Vol. 37 No. 13 August 7, 2020

IN MEMORIAM SIGONELLA USO HN ARTURO RIVERA STAYS THE COURSE ADMIRAL BURKE pages 6 & 7 VISITS NAS SIGONELLA 2 The Signature August 7 2020 3 Direct Line NAS Sigonella Security Officer Lt. Nathan Ouellette iao Sigonella Warriors, C Many of you may have noticed that traffic in the triangle was on the decline up until about a month or so ago. As we a transition to a new normal, it is now picking back up. The cars you see on the road carry shipmates, fellow employees, and families with young children, as well as Sicily’s workforce getting back out after being cooped up for months. This means that we will all be more at risk for car accidents as our communities come back out on the roads. Italy has some unique driving norms that we don’t see in many other places, especially in the United States. Speeding and illegal passing is commonplace, and, unfortunately, some drivers in our NAS Sigonella community tend to adopt that norm. However, this should not be the case. On average, NAS Sigonella experiences at least one traffic accident a day, and most, if not all, are completely avoidable. Just in the past two months we have received reports of multiple flipped over vehicles and dozens of traffic accidents, some with injuries. So what can you do? Slow down; plan ahead. Nothing is ever too urgent to place you, your passengers, or others on the road in danger. It is always better to arrive five minutes later than to put yourself at risk of a speeding ticket, an accident, or worse—injuring or killing someone. Speed kills! ALWAYS wear your seatbelt. Develop the habit for yourself and your passengers. Make it a rule to never put the car in drive without everyone buckled up. For non-emergencies: Some accidents cannot be prevented by you alone, and Security CID – DSN 624-4995 or commercial line seatbelt usage is your best first and last line of defense. 095-86-4995. It could also be the factor that allows you to walk away Security Desk – DSN 624-6063 or commercial line from a major accident with only minor injuries. 095-86-6063. Report unsafe driving practices. Provide the NAS I Security Liaison – DSN 624-4522 or Security Department or your supervisor with a good commercial line 095-56-4522. description of unsafe driver’s vehicle and plate numbers NAS II Security Liaison – DSN 624-2795 or if possible. In all cases, we can collaborate with host commercial line 095-86-2795. nation (HN) Law Enforcement to assist. In cases where Our goal is to keep our shipmates and HN partners the drivers are issued NATO licenses and registered safe and alive to continue the phenomenal work that we with the base, we can and will engage unsafe drivers. all do here at NAS Sigonella. This will also ensure you In several recent cases, where a swift and accurate have a great time while you are assigned here to enjoy reports were made, we were able to find and engage the warm Sicilian people, distinct culture, and long with violators through their leadership. history that this place has to offer. Let’s take care of Call us. We are here and ready to assist 24 hours a day each other through personal and proactive involvement for emergencies: when it comes to driving safely. The bottom line is you CAN make a difference Base dispatch – from a landline on base: 911; from a cell or off base: 095-86-1911 or 095-56-1911. through driving safely and reporting those who don’t. 2 The Signature August 7 2020 3

COVER PHOTO: InteractiveInteractive CustomerCustomer EvaluationEvaluation Courtesy of USO Sigonella, by Clara Jenkins. Comments Regarding NAS II Barracks We appreciate your concern, and you are THE SIGNATURE Parking : always encouraged to your questions to your Can we get the parking situation for the barracks Resident Advisor (RA) or Duty U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA NAS2 barracks straightened out? Are we Complex Manager (DCM) in person or by cell allowed or not allowed to park on the gravel? phone. Phone numbers are posted outside Commanding Officer We are also not allowed to park next to the their office. Additionally you can always Capt. Kevin Pickard building but the military building managers reach out directly to the Unaccompanied park there during work, during a stop at Housing Manager, Tim Cremeans, at 624- Executive Officer the barracks. Lastly can the government 4075 (norman.cremeans@eu.navy.mil) Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran vehicles for the barracks NGIS and whoever or the Installation Housing Director Peter else move. There is no need to take up our Faulk at 624-4070 ([email protected]. Command Master Chief parking with a 20ft van occupying two spots mil). CMDCM Nancy Estrada or a small golf cart doing the same. I would Comment Regarding Marinai EDITORIAL assume the same issue is at NAS 1 as well Maintenance: because MWR and NGIS are right there as Good morning. I would like to lodge a Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg well. complaint about the notification process [email protected] Response from CO: for planned maintenance in Marinai Family Housing. I received an email this morning At a previous town hall, a question was Assistant Public Affairs Officer asked about parking on the gravel for NAS II regarding work being done on the roofs of Megan Mills barracks, and I gave the okay. After further all the units in Marinai to install “anti-fall” [email protected] review and discussion with Public Works equipment. The notice stated the work was Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer and Housing departments regarding the going to be initiated and completed a few MC1 Kegan Kay issue, it became clear that I was in error, and days later. Approximately one hour after [email protected] I apologize. I have decided that the NAS II receiving the notification, the maintenance parking garage is the primary parking lot for workers began drilling into the roof, Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta residents at Building 623. completely taking us by surprise, as we [email protected] While we recognize that this parking area were not expecting them until the later in the week. I understand that the contractor isn’t immediately adjacent to the barracks, PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers it does provide an appropriate number of likely was working faster than expected. The parking spots and has the additional benefit notification process should have been more MC2 Joshua Coté [email protected] of being covered to protect your vehicle from thorough and indicated a window of time the elements. the work could be completed, instead of a singular date and then the workers showing MCSA Triniti Lersch The zero-scaped gravel area is designed [email protected] as maintenance free landscaping and up two days before. It would be appreciated not a parking area. Continued use of the if in the future, the notification process was CONTACT US landscaping as a parking area inevitably more timely and thorough. Thank you. Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily [email protected] damages the landscaping due to the weight Response: DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 of the cars. This damage is exacerbated We received a comment in which a resident PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 when it rains. of Marinai received only one hour’s notice In the long term, we recognize that parking before a maintenance crew started working will continue to be an issue but we will on their house. Thank you for notifying us This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. coordinate with public works to determine of this issue. We discussed your comment Contents of The Signature are not necessarily the feasibility of other more convenient with the housing director, and we recognize the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense parking areas. I assure you that a Sailor’s that lack of advance notice is a problem and (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. quality of life is one of my top priorities. should not have happened. We strive for With respect to concerns about housing constant process improvements, and we Editorial submissions are welcomed from all staff parking, building managers and housing are working to make sure that this does not Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divi- sions and tenant commands. Editorial submis- staff should only park in designated areas. happen again. If you are given insufficient sions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office Parking in fire lanes or other unauthorized maintenance notice please reach out to the via [email protected]. All articles submitted by non-staff members will be considered con- areas is not permitted. "BZ" cont’d on page 11 tributing writers. 4 The Signature August 7 2020 5

ARTURO RIVERA 1998 - 2020

In Memoriam By Lt. William Spence, Pharmacist, Naval Hospital Sigonella cannot say enough good things about this Corpsman, and I am clearly not alone in this sentiment. IPeople from across the entire hospital, the entire installation, people from the States, people from the Navy Pharmacy community, people who used to be stationed here – they have all reached out to talk about the positive impact he made in their daily lives. I have never met another individual who is always smiling, always happy, always laughing. And his positivity was resilient. He could weather me on my grouchiest day and come back for more. I could accurately gauge my level of grouchiness by whether or not a shot of espresso would magically appear on my desk. There was nobody he did not like and there was nobody that did not like him. Patients absolutely adored him. He truly cared about each and every one of them and treated them all with dignity and respect. He could handle even the most challenging patient with a smile on his face and kindness in his heart. He was the heart and soul of this pharmacy and he was the perfect choice to serve as the one in charge of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation. In the ways that mattered, he was already responsible for our happiness so this appointment just made it official. He loved this responsibility. He put an incredible amount of time, effort, energy, and love into every facet of this job – honestly, he put those words into everything he did. HN Rivera even cared about people he never met. He volunteered at least 50 hours in the service of those less fortunate than him in our local community of Sicily. It brought HN Rivera joy to bring others joy. I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about his intelligence, work ethic, and dedication to patient safety. Although a brand new Corpsman, he was fully competent to staff in all areas of the pharmacy. This is fortunate because it seemed like all the challenges and difficult patients coincided with HN Rivera’s overnight call schedule. Because of his attitude, intelligence, and confidence-inspiring abilities, I had no hesitation allowing him to train new Corpsman – a pretty huge level of trust in someone who had only been a pharmacy technician for approximately 6 months at the time. In fact, because of the level of trust he earned, he was put in charge of all training for the entire department. He had that spark, that drive, in him coupled with an innate ability to make people feel good about themselves. He would have made the best kind of leader. He was the best kind of leader. I want everyone to know how honored I am for the chance to have had this individual in my life. I am so incredibly thankful for the time I had with him and I will be forever changed by his impact on my life. 4 The Signature August 7 2020 5

Europe’s Top Admiral Visits Critical Naval Air Station in Italy By MC1 (SW/AW) Kegan E. Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs dm. Robert P. Burke, commander, U.S. Naval Forces here in Europe.” AEurope-Africa (CNE-CNA) and commander, Allied Following the all hands call, Burke toured the CNE Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples, visited Naval Air Station Maritime Ashore Support Team (DET MAST) prior to (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, for his first regional familiarization having lunch with Sailors at Ristorante Bella Etna Galley. The visit, Aug. 6, 2020. CNE DET MAST is a mobile communication detachment During his time onboard NAS Sigonella, Burke met with that has the ability to support full mobile command, control, base and NATO leadership before holding an all hands call communications and computer capability. with Sailors, Marines, and civilians from NAS Sigonella and “I appreciate everything you do in support of our tenant commands. Navy, our Nation and our Alliance,” said Burke. “Your “As the new commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe- accomplishments have been remarkable. You are at the tip Africa and Allied Joint Force Command Naples, I wanted to of the spear, and your work is vital to our operations.” come here to introduce myself, learn more about the critical After lunch, Burke continued his base tour, meeting missions NAS Sigonella facilitates, and meet with the men with commander, Task Force (CTF) 67 leadership and and women who execute our mission day in and day out,” participating in tours of Naval Supply Systems Command explained Burke. Sigonella, Naval Hospital Sigonella, Fleet and Family His remarks as the new CNE-CNA focused on Support Services, Department of Defense Education Activity different topics such as Sigonella’s mission capabilities, Schools on base, and the Air Force’s 7th Reconnaissance accomplishments, strategic location to support U.S. military Squadron and 324th Expeditionary Reconnaissance operations, and quality of life concerns. Squadron. Burke also said that he, as the former Vice Chief of Naval “Sigonella is a critical hub in support of U.S. military Operations, was keenly aware of all the operational and operations and engagements throughout Europe, Africa logistical “miracles” NAS Sigonella performed on a daily and the Middle East,” said Burke. “What all of you do here basis. is critical to almost everything the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, “The critical importance of what this air station does is U.S. Marine Corps and NATO are doing across our area of often invisible to the rest of the fleet,” said Burke. “But it is operations.” absolutely essential to a global Navy like ours.” NAS Sigonella’s strategic location enables U.S, allied, and Burke also stressed the importance of working well with partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to each other and communication within departments in ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central mitigating COVID-19. Command. “Make sure you’re talking to your team, that they CNE-CNA, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the understand the risk and how to take necessary precautions,” full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert said Burke. “COVID is still a concern; we must not let our with Allied and interagency partners, in order to advance guard down. We’ve done a good job mitigating risk in our U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe theater, but we need to be ready for another wave of the virus and Africa. 6 The Signature August 7 2020 7 Sigonella USO Stays the Course Story by Megan Mills, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs he United Service Organizations, more commonly Stephanie Quayle, Chef Joel Gamoran, Craig Morgan, and Tknown as the USO, has been alongside America’s a star-studded Independence Day special online event and military through a variety of challenges since its founding recently a Call of Duty tournament. during World War II, so the speed and capability with Many of our local USO programs have adapted with which it has adapted to the new normal of COVID-19 is virtual components as well. USO Sigonella began hosting not surprising. daily cyber challenges, weekly meditation, online trivia As Italy, followed by the rest of the world, imposed and bingo with winners picking up prizes in person, and the restrictions to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Teddy Bear Club became a live video event for families to USO quickly found new ways to continue its mission of follow at home with keeping service members “connected to family, home and craft kits available country throughout their service to the nation.” from the office. A non-profit organization that works closely with the USO Italy has also United States Department of Defense, the USO has more been hosting Speed than 250 locations around the world. Here at NAS Sigonella, Friending online with the USO center has been providing valuable programming great success. since 2016. In addition to regular flight support at the Now, as restrictions terminal, they have hosted weekly free lunches, the Taste have eased, several of Home meal event for unaccompanied service members, in-person programs trivia and game nights at Umberto’s, the Teddy Bear Club have resumed with for families with young children, and more. new safety measures As USO Center Director Brian Coyle puts it, “We do in place. Before the things to put a smile on people’s faces and lift their spirits.” pandemic, the USO Their work relies on the efforts of a dedicated and trained hosted a weekly volunteer force, mostly made up of active duty military Tuesday lunch that members, as well as three full time staff members. served upwards of 70 people with Changing with the Times free hot dogs, chili Many of these activities were halted when the lockdown Photo by Jaymi Schap dogs, chips, drinks, was enforced, but that didn’t stop the USO from finding and chance to relax ways to support NAS Sigonella’s community. and connect with fellow service members. These weekly First, the USO Italy Area began presenting virtual lunches have resumed, but are now grab and go out of the programming, followed by the higher levels of the Air Terminal on NAS II. organization. This initiative quickly took off; in the Some new initiatives borne of the pandemic are quite month of July alone, the USO has hosted virtual events creative. You may have seen a dinosaur roaming NAS with Jeff Gordon, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, Tamron II; that was the USO premiering Insta-Trivia, in which Hall, David Boreanaz, Charlize Theron and Kiki Layne, Programs and Volunteer Coordinator Jaymi Schap and her prehistoric helper brightened unsuspecting sailors’ days by surprising them with tricky questions to win fun prizes. A twice-monthly Cup of Joe with coffee and breakfast treats outside the barracks is a new event that has also proven popular, as well as the Appreciation Drops in which they surprise various commands with gift baskets. Flight Support Continues One program USO Sigonella maintained throughout the pandemic has been its flight support program. “We have seen six or seven flights a week since March,” said Coyle. “We’re the only center that has stayed open the entire lockdown, though with modified hours of course,” he added. For arrivals at the air terminal, the USO provides snacks, water, WiFi, and a place to relax. With the new restrictions, the USO continued this program in a “contactless” fashion. In just one weekend, they provided this support more than Photo by Clara Jenkins 600 in-transit military members. 6 The Signature August 7 2020 7

“Jaymi’s efforts in creating the virtual programming went Volunteers Return above and beyond what was in her job description before,” The USO has he said. “She maintained a great repertoire, including all thrived thanks to the of the live programming.” amazing efforts of its That, according to Schap, was a particular challenge. “It volunteers. Unlike can be very intimidating getting on Facebook Live and in the United States, inviting people into your home,” she said, “but after a where USO volunteers while it became very natural and it was fun to see people are often retirees or connect with me on there and have fun with the programs.” other non-military In addition to the early virtual pivot, starting in June when members, here at NAS she was the only staff member for more than six weeks, Sigonella, many of the Schap handled all of the Center Manager duties, including volunteers are active reporting, keeping the center open, and continuing the duty service members. contactless flight support, which included transporting According to Schap, large amounts of water and snacks and being available at USO Sigonella has difficult hours, depending on flight schedules and delays. nearly 60 volunteers Considering Schap’s background, her success isn’t a on the books, and that surprise. She has a background in community health and number has stayed developing programs to serve diverse communities, which constant throughout Photo by Jaymi Schap perfectly fits the USO’s mission. “We work hard to provide this year. While many each demographic we serve here in Sigonella programs were on standby during the strictest lockdown, they are now that can help them meet new people, boost morale along gradually rejoining the efforts when possible to do so safely, with serving as a familiar place to go where they know they most often with flight support and Appreciation Drops. “Our will always be welcomed with open arms,” she said. primary concern in bringing volunteers back is that nobody Nevertheless, she faced the same challenges that many gets sick. We have a hand-washing station, gloves, and working families did during this pandemic. “I have been a masks for people to use,” said Coyle. military wife for 17 years, so adapting to situations thrown at me is something I have become accustomed to,” she said. Challenges and Successes “It was almost like I didn’t have time to think about it; I had Adapting to a world with COVID-19 hasn’t been easy, but my kids to take care of and a job to do for our community.” the USO has demonstrated how an organization can pivot effectively. “We’ve had to reimagine and modify things going forward,” said Coyle. “We are building connections in new and different ways with both service members and volunteers.” “Not being able to provide our in-person programs was a challenge,” said Schap. “We really thrive off being able to see the smiles on people’s faces and connect with those attending our programs, so it will be great to connect with our service members and their families, even at social distance. We are starting to bring some programs back in August and some new ones as well, in compliance of the health and safety standards set by the Command.” Some initiatives, such as virtual trivia and bingo, may be Photo by Luisa Mazzella here for the long haul. “Going all virtual was such a hit we are continuing to keep some of our virtual programs going, She added, “I may have been on autopilot there for a while. even with us being in-person again,” added Schap. I would do a live, then help my 2nd grader with math, then it’d be time to plan or jump on a call, and then look over A Star Rises to the Occasion and Earns an Ovation history for my 4th grader.” Though the USO Sigonella office is supposed to have Schap’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. She recently three full time staff members, by the time June rolled won the USO’s Ovation Award in recognition of her work. around, they were unexpectedly down to one. Jaymi Schap “I couldn’t be more proud of the way that she has stepped joined the team in July 2019 as the programs and volunteer up and taken on the leadership role and done a great job in coordinator, but took on more than just that role when the serving our service member and their families,” Coyle said. need arose. And while she was the only one left in the office, Both Schap and the USO will continue to adapt as needed she also had three school-age children who were embarking to continue to serve the NAS Sigonella community. As on distance learning at home. Schap says, “Our mission is to strengthen America’s service According to Coyle, the USO employed a very liberal work members by keeping them connected to family, home and from home policy early in the pandemic, and Jaymi was able country throughout their service to the nation, and we truly to take the reins and run with the new rules and restrictions. are dedicated to achieving that any way we can.” "Sigonella USO" cont’d on Page 11 8 The Signature August 7 2020 9

Discover Sicily’s History at Donnafugata Castle By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Bianca managed to escape and reached Palermo, where she ordered the conviction of the impudent count. The castle remained an anonymous stronghold for centuries until 1648 when Baron Vincenzo Arezzo bought it and transformed it into a “casina” (mansion) to spend summer holidays and hunting trips. In the 19th century, eclectic Baron Corrado Arezzo inherited the mansion and turned it into a magnificent castle featuring 144 rooms over an area of 2,500 square meters. Arezzo, born in 1824 in Ragusa, was a cultured man who loved art, music and theatre and was also a witty politician. He designed his castle to be an eclectic masterpiece, which is why the castello (castle) features different art styles which combine traditional elements with modern features. Even though the legend of the fleeing Queen The Donnafugata Castle in Ragusa gives the chance to visitors to travel back in time to discover the life Sicilian noblemen in the 19th century. Photo taken from WikiMedia Bianca is a historic fake, a true elopement from the Commons. castle did take place in the 19th century when French nobleman Gaetano Combes de Lestrade fell in love riving through the hills outside Ragusa, you can with Clementina, Baron Corrado’s granddaughter, and picture what Sicilian poet Giovanni Virgadavola ran away with her. Baron Corrado’s guards chased wroteD about the Donnafugata Castle, one of the most them and brought them back to the castle to arrange imposing fortresses in Eastern Sicily: “Si viri ri luntanu a “reparatory” marriage. Despite frequent traveling ‘stu castieddu comu ‘u suli ca spunta a matina,” which across Europe, the couple lived in the castle for many translates to, “You can see this castle in the distance just years. Their grandson, Count Gaetano di Testasecca, as you see the sun rising in the morning.” Immersed in was the last private owner of Donnafugata before a carob forest that is part of an 85,000 square meters selling it to the city of Ragusa in 1982 which turned park, the castle overlooks a breathtaking landscape the castle into a museum. crossed by an amazing network of “muri a siccu,” low Today, the castle’s 19th century splendor remains dry-stone walls dividing the local farmers’ properties. on display due to the recent restoration carried out to The castle was built in the 11th century as a blockhouse preserve the original materials. The Sicilian Region featuring a fortified watchtower. The name of the castle spearheaded the castle renovation project which cost derives from the Arabic words Aian as iafaiat which about eight million Euro and lasted six years. About 20 mean “spring of health.” Historians believe that this name refers to a spring, located in the neighborhoods of the castle, from which wholesome water still spouts today. Over the centuries, the name of the castle was corrupted into Donnafugata which in English translates to “woman who escaped.” According to tradition, this name is linked to a legend that tells of the daring flight of Queen Bianca of Navarra from the castle in 1412. Bianca was appointed as the regent Queen of Sicily after the death of her husband King Martino I in 1410. According to the tale, Count Bernardo Cabrera, an old powerful and ambitious noble from Ragusa asked Bianca to marry him to not only give him a young wife but would also make him the king of Sicily. To his dismay, Bianca refused the proposal. The angered Cabrera, who had a private army, had her arrested and At the castle you can visit about 20 richly decorated and furnished rooms and enjoy a locked up inside the Donnafugata Castle. Allegedly, fascinating collection of period costumes. (Photo by Luigi Strano) "Italian News" cont’d on Page 11 8 The Signature August 7 2020 9

Mental Health Matters Onboard NAS Sigonella By MCSN Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs hen it comes to mental health for service members, is another mental health provider on base. It provides civilians, and their families, Naval Air Station psychology services, psychiatric services and Substance SigonellaW has many available resources. . Abuse Rehabilitation Programs (SARP). They assist with The Fleet and Family Service Center, the mental health therapy, treatment, and evaluations for things like anxiety, clinic at the U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, and the NAS depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive- Sigonella chaplains are all here to provide such resources. compulsive disorder, drug and alcohol abuse or dependence, Mental health is one of the key components in a healthy and medication management. life. It goes hand in hand with physical health, and research “We start with 90 min assessments discussing current shows that a strong mental health lowers the levels of cortisol, symptoms, past treatments and experiences, medical the stress hormone, which bolsters the immune system. conditions, health history and plan of treatment,” said If you ever hit a low and need someone to just listen and Mental Health and SARP Department Head Lieutenant maybe provide some friendly guidance, meeting with a Commander Chai Wu. “Treatment pace and content is chaplain is always a good choice. usually patient driven. Medication and therapy are the “When I sit down to meet with a person, I let them lead primary modalities of treatment. them guide the conversation to what they want to talk about,” For people who want to work on their mental health on said Chaplain Lt. Ryan Albano. “I often ask guided questions their own, Wu has some suggestions. “Optimize sleep, diet to help identify underlying issues, supportive relationships, and exercise,” said Wu. “Meditation and mental health apps and tangible actions they can start doing that same day.” like Headspace or CBT are good for anxiety and insomnia.” Chaplains can also help with grief and loss. “Our approach Mental health resources are still available amid the is to listen with compassion and walk through the grief COVID-19 pandemic. If you are unable to make it to the process with our people and help them heal,” said Chaplain mental health providers or counselors, there are easy Lieutenant Commander Steven Hervey. “This includes options to communicate without face to face conversation. education on the grief cycle, working together on coping For example, FFSC offers teleconference appointments, and skills for dealing with difficult emotions, providing a 100% the chaplains offer dialogue through email or a HIPAA- confidential place to vent and process, and simply listen at compliant virtual platform. times when others may not.” Although mental health providers onboard NAS Sigonella The chaplains are committed to confidentiality. Albano have changed the way they provide their service, they still added, “Anything you share with us stays with us.” give the same quality of assistance. The Fleet and Family Service Center provides brief, non- “COVID-19 has created new challenges for service medical counseling for individuals, couples, and families members and their families,” said Chaplain Albano. “I often that address defined problem areas. tell my boys that they are living through historical times as “FFSC provides individual, including child from age five nothing like this has happened for almost 100 years.” and up, couples and family counseling,” said John Ferreira, If you feel like you need extra support during uncertain NAS Sigonella’s Family Advocacy Representative. “Our role times you can contact any of these services and they will is to provide brief solution focused counseling.” help you in your time of need. “There are a wide variety of issues that bring people to ”Regardless of faith or no faith, race, gender, gender counseling,” said Ferreira. “For example, we assist people identity or sexual orientation,” said Albano. “I care about you with issues that include adjustment (such as coming to Sig), and would love to support you in any way I can!” Military a death, COVID or another significant stressor in their life.” personnel have always had to take care of their health Some other issues that can be discussed in counseling include physically, but mental health is equally essential to mission marital concerns, conflict with supervisor or coworker, co- success. If a service member is struggling mentally, NASSIG parenting, family issues or issues children commonly face. can provide the necessary care to support them and others The mental health clinic at the NAS Sigonella Hospital in our community. 10 The Signature August 7 2020 11 Commander, Task Force 67 Changes Hands in Sigonella By Lt. Erik D Arstein and Lt. Ryan E Miller , Commander Task Force 67 apt. Tim Thompson relieved Capt. William “I’m committed to continuing the momentum created CPennington Jr. as commander of CTF 67 and by Commodore Pennington and setting the conditions for commander, Fleet Air Sigonella during a ceremony presided our deployed squadrons and aircrew to excel on station in by Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F). support of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Black recognized Pennington’s accomplishments and and U.S. 6th Fleet,” said Thompson. presented him with a Legion of Merit. During his time in Sigonella, Pennington worked toward “Commodore Pennington’s depth and breadth of strengthening the C6F operational and partnership goals knowledge are unsurpassed,” said Black. “He is an invaluable in Europe and Africa. Under his command, CTF 67 leader in the maritime patrol community and our Navy.” executed numerous operational missions including the first Along with thanking Pennington for his hard work while P-8A Poseidon aircraft detachments in Bulgaria, Finland, in Sigonella, Black also expressed his excitement of having and Georgia. Along with supporting the U.S. European Thompson in the C6F area of operations. Command, CTF 67 also operated under U.S. Africa “And to your relief, Capt. Tim Thompson, it is great to Command in countries such as Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, have you on the team,” said Black. “I know you will apply Morocco, and Tunisia. your vast experience and training as you command CTF Additionally, P-8A aircraft took part in over 53 multi- 67.” national exercises, executed armed flight operations, Pennington’s outgoing speech highlighted the team’s and conducted aerial re-fueling throughout the region in accomplishments during his tenure. He also spoke about support of allies and partners. CTF 67’s continued high quality work and expectations for Pennington’s next assignment will be to the Pentagon, the future. where he will work on the Office of the Chief of Naval “The most impressive thing is how the team goes about Operations’ staff. their business,” said Pennington. “This culture of excellence CTF 67 is responsible for command and tactical control doesn’t just happen; it takes work.” of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons After Thompson assumed command, he thanked throughout the European and African areas of responsibility. Pennington for his contributions to naval aviation and U.S. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces forces in Europe and Africa. Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.c6f.navy.mil. 10 The Signature August 7 2020 11 "BZ" cont’d from Page 3 housing director, Peter Faulk at any time. Comment Regarding Marinai Maintenance: Bravo Zulu This is in regards to the Tim internet services in Marinai. This BZ to Housing: is the 2nd time my internet has gone out and my TIM box has an The HSC has been one of the most positive experiences I’ve error light that cannot be cleared by reset or power off. Both times encountered in my time in the Navy! Mr. Faulk and his team are it happened on a Friday at 1500. I called the help desk and was told extremely professional and are top-notch in customer service and that nothing can be done until Monday. Not only is this a major trying to help Sailors such as myself. I’d like to personally thank Mr. inconvenience but it is also significant QOL issue here in Marinai. Faulk, Carmelo, Rosario, Eleonora, and especially Antonella - she Please get someone to either improve the infrastructure, be on repair especially has helped in housing process as my counselor. Thank duty over the weekend, or allow other companies to provide internet you again for such an amazing experience in my first overseas tour at a more reliable factor and reasonable cost. and helping me navigate through the process! It means everything Response to my family and me! We received a comment regarding internet service on Marinai. We recognize that the internet is an inescapable part of all of our BZ to Housing: Ms. Kathleen Seymour and her team’s customer service was lives and consistent service is a necessity for work and quality of the best! She’s very responsive with all our inquiries, questions, life. As such, we continue to advocate on your behalf to both TIM and concerns and always provided positive/firm response. Very and Pizarotti for improved service on Marinai. For example, we are professional and polite with her communications with us before working with Pizarotti to replace the copper wire connection inside and during our move into Marinai Community Housing. Made our the houses. move smooth and easy. She went far and beyond to assist! BZ! Thank you for sharing your concern with us. Although NAS Sigonella does not directly control internet service for Marinai, we BZ to the NEX: will continue to work with the NEX to serve as a conduit to provide Stefania at the NEX dry cleaning/business center has a liaison between residents and TIM to help facilitate paying of bills 10/10 customer service! Through multiple transactions involving and scheduling of service and repairs. large amounts of linens she was always very cheerful, attentive, As a short term solution, the NEX can help with hardware concerns. patient, and overall just made the whole experience very positive! Once you have attempted to restart your router and checked any BZ to Post Office issues with uninterrupted power supplies, you can call the helpdesk Kristin Ceresola is a true professional and such a kind person. at 095-784-9191 from Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 18:00. She is a wonderful example of what customer service should be. Big Another alternative solution may be to obtain a wireless hotspot thanks to her for always greeting us with a smile and going above from your cell provider. Though this will not be a quick fix, we hope and beyond for the customers! it will improve service in the future.

"Italian News" cont’d from Page 8 rooms are now open to the public for visits. grotto and a small neoclassic building that one served as After you enter the castle, the tour begins with a a coffee and teahouse. staircase made of black pitchstone that is typical of the While you tour the castle, you may run into a number Ragusa area. The tour continues through several richly of fans of the internationally popular “Inspector decorated and furnished rooms such as the Women Hall, Montalbano” television series, based on the detective the Library, the Smokers Hall, Music Hall, the Pool Hall, novels of Sicilian author Andrea Camilleri, who died and the Queen’s bedroom where, according to legend, last year at the age of 93. The Donnafugata Castle is Bianca lived during her imprisonment. The red-velvet one of the filming locations of the popular Montalbano Bishop Hall (where the local bishop used to spend his series, which has been translated into 32 languages with vacations) and the medieval-styled Coat of Arms Hall, more than 30 million copies sold across the globe. Many including armors, are also worth seeing. The castle also of these novels are available in English translation at the contains a small picture gallery. MWR Sigonella library. The real highlight of the fortress is the sumptuous The Castle is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 Mirror Hall where aristocratic society would gather to a.m. 7 p.m. The cost of a ticket is six euros. Admission enjoy performances and concerts. Today you will see is free for children under six years old, disabled people it features an elegant grand piano and richly decorated with their caregivers, tourist guides, tour operators and mirrors. The museum inside the castle features an scholars. There is a reduced fee of three euros fees for extensive collection of period clothes. adults 65 and over people and for students between 18 Outside, the castle showcases a remarkable loggia in and 26 years. Venetian-Gothic style. As you leave the castle, you will For more information send a mail message to castello. find a park that is worth the walk even though it has not [email protected] or call yet been renovated. It contains a stone maze, an artificial 093-267-6500. MWR LIBRARY Bookmark Design Contest

We're challenging aspiring artists to create a bookmark AUGUST inspired by elements from their favorite book. Winning designs will be printed and distributed at the library! Pick up your entry form at the library and return it by August 27th for a chance to win. 3-27 Bookmark entries will be on display August 28th – September 3rd for public voting