Vol. 37 No. 12 July 24, 2020
SIGONELLA NAVY ORTHODONTIST HONORED MEET THE POLISH WITH VIRDIMURA AWARD MILITARY CONTINGENT pages 6 & 7 CAMPING IN THE SICILIAN OUTDOORS 2 The Signature July 24, 2020 3 Direct Line NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard eam Sigonella, T Today, I want to try and open the discussion on a topic that can be uncomfortable to talk about, but is absolutely essential that we address: race and racism in America. Although we have not been able to host a traditional all hands call due to physical distancing requirements, I intend to use every available communication channel to let you know where I stand on racism, to enable healing conversations on race, and to raise racism awareness here at NAS Sigonella. If you think that racism doesn’t exist today or that it isn’t a problem, it’s time to take a seat, listen and learn about the experiences of your fellow shipmates, because I can tell you, unfortunately, racism is still alive and well, even in 2020. Overcoming racism and raising racism awareness is an issue, much like the scourge of sexual assault, that will require continued dialogue and active participation from each of us. However, for many of us, it is also a time to listen first and to seek to understand people’s experiences that may be different from our own. Our nation and society have thrived due to the efforts of an incredibly diverse array of people from all walks of life. And it is a fact that diversity is one of our greatest strengths and significantly contributes to what truly continue, as the Constitution says, “to form a makes our country, our military and our Navy more perfect union.” exceptional. As the COVID pandemic has altered our Throughout our discussion on racism, we normal routines and patterns of life, 2020 has must celebrate and embrace our diversity, but been a year full of unexpected twists and turns. we will also recognize and reinforce those In my discussions with many of you, I have things that bind us together as Americans, as also heard and understand how emotionally citizens, and as members of the military. While painful it can be to see the tumult at home and our nation may have been founded by imperfect how it directly impacts friends and families. men, the indelible ideas that they presented Yet, day in and day out, I am proud to see our to the world created the foundations of our Sigonella community work together and display freedom and Republic. The ideals enshrined flexibility and resiliency as we navigate these in the Constitution remain the bedrock of our challenges together. democracy and a shining beacon of what we It is up to all of us to confront racism aspire to be. We have all sworn to protect wherever we find it. I assure you that the NAS and defend those ideals, even with our lives, Sigonella leadership is united against racism if required. I firmly believe in our ability to and absolutely committed to celebrating the dismantle racism wherever we find it, and to varied and diverse cultures within our society. 2 The Signature July 24, 2020 3
Cover photo is a digital illustration with image of Polish Military Contingent aboard NAS Sigonella InteractiveInteractive CustomerCustomer EvaluationEvaluation added. Comments Regarding Holiday We look forward to providing you with the THE SIGNATURE Closures: best service we can. As a member of the Sigonella community Comments Gym Cleaning Crews: U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA since 1987, I have never used or complained Since going back to the gym on NAS1 about anything that was done at Sigonella. this past week, I have witnessed, on multiple Commanding Officer But with the Commissary being closed occasions, the cleaning crew in the men’s Capt. Kevin Pickard now on Italian Holidays (too); I feel we locker room wearing no masks. It is very veterans and members of service and private concerning that they will be cleaning the Executive Officer contractors are all being wronged! In the last building but not wearing a mask to prevent Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran three decades there have been challenges the spread of possible contaminates to that the Base and Commissary have always what I am assuming is a good portion of the Command Master Chief overcome. But now, because of covid-19, building. CMDCM Nancy Estrada I feel that the decisions are not warranting Response: EDITORIAL the proper resolve. Before covid-19 the Thank you for your feedback. Just like all Commissary was always open, and only patrons of the gym, the cleaning crew should Public Affairs Officer Lt. Karl Schonberg closed during American National Holiday’s be wearing masks. If you see someone not [email protected] and festivals like Thanksgiving, etc. But now, following this directive, do not hesitate to our Commissary employees here at Sigonella report the issue to desk staff. They have Assistant Public Affairs Officer are also being allowed to have off more and Megan Mills the responsibility to ensure that people are [email protected] more Italian holiday’s too. I am now seeing wearing appropriate personal protective Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer the Commissary being allowed to close for equipment while inside the gym facilities. MC1 Kegan Kay more and more holidays, e.g., American and Comments Regarding Stray Cats [email protected] Italian holidays. How does this benefit the on Marinai: Sigonella community? Now the Commissary Community Relations Officer We have received multiple comments Dott. Alberto Lunetta is being allowed to be closed twice as much about residents feeding stray cats in Marinai. [email protected] as they were in comparison to previous This is a friendly reminder that all pets decades. How does this benefit the Sigonella on Marinai should either be kept indoors PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers community, as the Italian stores are also or within fences. In addition, we remind MC2 Joshua Coté closed on Italian Holiday’s. Maybe we should everyone that it is base policy to not feed [email protected] look at this inconvenience a little bit better, stray animals. According to NAS Sigonella’s or higher/use American employees only? MCSA Triniti Lersch General Order Number 1, “it is strictly [email protected] Response: forbidden to feed or encourage the presence Thank you for sharing your perspective. of any stray animals aboard any property in CONTACT US The precautions taken due to COVID-19 the AOR of U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella, Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily [email protected] have created unparalleled challenges for to include but not limited to NAS 1, NAS DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 everyone, including us here at NAS Sigonella. II, Navy Munitions Compound, Niscemi, PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 Formal Navy policy was to align as closely as and Marinai Housing.” Lastly, violating this possible to host nation policy. Therefore, order may result in administrative or punitive our policies were directed by higher Navy action. This newspaper is an authorized publication authority and directly informed by Italian for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The Signature are not necessarily decrees designed to mitigate the spread of Bravo Zulu the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. COVID-19 at the local level. Since Italian Government, the Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. decree mandated closures of grocery stores BZ to PSD: Everything was great. A special thanks during Italian holidays, we followed suit. Editorial submissions are welcomed from Additionally, the Sicilian decree required all to Mr. Reinaldo for his great attitude and all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, assistance in helping us out today. divisions and tenant commands. Editorial shops to be closed on Sundays. In response, submissions should be sent to the Public the commissary added hours on Mondays BZ to the NEX: Affairs Office via [email protected]. All articles submitted by non-staff members will to continue to serve our community during Anna is such a wonderful person. She is be considered contributing writers. this crisis. As the decrees have continued to professional, so helpful and always puts you change, so have the hours of the Commissary. "BZ" cont’d on page 11 4 The Signature July 24, 2020 5
Name: Santo Urzi Command: Public Works Department: HVAC
By MCSA Triniti Lersch, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs ur everyday operations of 75 degrees Fahrenheit or less is very wide, so I assign the jobs Oonboard Naval Air Station during the summer and winter to my collaborators according to Sigonella would simply not be to provide the Sailors with a their professional knowledge,” possible without the incredible highest-quality of life possible. said Urzi. contribution of our valued local His shop is required to work Urzi enjoys working with the national employees. on all the equipment and find military as he continually meets One critical local national the solutions to all the possible people who desire to improve employee is Santo Urzi, from problems that they may have. themselves. He also said that he downtown Catania, who started “Every day I come in at 0700 meets smart people from different working here as a blue-collar in the morning, receive work cultures, and he enjoys being worker in 1993. In 2018, he was orders, approve the work orders,” able to transfer his knowledge. selected as the supervisor of said Urzi. “I then send the work But work is not his only focus. the Heating Ventilation and Air orders out to the technician to “I like animals,” replied Urzi Conditioning (HVAC) shop in go out on the field and fix the when asked about his life outside the Public Works Department. problems around the base.” of work. “I have cats, dogs, and a “We work on air conditioning, One of the many challenge that horse. I also like spend time with boiler, and air compressor Urzi faces is understanding the my family and to ride my horse” systems for all Naval Air Station temperaments and knowledge Urzi’s favorite part of Sicily is Sigonella bases,” said Urzi. of the 17 local nationals and the beach, but he finds beauty in The entire shop repairs air six military members in his Sicily wherever he looks. Urzi conditioning and heating shop. That understanding is has traveled to Brazil, Egypt, systems, refrigerators and air necessary to correctly assign Paris and London. compressors on NAS 1, NAS 2, them jobs within their individual “Brazil was my favorite to visit, Niscemi, and Marinai. They seek capabilities. I also love London and Paris,” to maintain room temperatures “The field on which we operate finished Urzi. 4 The Signature July 24, 2020 5 Third NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Aircraft Arrives at Sigonella By NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Public Affairs Office n July 15, 2020 the third remotely piloted Oaircraft of NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Programme arrived at its new homebase in Sigonella, Italy. It landed safely after a flight of 20 hours, taking off on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 from Edwards Air Force Base in California, USA. The landing marks yet another milestone for NATO on its way to acquiring a total of five RQ-4D remotely piloted aircraft aircrafts, referred to as “Phoenix,” all to be based at Sigonella. “The Ferry Flight of aircraft NATO-03 from California to Sicily is a significant milestone in the Alliance Ground Photo by Dion Houston Surveillance procurement Programme,” Brigadier Italy was entirely controlled by pilots at the Alliance General Volker Samanns, the General Manager of the Ground Surveillance Force’s Main Operating Base in NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Agency said. Sigonella, in the same manner as the ferry flight of the “Having now three Phoenix aircraft in Sigonella gives first and second aircraft at the end of 2019. The aircraft the NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Management is now scheduled to undergo a system level performance Agency more flexibility in working test and verification verification phase before being officially handed over to issues by simultaneously providing the equipment for the Force. familiarization and training”, he added. Once all five aircraft have arrived in Italy by the end Brigadier General Houston Cantwell, who took over of 2020, NATO’s collectively owned and operated Command of NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance Alliance Ground Surveillance system will provide a Force one week just prior to the landing, was on site to unique state-of-the-art capability procured by 15 Allies witness the landing himself. “This is a great debut for me. and shared with all 30 Alliance members. It is impressive to see the landing of the third Phoenix The entire Alliance Ground Surveillance system live,” he said. “This is another important milestone on is a custom-made system uniquely adapted to NATO our way to establishing a leading-edge Intelligence requirements and specifically designed to meet Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability for all the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance NATO Allies,” he stated. requirements identified by the North Atlantic Council This latest crossing of the Atlantic from California to and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Photo by Falk Plankenhorn 6 The Signature July 24, 2020 7
Meet the Polish Military Contingent of Sigonella
Story by MC1 Kegan Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs hether you are shopping at the commissary or planned invasion of Charleston, but during the attack he WNavy Exchange, staying at Navy Gateway Inns was wounded by grapeshot. Pułaski died on October 11 and Suites, or waiting in line at the galley, you may be aboard a ship transporting him to a hospital in Charleston. surprised by a number of Polish troops walking around He was the only foreign general to be killed in action our community. You may think to yourself, “Oh they during the war. must be assigned to NATO AGS,” but the fact of the Today, the legacy of this relationship continues with matter is that they are a standalone Polish Military our support to the PMC onboard NAS Sigonella. The Contingent (PMC). contingent’s mission is to help support the European NAS Sigonella plays the ever important role of Union Navy Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFORMED) nurturing the American-Polish relationship by supporting Operation IRINI, whose primary task is the the detachment with our base services. implementation of the arms embargo imposed by the The American-Polish relationship actually dates back United Nations Security Council. to the American Revolutionary War. Two renowned The PMC was first established in January 2018 Polish fighters, Tadeusz Kościuszko and Kazimierz to Sigonella from the 44th Naval Aviation Base in Pułaski, aided America against the British during the Siemirowice, Poland. American Revolution. The second shift of the PMC for IRINI arrived at Naval Kościuszko was an army officer and military engineer Air Station Sigonella in late May and underwent the who was assigned to the army of Gen. Horatio Gates two-week quarantine restriction of movement process as at Fort Ticonderoga in northern New York. His strategic part of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus procedures and are mindset aided the Americans in fortifying strategic scheduled to stay until December. points such as Philadelphia and later the Hudson River, One standout soldier of the Polish Contingent is “Jay which contributed to the victory at Saratoga. Jay,” or JJ, who serves as the contingent’s liaison officer Kościuszko went back to Poland to help his home and handles logistics such as accommodation, meals and country seeking partition and led Polish forces against transportation. the 1792 invasion of Catherine the Great’s Russian “The core of our contingent constitutes of Naval armies. He was ultimately wounded and taken prisoner, Aviation Brigade from Gdynia and logistic sub-unit but at the death of Catherine the Great in 1796, he was based on 10th Logistic Brigade from Opole,” said JJ. pardoned by her successor and immigrated to the United To assist with EUNAVFORMED mission, the PMC States. uses the M28B 1R “Bryza” patrol and reconnaissance Pułaski was a Polish nobleman, solider and military plane to conduct missions over the sea. commander. After being exiled from Poland, Pułaski “We have all the necessary staff to function as a military came to the United States with a letter of recommendation unit abroad,” said JJ about the contingent, which includes from Benjamin Franklin to George Washington. In a public affairs officer, legal officer and even a priest. September 1777, he saved George Washington’s life With the restrictions in place due to coronavirus, the during the battle of Brandywine River. contingent focuses on their physical fitness during their In a letter to George Washington, Pułaski said, “I came downtime. here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and Members from the contingent can often be see around to live or die for it.” base participating in social distanced group fitness Due to his renowned courage in battle, Congress activities such as the color run at the Red, White and appointed him commander of Light Dragoons with Boom festival hosted by NAS Sigonella’s Morale, the rank of Major General. In a year’s time, Pułaski Welfare and Recreation on July 4th. transformed four regiments to become the most powerful “When you see us around, feel free to come over and cavalry formation in the Revolution War. On October say hi or exchange flags or patches if you wish,” invited 9, 1779, he led the cavalry against the British in their JJ. 6 The Signature July 24, 2020 7 8 The Signature July 24, 2020 9
Sigonella Navy Orthodontist Honored with International Virdimura Award By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs ew people probably know about FVirdimura, a Jewish woman from Sicily during the Middle Ages who made history as the first licensed doctor in the world. However, she now shares a powerful connection to NAS Sigonella. Virdimura stood up for a woman’s right to be a professional physician in a world where women were not allowed to practice as doctors. She was intelligent, skilled and very generous. She was trained by her husband who was a surgeon from Catania and eventually, in 1376, was granted the license to practice medicine throughout the state by the Sicilian royal court, therefore Cmdr. Corinne Devin, NASSIG COMREL Director Alberto Lunetta and the members International becoming the first ever licensed doctor in the Virdimura Award organizing committee pose for a photo during the presentation of the award at the Mercure Hotel in Catania, July 22, 2020. The International Virdimura Awards is presented to individuals world. Instead of working for the nobles as in recognition of volunteering activity and contributions to the promotion of peace, social inclusion and many of her male colleagues did, Virdimura equality among people of the world. (Photo by Marcello Nicolosi) decided to support disabled, poor and the of the Sanitary Art) and was patronized by the Italian needy people. In other words, she embodied women’s Ministry of Education and University (MIUR) and the rights and emancipation as well as the qualities of a true Società Italiana di Storia della Medicina e di Bioetica generous volunteer. Today, her legacy lives on through the (Italian Society of the History of Medicine and Bioethics). work of thousands of women who make a difference in Over the years, other Virdimura Award recipients have many communities where access to healthcare is limited. included President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca In 2013, Catania-based doctor, writer, poet and professor and other individuals who have promoted the values of Cristina Tornali and her husband Ignazio Vecchio, a solidarity, dialogue, peace and understanding among neurologist and professor of History of Medicine at cultures in the Mediterranean area. the University of Catania, created the “International On July 22, Cmdr. Corinne Devin, a passionate and Virdimura Award” to honor healthcare professionals dedicated Sigonella Naval Hospital Navy orthodontist, and philanthropists who have distinguished themselves was the recipient of this year’s Virdimura Award. The through excellence, volunteering and contributions to ceremony took place at the Mercure Hotel in Catania and intercultural education and the promotion of peace and was attended by a group of Catania University medical equality among people of the world. school students and local professionals from different In particular, this award is aimed at promoting gender sectors, including entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, equality, social inclusion and the advancement of magistrates and the honorary consuls of Greece and women in the fields of education, health and work while Azerbaijan. simultaneously fighting discrimination and social prejudice In attendance on behalf of NAS Sigonella was a against people with disabilities and minorities. The award delegation from the Naval Hospital, led by Lt. Deanna is also focused on raising awareness and tackling violence Ciaccia, the Hospital COMREL representative, and a against women, especially by their partners or spouses. group of Marines and sailors from SPMAGTF-CR-AF The Virdimura award is sponsored by the following 20.2 who were accompanied by Chaplain Mike Wise. organizations: AIN, (Associazione Italiana per Tornali said the annual award ceremony showcases the Neurodisabili (Italian Neurodisability Association), outstanding achievements of inspirational women who, Centro Siciliano dell’Accademia di Storia dell’Arte like Devin, work hard, give back to society and inspire Sanitaria (Sicilian Center of the Academy for the History "Italian News" cont’d on Page 11 8 The Signature July 24, 2020 9 CAMPING IN THE SICILIAN OUTDOORS Photos and Story by MC2 Josh Coté, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs s restrictions easy in Sicily, it is time to get out the bungalows, which were separate from the actual and see what Sicily has to offer. If you enjoy the campsites. The only potential downside of the bungalow outdoors,A one way of doing that is to try camping at a was a slightly longer walk to the beach, but still not too lido around the island. far. Many of the lidos give you the option of staying in one If you want enjoy the camping experience but don’t of their bungalows, or, if you want the more traditional own any of the necessary equipment, don’t worry as it camping experience, you can reserve a space to set a is all available to rent from MWR Outdoor Recreation tent or even park a camper if you have one. office on NAS I. If you need an item to camp, chances Missing the outdoors myself, I decided to give camping are that they have it. For example, they have three a try. Finding a place to stay is as easy as a quick Google different size tents from two to six person tents. All the search, followed up by direct message to your pick. If equipment is available at an affordable price as well. The you can speak some Italian, it’s even easier if you call. six person tent for the weekend is only ten dollars. If I chose Lido Camping Paradise in Letojanni. It is you decide to rent equipment, it would most likely cost about a five minute drive off of the Taormina exit on less than $50 get enough gear for two people camp for the E45. Every campsite sits next to the beach; the water the weekend. Camping isn’t the only outdoor activity was quick walk away down a path from my campsite. they can assist you in. The campground was very clean and well kept. You can If you wanted to fish while you are out in nature, bring your own grill and food to cook if you want. There MWR Outdoor Recreation also has you covered. You is also an onsite restaurant that opens for breakfast, can rent fishing rods and a tackle box for under $20, lunch and dinner. and if you want to get out in the deeper water, they also The same is true for lots of lidos, and some have even rent kayaks and life jackets for $25 for the weekend. more amenities. Most of the lidos are pet friendly, so Renting everything from them is less than the price of there is no need to hire a pet sitter. If you don’t like going out and purchasing a new tent that you may only swimming in salt water, in many cases they also have use once. pools and an array of activities to entertain the kids. Even though it rained on my camping excursion, my Lido Camping Paradise had a very well-kept beach, dog Grizzly and I still enjoyed waking up and walking and you could also get the section with the chairs and right down to the beach. If you need help planning your the umbrellas. If you want a little bit more privacy own camping trip, don’t hesitate to contact MWR at but still want a mini vacation, I would recommend DSN 624-4777 or 095-56-4777. 10 The Signature July 24, 2020 11
MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 23, 2020) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) as seen from the window of a P-8A Poseidon multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP), April 23. The ships and aircraft are forward deployed to U.S. 6th Fleet. VP-4 is assigned to Commander, Task Force 67, responsible for tactical control of deployed maritime patrol and reconnaissance squadrons throughout Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cote) VP-47 Participates in Exercise Sea Breeze 2020 From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs ailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 47, alongside The eight nations participating in Sea Breeze 2020 are Smaritime forces from eight nations, are participating in Bulgaria, Georgia, Norway, Romania, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, the 20th iteration of the Ukrainian-U.S. co-hosted multinational and the United States. training exercise Sea Breeze in the Black Sea. “Sea Breeze challenges us to hone our skills in real time Sea Breeze 2020 is taking place from July 20-July 26 operations,” said Lt. j. g. Joel Davis, assigned to VP-47. “The and focuses on multiple warfare areas including maritime events are dynamic, requiring both operational and tactical interdiction operations, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, decision making that not only furthers our own training, but damage control, and search and rescue operations. improves the standing relationships with our allies.” “Every participant involved in the exercise is professional, U.S. participation includes one P-8A Poseidon from VP- efficient, and responsible,” said Lt. j. g. Hannah Hughes, a 47 and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Navy pilot assigned to VP-47. “We will all acquire new skills, Porter (DDG 78). Total service member participation from the experience and knowledge because of Sea Breeze.” U.S. is approximately 400 Sailors. The exercise is an annual event designed to enhance VP-47 is currently assigned to commander, Task Force (CTF) interoperability amongst participating nations and strengthen 67 and is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. regional security. Beginning in 1997, the exercise brings Black CTF 67 is composed of land-based maritime patrol aircraft that Sea nations together to train and operate with NATO members operate over the waters of the Mediterranean in anti-submarine in the pursuit of building increased capability. reconnaissance, surveillance, and mining roles. “Sea Breeze serves to build a rock-solid foundation of U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the partnership in the Black Sea,” Vice Adm. Gene Black, full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, said during the opening day press with joint, allied, and interagency partners in order to advance conference. “Our ships, aircraft, and personnel train together U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and unified in our goal of maritime security and stability.” Africa. Donate now through July 31, 2020 online at https://fedsfeedfamilies.ocio.usda.gov 10 The Signature July 24, 2020 11 "BZ" cont’d from Page 3 in a good mood. Top of the line customer service! questions. Very professional! Thank you for the opportunity to BZ to MVRO put in this comment. I recently received correspondence from MVRO regarding BZ to MVRO updating of my auto insurance for the purposes of renewing I’d like to give a BZ to MVRO. The new process for paying road my gas card, and with one phone call and an email, I was able taxes is fantastic. I work on NAS 1, and I didn’t have to take a chunk to submit. Very easy. I did get a second reminder after I had out of my day to drive to NAS 2. The clerk who took care of me, already submitted, so not sure why that happened. However, MA2 Dodson, was extremely responsive, and the whole process when I replied to confirm MA2 Heather Dodson was extremely was completed in about 30 minutes. Airman Young and Petty helpful and prompt with replying with the information I needed. Officer Taylor were also very helpful when I called for information I just wanted to submit that I appreciated her answering all of my last week. This is what great customer service looks like.
"Italian News" cont’d from Page 8 were excited to have her as a guest teacher since they hadn’t had any visiting professors for several months. “I was humbled by how quickly the children learned despite the cultural and language difference. In a world completely different than my own, no barrier could stop my ability to impact,” Devin said. At the end of the ceremony, Devin expressed her sincere gratitude to the organizers and addressed the medical students by saying, “I believe that being well rounded in a multitude of areas can inspire, motivate and place the seed of determination into our youth and their peers.” Devin was born overseas and lived in six different military bases while her father, Cmdr. (retired) Robert F. Devin, served in the Dental Corps. She comes from nine generations of SPMAGTF-CR-AF 20.2 Sigonella Marines and Sailors are presented with a distinguished Naval family, and her father a thank-you volunteer award for their community relations efforts during the inspired her to pursue a career in the United States ceremony for the International Virdimura award held in Catania , July 22, 2020. Navy. She deployed in support of Operation Iraqi (Photo by Marcello Nicolosi) Freedom in 2009 to Al Asad, Iraq and has enjoyed traveling to over 50 countries in Europe, Middle and motivate other young women across the globe to East and Asia. pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and While in residency she competed and won the title Ms. mathematics) education and careers. Texas. She went on to win Ms. United States 2012, Ms. Devin, who will end her Sigonella tour in the Galaxy 2014, Ms. Earth 2018 and now Ms. International fall, has made an impact on the relationship with the host 2020. These titles have allowed her to get involved with nation during her service in Sicily by volunteering her local communities and speak at elementary schools where time and talent and using her strengths as a compassionate she mentored young girls and showed them that they can communicator, public speaker and educator. Since 2018, be and do anything- from beauty queen to Navy officer to she has volunteered with the NASSIG Public Affairs orthodontist. She has continued to balance her two passions, Office for many community service initiatives, including serving as the keynote speaker at the STEM Conference STEM presentations at Sicilian schools and environmental to over 1,000 middle school girls for the Department of beach and park cleanups, which she conducted along with Defense in Japan. her hospital colleagues. Devin is the department head of dental specialties and During her tour in Sicily, besides the multiple COMRELs the sole orthodontist at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. She that she has supported in the island, she also spent one currently lives in Catania, Sicily, Italy and has a love for week in Azrou, Morocco educating 100 children ages three fitness, travel and pageantry. to five as part of a Cross Cultural Solutions project. Every During the ceremony, the Virdimura Award’s organizers day, she prepared a lesson in which she taught the children also awarded SPMAGTF-CR-AF 20.2 Marines and sailors a concept in English and then led a hands-on activity to for the community relations volunteer events that they help them learn it. The teachers, principal and children have been conducting in Sicily since the beginning of their deployment in the island. TravelingSICILY
COMMUNITY RECREATION
Marzamemi Boat Tour
SATURDAYS Depart: NAS II 7:30 am, Marinai 7:45 am, NAS I 8:00 am Return: 5:00 pm Ages: 8+ AUG 8, 22 & 29 Cost: $100 (Includes transportation, guide, gear and lunch. Bring euro for snacks)
Hike Rocca Novara Park (Nebrodi Mountains) SATURDAY Depart: NAS II 6:30 am, Marinai 6:45 am, NAS I 7:00 am Return: 6:30 pm Ages: 12+ AUG 1 Cost: $40 (Includes transportation and guide. Bring euro for food)
Hike Lamponi Cave
Depart: NAS II 8:00 am, Marinai 8:15 am, NAS I 8:30 am SUNDAY Return: 6:00 pm Ages: 16+ AUG 2 Cost: $45 (Includes transportation, guide, and lunch)