Serving the NATO, Naples and Gaeta Military Community in Italy Russell Egnor Navy Media Awards – 2016 Best Newspaper in the Navy
63rd year, No. 17
Friday, May 4, 2018
Defense Secretary James N. Mattis testifies on the Defense Department’s posture and fiscal year 2019 budget to the Senate Armed Services Committee, with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford and the Defense Department’s comptroller and chief financial officer, David L. Norquist, April 26, 2018. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kathryn E. Holm
A-10 Thunderbolt II “Warthog” aircraft from the U.S. Air Force 455th Air Expeditionary Wing line the runway aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples April 22, 2018. The 455th Air Expeditionary Wing made a scheduled stop at NSA Naples before returning home from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. They were deployed to Afghanistan conducting counter terrorism operations in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and the NATO Resolute Support mission. NSA Naples supports missions throughout the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Africa, U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations and Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia as an operational platform through air and port operations, force protection, emergency services, logistical and administrative support and quality of life products and services. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold
Mattis Highlights Efforts to Restore Military, Fight Tomorrow’s Wars By Lisa Ferdinando
NCT’s ‘Noises Off’ is a Howling Good Time From Naples Community Theatre
The Naples Community Theatre’s production of Michael Frayn’s comedy, “Noises Off” is a brilliantly acted and spirited production well worth the price of admission. The show takes a comedic look at a production during three different phases: the final dress rehearsal, a performance four weeks later, and during the final performance. This special engagement, arranged through Samuel French inc., follows nine cast members through the trials and tribulations of staging a show, with often hilarious results. Playing the role of Dotty, the lovely and talented Meghan Berryman quickly sets the tone for what is to come, slipping seamlessly through
accents and transitioning from mania to depression with believability. Her comedic timing is flawless, and her ability to deliver the same lines with totally different inflection is both hysterical and remarkable. As Belinda, the effervescent Katrina Dransfield provides a calming and rational perspective to offset the zaniness of her fellow cast mates. She has perfected an almost Bea Arthur-like stare of disbelief, and it is on full display throughout the performance. Her quiet and sensible mannerisms allow the audience to see the insanity of others, and her quick wit keeps the plot steamrolling along. As Freddie, Vince Hess creates a likeable and charming idiot, a sweet and innocent actor without a drop of
guile. His intelligent performance of this simple man shows a depth and understanding of comedy, and provides some of the show’s most endearing moments. One almost begins to feel sorry for Freddie, who finds himself catapulted along without knowing quite how. Jim Farmer creates a hilariously inarticulate character as Garry, a seasoned professional who cannot adapt to any sudden change in line or stage position. An adept physical comedian, Farmer provides the mania of the piece, creating memorable laughs through pratfalls, sudden confusion of props, and by delivering rambling speeches completely devoid of nouns. NAPLES COMMUNITY THEATRE Page 6 CAPTAIN’S CORNER. . . . . . . . . 2
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BASE NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 FFSC CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SOUND OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MOVIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 JOBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
40% MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS . . . . . . . . . . . page 5
CELEBRATING CINCO DE MAYO . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 14
USO TOURS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 WORD SEARCH / COLOR ME 14
The United States has a clear way forward with the 2018 National Defense Strategy to restore the military’s competitive edge in an era of re-emerging long-term great power competition, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee April 26, 2018. Mattis, who spoke in a hearing on the Defense Department’s budget, highlighted the three priorities of the defense strategy: build a more lethal force, strengthen alliances and build new partnerships, and reform the department’s business practices for performance and affordability. “The strategy is the guidepost for all our actions, including this year's strategy-driven budget request, driving meaningful reform to establish an enduring culture of performance, affordability and agility,” Mattis said. The National Defense Strategy, framed within President Donald J. Trump’s National Security Strategy, supports a strong and lethal military, the secretary said. DOD WAY FORWARD Page 7