest Chiefs and Officers in the Navy right here in our command. Take advantage of their expertise and don’t be afraid to ask them for advice; odds are they have had to work through the same issues in their careers. Finally, as the late Steven R. Covey said “begin with the end in mind”. Look out 20 years and think about where you want to be and what you want to have accomplished in your life. It goes by quick and setting up a budget and goals for what you want your money to do for you is important. Start by paying yourself first and capitalizing on the world class retirement plan you have access to. You will be hard pressed to find a retirement plan that can come close to the combination of the Thrift Saving Plan and your regular military retirement plan. Prepared, Proactive, Professional
By Pietro Migliorini
THE SEAFARING VILLAGE OF BRUCOLI This month we will discover the historically rich, seaside village of Brucoli. On any given Saturday or Sunday when there is little to do; whether you want to take a short relaxing walk to take in the views or stimulate the appetite by visiting one of the many delicious delis; Al Castello, I Rizzari or Starvento, just to name a few. This charming region of Sicily has much to offer and what could be better for a “sailor?” Brucoli is located in the South Beach area near Augusta and has a small population of only 900 people. A small peninsula looking over the Gulf of Catania, with the backdrop of Mount Etna suspended over a pool of water. According to reports by Tucidite, Athenian general and historian who lived around 400 BC; the first Greeks came to the area from the Megara city near Athens and settled on the riverbank Pantakyas that is known today as the Porca’ria River in the village of Trotylon, and were later expelled by the inhabitants of Lentini. Thus the Greeks moved further south and founded the colony of Thapsos Magnisi. Today it is a peninsula facing the township of Priolo in the Magarian port of Augusta and Megara Hyblaea. This was the original nucleus of the town of Augusta at the time of the “Magna Grecia”; Greek colonies in the Mediterranean Sea. The village of Brucoli, with it’s port channel in the past exceeding Augusta in trade of goods; in 1400 was admitted to the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Aragon (the Spanish region to which Sicily was connected by the by the dominants’ noble families), who had built the castle called precisely of Queen Giovanna and guarding the warehouses where goods were stored in the village.
Restaurants in Brucoli -Al Castello "Luxury" -I Rizzari "Traditional" -Stravento "Recently opened" Buon Appettite!
Quick Tips for Managing Stress for Service Members A little stress isn't always bad: it can be an effective motivator, and the adrenaline that stress creates can help improve both mental and physical performance. But too much stress can negatively affect your performance on duty, your relationships, and your physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are many ways to control and reduce stress. Learn and apply these stress-management techniques to help limit your stress, stay more relaxed and positive, and maintain a high level of performance both on duty and at home. Take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep and exercise, eat healthfully, and be sure to drink water throughout the day. Have a positive outlook. In addition to caring for yourself physically, try to maintain a positive, "can do" attitude to keep your stress level under control. Focus your energy on things that make you feel good to keep you from dwelling on negative thoughts. Laugh often. Laughter is a great way to stay positive and upbeat. Watch a funny movie, share jokes with friends, and look for the humor in everyday life. Remember that you can take your military duty seriously without always taking yourself seriously. Learn how to relax. When you feel stressed, take a few deep breaths and envision yourself in a peaceful place. You can also take a walk, listen to soothing music, or read a good book. Make time for activities you enjoy. If you don't make time, you may never "find" the time to relax and enjoy your favorite hobbies. If you have to, block off or schedule "me time" just as you would a doctor's appointment. Learn to recognize when you're stressed. Excessive stress can cause symptoms from neck or back pain and headaches to upset stomach, trouble sleeping, and fatigue. When you notice these symptoms, too much stress may be to blame. Focus on the things you can control. When you do feel anxious or stressed, ask yourself, "Is there anything I can do to change this situation?" If the answer is no, try to let it go. Get organized at home. Clutter creates stress. File old paperwork and clean out your garage, kids' rooms, etc., to sell or donate clothes, toys, knickknacks, books, and other items you no longer need or use. Simplify your life. As a service member, you're trained to be strong and stand firm. Practice this in your personal life as well and learn to say "no" to obligations and activities that will overload your schedule. If your efforts to control your stress don't seem to be working, you might find it helpful to talk to a professional. You can get free, confidential, non-medical counseling from Military OneSource. More information is available online or via telephone at 1 (800) 342-9647. Military and Family Life Counselors are also available through your installation Family Support Center
By IT1 Espin
If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting the LNSC offices, it’s likely you have come across a very polite and friendly gentleman. He probably offered you a shot of Espresso and wished you a warm ‘Buon Giorno’. He is Giovanni Iudice, and I can honestly say he is probably the nicest, most helpful local national on NAS Sigonella. While previously attached to LNSC, I can say that Giovanni is always willing to help with a smile, and is an extremely knowledgeable individual. He is definitely an asset to the NCTS family. Giovanni was nice enough to take time out of his day to answer some questions for this months Transmitter.. How long have you been working at NCTS? 15 Years What are your job responsibilities? LNSC (Local Network Service Center) Supervisor What are the biggest changes you have seen throughout your years at NCTS? As the changes were numerous and almost all important, for the operational aspect I would mention: strengthening of teamwork, accurate training, and problem solving capacity. Regarding the staff I would say cultural/professional integration, greater attention to the quality of life and well-being of staff. What restaurant do you recommend a NCTS Sailor not miss during their tour in Sicily? Sicilia in Bocca alla Marina – Via Beato Cardinale Dusmet 35, Catania (Excellent restaurant in the center of Catania. Good food, friendliness of the owners, prices definitely proportionate to the quality) What is something not many people know about you? Even if I seem to be very formal and quiet, I can be funny and of good company I love music, I play the piano and keyboards.
Giovanni, The Music Man
December 2012 GMT Awardees
IT1 Stanley LS2 Denton IT2 Bean IT2 Shanley ITSN Hulett IT3 Vanluesauls IT1 Enderle ET2 Karaim
NAM NAM NAM NAM/EIDW NAM NAM EIDW EIDW
Creighton Cup
IT2 Buechler
IT3 Foggin IT3 Fowler IT3 Hopkins IT3 Llanes IT3 Richards IT3 Vient IT2 Jenei IT3 Garcia
EIDW EIDW EIDW/Good Conduct EIDW EIDW Frocking Good Conduct Good Conduct
Mentor of the Month
IT1 Stanley Protégé ET3 Beckworth
CDR Buss relieving CAPT Black of Command of NCTS Sicily
NCTS Sicily’s 25th Birthday Following tradition, when celebrating a command birthday, the youngest sailor at our command, SN Chesnut is seen here cutting the cake with the oldest person at the Command, Mr. Barry, who just retired as CWO4 from NCTS Sicily last year.
ETC Myrick, EN2 Howley, ITC Moore, ET3 Beckworth, LSC Cole and ET3 Heninrich posing after participating in ‘Pie In the Eye’ ITSN Curtis - Blue Jack of the Year LS2 Denton - Junior Sailor of the Year IT1 Stanley - Sailor of the Year 2012 has been an excellent year for NCTS Sicily. We’ve seen some amazing people come and go. We welcomed a new CO and XO, and even had some tiny new additions to our ever-growing family. As with all things, there have been ups and downs, but as a command we have persevered, and as individual sailors, we have all grown. Our command has made some tremendous achievements, like earning the Silver Award for donations during the CFC Campaign, and the 2012 Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship Award for outstanding community service projects. We look for even greater achievements in 2013!
Across 6. Setting guidance and policy for making sure equal opportunity works 12. Suffered first true submarine attack 13. For an officer of the grade, or 15. Number of articles in the Code of Conduct 16. For an officer of the grade, or relative 18. CO's battle circuit 19. Flag device for official or officer whose official salute is 19 or more guns 21. For an officer below the grade, or 23. Number of general orders of a sentry 25. Extravagant, careless or needless expenditure of government resources 27. grade, of commander in the Navy 28. Flag receives 21 gun salute
Down 1. Flown from jack staff when ship is in port or at anchor 2. First nuclear-powered carrier 3. By law, heads Department of the Navy 4. Location National Ensign flown from underway 5. of captain in the Navy 7. First US Naval Officer designated as an aviator 8. salute is less then 19 guns 9. Number of vessels approved by Second Continental Congress 10. Flag used aboard ship for Man Overboard 11. Bill that contains a ships plan for action 13. First US Navy nuclear-powered vessel 14. Administrative flag used for personnel recall aboard ship 17. First country to recognize "Stars and Stripes" 20. Intentional misleading or deceitful conduct that deprives the government of its resources 22. First warfare submarine 24. For a flag or general officer whose 26. Capacity women first served as in the US Navy
NAVCOMTELSTA SICILY OBSERVANCE OF FEDERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 2013 HOLIDAY
Address PSC 812 BOX 3290 FPO AE 09627-3290
Command Numbers CWO: COMM: 011-39-095-86-5553 DSN: 314-624-5553
DATE
3-DAY/4-DAY
New Year’s Day
01 JAN 13
29 DEC 12 - 01 JAN 13
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
21 JAN 13
18 - 21 JAN 13
President’s Day
18 FEB 13
15 - 18 FEB 13
Memorial Day
27 MAY 13
24 - 27 MAY 13
Independence Day
04 JUL 13
04 - 07 JUL 13
Labor Day
02 SEP 13
30 AUG - 02 SEP 13
Columbus Day
14 OCT 13
11 - 14 OCT 13
Veteran’s Day
11 NOV 13
08 - 11 NOV 13
Thanksgiving Day
28 NOV 13
28 NOV - 1 DEC 13
Christmas Day
25 DEC 13
25 DEC 13
QD: COMM: 011-39-095-86-5521 DSN: 314-624-5521
Website www.public.navy.mil/ fcc-c10f/navcomtelsta/ Pages/default.aspx
Facebook Group: NCTS Sicily
Editors IT1 Shelly Espin IT2 Katie Dale ET3 Courtney Robson Questions or comments?
IT1 Espin: 624-5346
Officer Elections: On 17 Jan 2013, ACTCOMM will be holding elections for: President Vice President Secretary Bookkeeper Treasurer EO/Multi Cultural Director Contact LS2 Denton for an application before 17 JAN!!