Vol. 36 No. 25 December 20, 2019

THE MODERN MAFIA and who is fighting it Story on page 6

MARINES TRAIN MOROCCAN SOLDIERS

SECNAV MEMO ON NAVAL INSTALLATION TRAGEDIES 2 The Signature December 20, 2019 3 Direct Line NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard uon Natale Sigonella! the addition of a new unmanned Can you believe the holiday capability when NATO AGS received season is already in full its first two RQ-4D aircraft. swing? Over the past week Our AMC passenger terminal Bor so, we have kicked off our on-base successfully processed more than celebrations with our annual “Sig’s 18,000 passengers, 26 million the Season” events. We have had two pounds of cargo, and serviced spectacular Christmas tree lightings thousands of transient aircraft. Our at Midtown and Marinai, a breakfast Fleet Logistics Center Site Sigonella with Santa, a Jingle Bell Jog, and processed millions of pieces of many other events. Kudos to MWR, mail for carrier strike groups USO, and our friends at Pizzarotti for and deployed units throughout making these events so memorable. the theater. Our port ops team It has truly been wonderful for Amy supported dozens of ship visits at and I to see so many of you getting the NATO pier in Augusta Bay. Our into the spirit of the season. Security department opened the The end of the year is traditionally new $13 million ECP on NAS II and a time spent in both reflection on demonstrated exceptional ability in countless senior government and our annual achievements and an scoring a 90% on the Commander military officials. Each of them opportunity to look forward to all Navy Installations Command Final has walked away with a distinctly of the good things to come in the Evaluation Problem in June. positive view on our operations New Year. Since taking command Our quality of life programs and praised your clearly visible in April, I have been humbled to continue to set the standard commitment to the mission. see the hard work, professionalism, throughout the region. Our Bella Your success wouldn’t be possible and dedication displayed on a daily Etna galley won back-to-back Ney without the effort you put in day basis from each and every service Awards for best ashore galley and in and day out. So as we look back members and civilian employee just finished the final round of on this past year, you and your who lives and works here. It is due inspection for consideration in this families have much to be proud of. to your efforts that this installation year’s Ney award. MWR has not No matter what your holiday plans runs both smoothly and effectively. rested on those laurels, overseeing are—whether you are traveling No matter your command, each of the completion of a $900,000 multi- home or relaxing in —please you plays a critical role in making year upgrade to our sports fields, and enjoy the well-deserved time with NAS Sigonella the indispensable once again hit the Red, White and your family, friends, and those “Hub of the Med.” I’d like to take Boom and AutumnFest events out of who matter most. You deserve it. a moment to reflect on the amazing the park! And throughout the year, I could proudly go on and on work that we have accomplished the entire Sigonella team supported regarding your accomplishments. together at Sigonella in 2019. over 200 community relations As we look forward to 2020, I ask As you all know, NAS Sigonella projects, continuing the tradition that you continue the hard charging continues to be a key aviation of fostering positive and impactful attitude you maintained in 2019. enabler for the entire region. As relations with our Sicilian hosts. On behalf of the Big XO, CDR a team, we executed over 18,000 The importance of our mission Moran, Command Master Chief operational and training sorties to national and Alliance strategy Estrada, and my family, we wish from land and carrier-based aircraft. is continually recognized at the you the happiest of holidays and And unique to our installation, highest levels. We have had a steady a wonderful New Year. I migliori we are the leader in unmanned stream of distinguished visitors, aerial systems. In fact, 2019 saw including three heads of state and auguri di Buon Natale e Felice 2020! 2 The Signature December 20, 2019 3 InteractiveInteractive CustomerCustomer EvaluationEvaluation Comment Regarding Housing: it is not what I ordered and ingredients THE SIGNATURE We have received several are missing. Customers should be complaints recently about power informed prior to paying for a good or U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA outages and surges at Marinai service, not after. This has happened family housing. Please allow us several times at different locations. The Commanding Officer to discuss the issue and what the staff does not offer a refund, either. Capt. Kevin Pickard installation is doing to minimize The NEX needs to fix these simple Executive Officer the inconveniences to residents. issues and work on quality control. Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Response: Response: Thank you for voicing your concerns Thank you for taking time to Command Master Chief about utilities in Marinai. As you have voice your concerns. We rely on CMDCM Nancy Estrada likely already experienced, power customer feedback to identify areas EDITORIAL supply is inconsistent throughout for improvement and appreciate the Public Affairs Officer Sicily. We sympathize with your feedback you provided. While food Lt. Karl Schonberg frustrations. Unfortunately, due to vendors sometimes experience delays [email protected] in receiving their supply shipments infrastructure challenges within the Assistant Public Affairs Officer Italian electricity distribution system, from the U.S., we expect vendors Janine Scianna [email protected] Pizzarotti and the U.S. government to notify customers at the time of have limited control over the quality ordering if there is a limited menu Community Relations Officer of power provided to our installations. or missing ingredients. We have Dott. Alberto Lunetta [email protected] Both Public Works and Pizzarotti reached out to all NEX food vendors continue to proactively and routinely to correct this problem going forward. PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers engage with the utility company in Unfortunately, while refunds cannot MC2 Joshua Coté an effort to advocate for upgrades be performed on the registers in [email protected] to the distribution system. For the food court, they can be processed at MR2 Kyle Drummond utilities infrastructure that is under our the customer service counter in the [email protected] control, we are working hard to ensure NEX store. For any future concerns, CONTACT US that its reliability and functionality please feel free to reach out directly Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily are above industry standards. to the NEX manager, Teresa Goley, at [email protected] DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 In order to mitigate the DSN 624-4278 / COMM 095-56- PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 inconsistencies in power supply and 4278 or [email protected]. protect your electronics, we encourage Comment Regarding Housing: residents in Marinai and in economy I have brought this issue up to my This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services housing to purchase uninterruptible chain of command multiple times. overseas. Contents of The Signature are power supply equipment. For future not necessarily the official views of, or There are mice in the Bldg. 170 endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the housing-related concerns, feel free barracks. They are in my room, and Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. to directly contact the Housing I know of multiple other people who Director, Peter Faulk, at peter. are having the same issue as well. Editorial submissions are welcomed from [email protected] or DSN 624- I did put in a work order to get it all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, divisions and tenant commands. Editorial 4070 / COMM 095-56-4070. addressed and I haven’t had any luck. submissions should be sent to the Public Affairs Office via [email protected]. All Comment Regarding Food Court: This is unsanitary and disgusting. articles submitted by non-staff members The NAS I food services are Response: will be considered contributing writers. disappointing. I have paid for items on Thank you ffor bringing your the menu and after receiving the food, concerns to our attention. Pests and "ICE" cont’d on Page 11 4 The Signature December 20, 2019 5

Sigonella’s SPMAGTF-CR-Africa 20.1

Helps Train Moroccan Armed Forces

Name: AT2 Alexandria Buck Department: AIMD Hometown: Glendale, Calif.

Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Hornet on the flight deck of an air school was pretty much too afraid Detachment is just one of many carrier to changing circuit cards or to join on his own, so he asked me tenant commands here at Naval Air tracing electrical wiring diagrams and I decided to help him out.” Station Sigonella. AIMD’s purpose in an air-conditioned shop. AIMD Sigonella is Buck’s first is to provide maintenance and repair Although her work is slowing in command, and she has been in the services of aeronautical components anticipation of transferring to a new Navy for a little over four years. and support equipment to naval forces duty station, Buck’s primary duties Soon she is transferring to Japan, throughout the African, European, here were calibrating torque wrenches where she will be joining Helicopter and southwest Asian regions. AIMD and conducting maintenance on Sea Combat Squadron 12 based itself is broken down into several electronics that the Navy’s patrol at Naval Air Facility Atsugi. departments, and in one of those shops squadron sends in. Buck also held a In her time here, Buck took is standout Sailor Aviation Electronics number of different collateral duties, advantage of the cheap and convenient Technician 2nd Class Alexandria including HAZMAT petty officer travel to explore Europe. She has Buck from Glendale, California. for her department and serving on traveled to Germany, London, The rate of Aviation Electronics the command resilience team. and all over Sicily. She also visited Technician was converted from “For me, my favorite part of my job is Ukraine and several other countries. Aviation Radio Technician in 1945, definitely my co-workers,” said Buck. Her two favorite places to visit so it has a long history in the Navy. “They make they day more fun and were Germany and Ukraine. ATs perform maintenance and interesting and just go by smoother.” Buck is working on her repairs on a wide range of aircraft Buck has a rather unusual story of associate’s degree in information electrical and electronic systems. how she ended up deciding to serve. technology and hopes to complete Repairs jobs can range from trouble- “I didn’t join the Navy for the normal her coursework soon. As for the shooting the computer-controlled reasons most people join for,” said future, Buck plans on pursuing a weapon system on an F/A-18 Buck. “One of my classmates in high 20-year Navy career if she can. 4 The Signature December 20, 2019 5

Sigonella’s SPMAGTF-CR-Africa 20.1

Helps Train Moroccan Armed Forces By 2nd Lt. Grace Jenkins SPMAGT-CR-AF 20.1 COMMSTRAT Officer Marines and Sailors with Special course preparation. The training also locating, accessing, identifying, Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task included practical application where rendering safe, neutralizing, Force-Crisis Response-Africa and students instructed their classmates in and disposing of ordnance. The U.S. Soldiers and Airmen of the the disposal of improvised explosive technicians are also screened Utah National Guard concluded devices. In addition to EOD-specific annually to validate their proficiency a joint bilateral training program activities, a U.S. Navy corpsman in EOD policies and procedures. in Morocco Dec. 13, 2019. After delivered tactical combat casualty While there is no permanent the two-week training program, care classes to build upon what was “footprint” of U.S. military forces U.S. service members graduated taught in previous engagements. in Morocco, they have had a long more than 50 Royal Moroccan HMA Program instructors plan to history of training with the Royal Armed Forces service members. return for advanced training sessions Moroccan Armed Forces. The training The program trained Moroccan in the spring of 2020. The intent of during HMA Morocco strengthens service members in humanitarian mine the spring period of instruction is to the development of joint leaders action explosive ordnance disposal supervise and pin the coveted EOD and teams who understand the level one instructor training in order badge on the new Moroccan Armed extraordinary capability brought to to increase the explosive ordnance Forces EOD level one instructors. the joint warfighter to integrate efforts disposal capability of the Moroccan U.S. instructors were all EOD across all layers of the battlespace. military. In other words, the program technicians and the training The Special Purpose Marine Air implemented a “train-the-trainer” delivered adhered to both U.S. and Ground Task Force – Crisis Response instruction program to develop the international safety regulations. U.S. – Africa is deployed to conduct Moroccans’ skills in order to train their Marine explosive ordnance disposal crisis-response and theater-security own personnel for future operations. technicians are all graduates of the operations in Africa and promote The curriculum covered a Naval School for Explosive Ordnance regional stability by conducting variety of topics such as teaching Disposal where they complete nine military-to-military training exercises techniques, public speaking, and months of rigorous training to include throughout Europe and Africa.

Moroccan service members receive training from SPMAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Brytani Musick)

Moroccan service members are trained by SPMAGTF in EOD instruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Grace Jenkins) 6 The Signature December 20, 2019 7 friendly, its orange and olive groves ), and from agriculture to all plentiful, and its history rich and economic sectors. In particular, the TODAY’S fascinating. But it’s hard not to secretly huge demand for construction after wonder: is the mafia still alive in Sicily? World War II clinched the mafia’s MODERN And do I have anything to worry about? hold over almost all aspects of the The mafia has deep roots in Sicilian economy. There was no violence, history. Its current form originated simply because the mafia controlled MAFIA after the unification of in 1861, everything. Without resistance, when Sicily was annexed to be part there was no need for aggression. By Janine Scianna of the new kingdom. Noblemen, who But in the 80s, everything changed. previously owned most of Sicilian Once totally subverted by mafiosos, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs land, turned over ownership to some members of the judicial system Being a little off the beaten path private farmers and allowed them began to combat organized crime. compared to mainland Italy, few to self-govern. Without real law Among the first, have visited Sicily before being enforcement, the environment was created the Antimafia Pool of stationed here. Perhaps your only ripe for collusion and led to the investigative judges who worked exposure to Sicilian culture was development of organized crime. together to share information and watching “The Godfather” or other After World War I, Sicily’s economy develop strategies to investigate and mobster movies. With little other pop was extremely depressed and many of prosecute mafiosos. Unsurprisingly, culture that depicts Sicily, it’s hard its people emigrated to other countries. Chinnici was assassinated by the not to associate the mafia with it. The lack of a healthy state created a mafia in 1983 for his bold efforts. Upon arriving, we learn quickly that vacuum for further rise in organized Judges and Paolo Sicily is actually very different from crime. Over time, activity spread from Borsellino continued the efforts of the stereotype—its people are overtly the countryside to cities (primarily Chinnici, including making being an accomplice to mafia crimes illegal activity itself. Their efforts led to the conviction of 338 mafia bosses in December 1987 after the famous . Subsequent appeals were aggressively fought by Falcone and Borsellino. Again showing its strength via violence, the mafia killed both judges in separate bombings in 1992. The media coverage of their assassinations was a formative and poignant memory for many Sicilians. “[Falcone and Borsellino] were two symbols of the fight against the mob,” said Nicola Grassi, president of the anti-mafia grassroots organization Associazione Antiestorsione Catanese Onlus – Libero Grassi (ASAEC). “It was a turning point in public opinion towards the mafia. There was a very strong anti-mob sentiment afterwards.” As part of the legislative response, Business owner Tony Ruperto hangs a banner outside his restaurant that an existing article of Italian law known indicates his refusal to pay the . (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna) as “41-bis” was modified to reduce 6 The Signature December 20, 2019 7

Sicilian judges Giovanni Falcone and were among those assasinated by mafiosos in the 1990s.

communications between imprisoned Several grassroots organizations Tony Ruperto, a pizza restaurant mafiosos and outside associates, like the ASAEC have formed to help owner in and a beneficiary weakening the chain of command. The business owners fight against the of the ASAEC’s efforts, encourages cumulative effects of the Antimafia mafia’s demands. ASAEC was formed Americans to be conscious of Pool’s efforts essentially forced the in 1991 after a business owner, what businesses they patronize. mob back underground, operating Libero Grassi, was killed by the “The customer has the power in stealth with few acts of violence. mafia for refusing to pay the pizzo. to choose,” said Ruperto. “If Yet, as Grassi attests, the mafia is The ASAEC serves as a liaison to you see a big, beautiful business, still a pervasive part of Sicily. There help owners report mafia demands ask yourself ‘Where does that continue to be corrupt politicians who and litigate against them in court, business get its large profits?’” allow state infiltration of mafiosos. and also acts as a safe haven and He advises that to create a better Today, the mafia has a firm grip on listening ear for those fearing mafia chance of supporting businesses that the drug trafficking and construction retaliation. With state funding, it don’t comply with mafia demands, like industries. It also collects the “pizzo,” can also assist with legal expenses. his, try to go to smaller businesses and which is a forced protection “tax” Today, Grassi says that the mafia is look for a special sticker advertising levied against Sicilian business winning the public relations battle. that they refuse to pay the pizzo. owners. Owners can choose to pay it People do not see violence and Ruperto also wants Americans to and avoid trouble, or refuse and risk think that mafia activity is subsiding. know that despite the stereotypes damage to their business or property. That is not the case, he warns. This depicted by movies like “The Luckily, no business owner who has perception enables the mafia to quietly Godfather,” most Sicilians are just reported pizzo demands to the police continue its exploits. But for Sigonella normal people living their lives. has ever been retaliated against. personnel and families, there is no “Our country does have some Still, Grassi estimates that 70% of specific concern; the mafia focuses problems. But it’s a beautiful place business owners pay the pizzo. solely on Sicilian-owned businesses. with beautiful people,” said Ruperto. 8 The Signature December 20, 2019 9 LA MAFIA MODERNA

I giudici Giovanni Falcone e Paolo Borsellino sono tra i servitori dello Stato uccisi dalla mafia negli anni 90.

(Janine Scianna) costituendo Regno d’Italia. I nobili, asservito fino a quel momento alla mafia, Ufficio Pubblica Informazione NAS Sigonella che in precedenza possedevano iniziarono a combattere il crimine vaste proprietà in Sicilia, cedettero organizzato. Tra i primi, il giudice Non trattandosi di una meta gettona- la proprietà ai gabellotti (affittuari) Rocco Chinnici costituì il pool di tissima rispetto al resto d’Italia, poche e permisero loro di autogovernarsi. magistrati investigativi Antimafia che si persone hanno avuto la possibilità di L’assenza dello Stato alimentò unirono per condividere informazioni e visitare la Sicilia prima di essere inviati l’humus che permise lo sviluppo sviluppare strategie volte ad indagare e in servizio nell’isola. Probabilmente, della criminalità organizzata. perseguire i mafiosi. Non sorprende che l’unico modo di entrare a contatto con la Dopo la prima guerra mondiale, Chinnici venne assassinato dalla mafia cultura siciliana è stato quello guardare l’economia siciliana era estremamente nel 1983 per il suo impegno antimafia. il film “Il Padrino” o altri film di ma- depressa e molte persone emigrarono I giudici Giovanni Falcone e fia. Non essendoci in giro molte altre in altri paesi. La mancanza di uno Stato Paolo Borsellino continuarono rappresentazioni dell’identità siciliana, sano creò un vuoto per l’ulteriore l’impegno antimafia di Chinnici, che è difficile non associare la mafia ad essa. aumento della criminalità organizzata. comprendeva anche l’introduzione Una volta arrivati in Sicilia, abbiamo Nel tempo, l’attività si diffuse dalle del reato di associazione mafiosa. subito capito che la Sicilia è in realtà campagne alle città (principalmente I loro sforzi investigativi portarono alla molto diversa dallo stereotipo mafioso: Palermo) e dall’agricoltura a condanna di 338 boss mafiosi alla fine la sua gente è sinceramente amichevole, tutti i settori economici. del famoso Maxiprocesso nel dicembre i suoi aranceti e uliveti abbondanti e In particolare, il boom edilizio che si 1987. I successivi appelli furono la sua storia ricca e affascinante. Ma verificò dopo la seconda guerra mondiale combattuti con caparbietà da Falcone è difficile non chiedersi in segreto: la favorì l’infiltrazione della mafia in quasi e Borsellino. Ma la mafia, esercitando mafia è ancora viva in Sicilia? Devo tutti gli aspetti dell’economia. Non c’era nuovamente la sua forza attraverso la preoccuparmi di qualcosa a riguardo? violenza, semplicemente perché la mafia violenza, uccise entrambi i giudici in La mafia ha radici profonde nella controllava tutto. Senza resistenza, attentati separati nel 1992. La copertura storia siciliana. La sua forma attuale non c’era bisogno di violenza. mediatica dei loro omicidi suscitò una ebbe origine dopo l’Unità d’Italia nel Ma negli anni ‘80 tutto cambiò. profonda emozione e consapevolezza 1861, quando la Sicilia fu annessa al Alcuni membri del sistema giudiziario, nell’opinione pubblica siciliana. 8 The Signature December 20, 2019 9 comunicazioni dei mafiosi con le processi per aiutare gli imprenditori organizzazioni criminali operanti a combattere le pretese della mafia. all’esterno, interrompendo la catena L’Asaec funge da collegamento LA MAFIA di comando. L’efficace impegno del per aiutare i commercianti e gli Pool Antimafia costrinse la mafia imprenditori a denunciare le richieste ad agire sottotraccia, operando di della mafia e ad agire in giudizio nei nascosto con pochi atti di violenza. loro confronti in tribunale, offrendo MODERNA Tuttavia, come sottolinea Grassi, la supporto e ascolto a coloro che temono mafia è ancora ampiamente diffusa in ritorsioni della mafia..Grazie alle “Falcone e Borsellino sono stati due Sicilia. Continuano ad esserci politici leggi dello Stato l’assistenza legale simboli della lotta contro la mafia”, corrotti che favoriscono l’infiltrazione viene sostenuta da un fondo statale. afferma Nicola Grassi, presidente dell’ all’interno delle strutture di potere. Oggi, Grassi afferma che la mafia Asaec, l’Associazione Antiestorsione Oggi la mafia ha un saldo controllo sul sta vincendo la battaglia della di Catania “Libero Grassi”, nata nel traffico di droga e sull’edilizia. Riscuote comunicazione. Le persone non vedono novembre del 1991 all’indomani anche il “pizzo”, che è una “tassa” di violenza e pensano che l’attività della dell’assassinio dell’imprenditore “protezione-obbligata”. I commercianti mafia si stia attenuando. “Non è così,” palermitano ucciso dalla mafia possono scegliere di pagarlo illudendosi avverte Grassi. Questa percezione perché si era ribellato al pizzo. “È di evitare problemi, oppure rifiutare consente alla mafia di insinuarsi stata una svolta culturale epocale e denunciare ai Carabinieri. Dopo la silenziosamente per continuare la sua nell’opinione pubblica contro la mafia denuncia nessuno è stato toccato perché attività illecita. Ma per il personale e le che ha successivamente generato un la risposta delle forze dell’ordine è stata famiglie della NAS Sigonella americana forte sentimento antimafioso. “ sempre efficace. Oggi, Grassi stima che non vi è alcuna preoccupazione La risposta legislativa dello Stato si il 70% degli imprenditori paghi il pizzo. specifica; la mafia si concentra concretizzò nella modifica dell’articolo Diverse associazioni di base esclusivamente sulle aziende siciliane. “41-bis” volta ad ostacolare le come l’Asaec si sono costituite nei Tony Ruperto, proprietario di un ristorante pizzeria a Catania, che ha beneficiato del supporto dell’Asaec, incoraggia gli americani al consumo critico antipizzo. “Il cliente ha la facoltà di scegliere”, dichiara Ruperto. “Se vedi un negozio grande e bello, chiediti: “da dove provengono i grandi profitti di quell’azienda?’” Consiglia quindi di sostenere le aziende che respingono le pretese della mafia, proprio come la sua, e di orientarsi verso le aziende più piccole, riconoscendole dall’adesivo esposto che contraddistingue chi rifiuta di pagare il pizzo. Ruperto ci tiene infine a spiegare agli americani che, nonostante gli stereotipi raffigurati da film come “Il Padrino”, la maggior parte dei siciliani è composta da persone normali che vivono la loro vita. “Il nostro paese ha dei problemi. Ma è Il ristoratore Tony Ruperto mostra la sua appartenenza all ‘ASAEC e un posto bellissimo che ospita persone il suo rifiuto di pagare il pizzo. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna) meravigliose”, ha detto Ruperto. 10 The Signature

Famous Sicilian Cakes to Try This Holiday Season By Alberto Lunetta NAS Sigonella Public Affairs According to Sicilian tradition, Christmas night is magical because spells are cast by wizards who hide in mysterious hideouts located on remote mountain passages. Legend says that during this night, the blue sky turns into a dazzling golden color and that hidden treasures concealed beneath walnut trees bring a sudden wealth to whoever unveils them. Eccentric vendors offer precious objects, spices, and baskets full of nuts, pomegranates, almonds, pistachios, dried figs, raisins, pine-seeds and hazelnuts to the visitors. Dried fruits Satisfy your sweet tooth with Italian and Sicilian Christmas desserts. Panettone is among the most are always mentioned in Sicilian popular cakes that can be found during Christmas at supermarkets and pastry and bakery shops across Christmas traditions as they symbolize the island. (Photo by Dreamstime.com) wealth and plenty. This is the reason why many Sicilian Christmas Sicily. Panettone was first prepared baked by the lead chef. After the cakes are made from dried fruit. in Milan in the 15th century at the original cake was botched, Tony, a “Buccellato” or “cucciddatu” bakery of a man named Tony. Since bold scullery boy, prepared another (as it is called in Sicilian), is one Tony had such a bad temper, Ughetto, one by hastily mixing flour, eggs, of the most popular cakes that are one of his assistants, was afraid to butter, sugar, and candied fruits prepared during this holiday season. ask him for permission to marry to save the chef’s reputation. The It is a short crust ring shaped cake his daughter, Adalgisa. Instead, he Duke and his guests raved about filled with dried fruits, orange peels, decided to impress Tony by baking a the new cake and he decided to chocolate, and honey and sprinkled special cake made from flour, sugar, name it after Tony. Today, in with pistachio. There is also a smaller candied fruits, and raisins. Soon, addition to the traditional candied version called buccellatino that is his cake became very popular and fruits and raisin fillings, panettone covered with white frosting. Other everybody in Milan asked for “Pan di is enriched with chocolate chips, traditional cakes include mustazzoli Tony” (Tony’s bread) which was later frosting, almonds and fruit creams. (sweets filled with cooked wine and named Panettone. In the wake of its According to one tradition, mixed with almonds, pine-seeds, and popularity, Tony rewarded Ughetto “pandoro” (bread of gold) was named nuts), raviole (fried pastries filled by allowing him to marry Adalgisa. because of the delicate yellow color with sweet ricotta) and crispelle A competing tradition claims of the dough, which comes from (rice fritters covered with honey). that panettone was first served for eggs. Its origin stems from Verona, The classic Italian Christmas cakes Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan an elegant Renaissance city located such as “panettone,” “pandoro,” and from 1494–1499, during a lavish in the north of Italy that was also banquet as a replacement of a cake “torrone” are also very popular in "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 13 December 20, 2019 11

Memo From Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly On the Recent Incidents at Naval Installations

In the last two weeks, our entire Navy and Marine Corps family was struck by three tragic acts: Little Creek, Virginia; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Pensacola, Florida. These crimes targeted us all, and I know I speak for every Sailor, Marine, and Civilian in the Department when I say that our prayers are with the families of the fallen and with the wounded. It is our solemn duty to fi nd the causes of such tragic loss and ceaselessly work together to prevent them. As we refl ect on these tragedies, I ask that we focus on the following:

Grief. We must understand, and stand in grief, alongside the families of those who lost their lives in these tragic incidents. The families of Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham, Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Oscar Jesus Temores, Mr. Vincent Kapoi, and Mr. Roldan Agustin are a part of OUR broad naval family. They are suffering from the loss of their loved ones. We must pray for them and keep them in our thoughts. For those who witnessed these events, and/or were injured, we must be committed to help them in their journeys back to normalcy. It is all of our jobs to help them recover from their injuries, visible or not. Heroism. We must never forget the heroism of those who ran towards the danger in these incidents, exhibiting the fi nest warrior ethos and quick decision-making that doubtless saved many lives. On Tuesday, I traveled to Naval Air Station Pensacola to meet with the patrol offi cers and Naval Security Force personnel, who were the fi rst responders on the scene and confronted the shooter, along with heroic civilian offi cers from the Escambia County Sheriffs Offi ce. I learned about countless acts of heroism from the fi rst responders, and many of the victims themselves which will come to light as the facts of these tragedies are revealed. I assure you that we will all be proud of these heroes and what they did in moments of terror and extreme danger. Resolve. Even as we grieve together as a community, we must stand united in our resolve that these attacks will not deter us from fulfi lling our sacred “We must obligations to protect and defend our fellow citizens. The facilities at Little Creek, Pearl Harbor, and Pensacola remain fully operational and understand, and mission-focused. Around the world, our people still maintain the watch in protection of our nation, securing the sea lanes, and responding stand in grief, wherever there is need alongside our allies and partners. From these alongside the incidents, we must take renewed purpose, learning where we can to ensure greater protection of our assets, information, infrastructure, and families of those most importantly, our precious people. It is my expectation that each of our facilities will review physical security and emergency response who lost their lives procedures to minimize the risk of a recurrence. And it is my expectation that all of our people military, civilian, and contractor be provided with the in these tragic training, information, and motivation to maintain the vigilance we must incidents.” all have to spot the warning signs that are often precursors to tragedies such as these. The events at Pensacola, Pearl Harbor, and Little Creek were very different, but each represented an attack on our naval family and our ideals. These incidents will not hold us back but will serve as a constant reminder of our common responsibilities to each other and the nation we so proudly serve. I have never been more honored to serve at your side than I have over the past two weeks, as I witnessed how senseless tragedies have elevated within us the values that defi ne our force and unite us all. 12 The Signature December 20, 2019 13

Making the Wheels on the Bus Go Round

From the Student Transportation Office to a potential residence. If you live pick up or drop off location must Personnel Like many services offered further from the school, anticipate be coordinated with the office and at NAS Sigonella, transportation that your child will probably have an your child’s teacher 24 hours in for the DoDEA Elementary and earlier pick up time and longer bus advance. Students must ride the bus Middle/High Schools is provided ride to make sure they arrive on time. at least three times a week in order to via a vetted contracted service. The Bus crews consists of a driver and maintain routine riding privileges. In vendor is charged with providing a safety aide. Safety aides keep track the case that your child does not meet safe transportation to and from the of student riders and ensure the this criteria, they may be considered school for students residing within safety of your children by enforcing for as-needed transportation a defined transportation radius. transportation policies and rules. They privileges. Please contact the Like all contracts, there are stringent make sure that children are buckled office to make arrangements. requirements that must be adhered up, remain seated, follow directions When situations occasionally arise to. Bus routes, bus stops, and pick from the crew, and treat everyone on that warrant parent notifications, up/drop off times are dependent on the bus with respect. Disciplinary please remember that it takes time number of student riders, distance to issues are coordinated with the school to first verify which students are on the school, road conditions, and safety principals for further action and may the bus at a specific time and then considerations. All efforts are made to result in the loss of riding privileges. contact each affected parent or maximize route efficiency and ensure Seating arrangements are used to guardian individually. The process that students arrive at school and at ensure that students get off the bus can be further delayed by not having home safely. Bus stops are a major at the allotted time for each grade. the right contact information on file factor in establishing the bus route. This means that your child may not for your child. Please help us help They are often located near your home, always be able to sit with their friends you by ensuring we have the most up but there may be situations where a or siblings, but it does ensure a safe to date information for your child. If consolidated bus stop is used to ensure handoff of your child to their teacher. the bus is running late or appears to the student’s safety and transportation All student riders must have a valid have missed a stop, rest assured that efficiency. Routes are subject to bus pass that designates their bus the office is working hard to resolve change to accommodate our transient stop and pick up/drop off times. the issue and get the word out. community. Before signing any Parents or guardians must show a We are here for you! Contact us lease, it’s highly recommended that valid ID card to pick up children by calling 095-56-3244/3247 you visit the Student Transportation under the age of 10. Requests for or www.dodea.edu/SigonellaES/ Office to understand bus service temporary changes in your child’s transportation.cfm. 12 The Signature December 20, 2019 13

"ICE" cont’d from Page 3 pest control vendor. For any future included a quick turnaround at rodents definitely do not belong concerns, please continue to work Sigonella, but an unannounced in our building and especially in with your RA, Housing, and chain of crew change extended the planned barracks rooms. We do have an command to solve barracks issues. ground time from two to four hours. active pest-control contract that For more information on the pest This change should have been provides routine inspections in control contract specifically, feel free coordinated and communicated by air barracks common spaces and to reach out to Lt. Aaron Thompson, carrier representatives with terminal treatment if they are discovered. Asst. Public Works Officer, at Aaron. staff. Although the air carrier did We expect to increase our annual [email protected] or DSN not provide our staff with timely budget for more comprehensive 624-5444 / COMM 095-86-5444. information, we, as the air terminal pest control in future contracts. Comment Regarding operator, are ultimately responsible In the meantime, we recommend AMC Flights: for ensuring that passengers are the following preventative measures My family flew in to visit and we were kept up to date with changes as that barracks residents can take to all looking forward to Oktoberfest. they occur. Please feel free to reach make their residences less attractive But when my husband went to buy out with any further questions or for pests. Take active steps to remove tickets they said it is only 18 and up, concerns to Air Terminal Director, food sources, water, and items that so my 16 and 17 year-old nephews Richard Brown, at richard.brown2@ provide shelter for rodents. Store couldn’t go. We are not drinkers but eu.navy.mil or 335-193-8767. food in airtight containers. Clean we like German music and food. up spilled food right away and wash Response: Bravo Zulu dishes and cooking utensils soon We are sorry to hear of your Security: after use. Make sure your garbage troubling travel experience while Thank you to the military police on can has a tight-fitting lid and that departing from NAS Sigonella. NAS Sigonella. I was lost on NAS I, you aren’t overflowing common We always strive to meet your looking for the hospital, and a young area trashcans. Alert Public Works expectations and regret for the MA walked me all the way there. With if you see any that trash cans that delay in processing as well as his help, I was able to make it to the need attention. And finally, remove the lack of communication. We clinic to pick up a prescription for clutter that could provide shelter for conducted a thorough review of my daughter. His extreme hospitality rodents and pests. Being proactive the specifics of your flight and and kindness is what you expect from towards pest control can go a long determined that a significant a service member. Unfortunately I way towards preventing infestations. breakdown in communication don’t know his name because his We appreciate all barracks residents occurred between the contracted air vest was covering it up, but I want taking these steps while we look to carrier and air terminal personnel. to express my gratitude anyways. amplify future contracts with our The aircraft itinerary originally

"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 10 Another delicacy “torrone” is torrone. The wedding guests, who chosen as a setting by Shakespeare nougat made with sugar, honey, hailed from across Europe, were for his tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” almonds, and hazelnuts. Tradition so impressed by the savory taste of Yet another tradition says pandoro holds that it was first prepared for the torrone that they praised its delicacy was first prepared in Venice in the wedding reception of the Duke of as they traveled back to their homes, 16th century, when the maritime Milan, Francesco Sforza, and Bianca earning it a worldwide reputation. republic was wealthy and powerful. Maria Visconti that took place in Today, torrone has many different Chronicles of the time indicate Cremona in 1441. The nougat was flavors. The traditional hard white that pandoro was presented at the molded into the shape of the 13th one includes almonds or hazelnuts, tables of the Venetian aristocrats. century Torrione tower, which still but it can be enriched with liqueurs Today, pandoro is enriched with flanks Cremona’s cathedral, because like rum, Gran Marnier, and Strega, fruit cream filling and frosting such it was included in bride’s dowry. or chocolate and is sometimes frosted as lemon or orange and chocolate. Thus, the dessert was given the name with lemon, pistachio or orange icings. Ring in the New Year at Jox Pub! Roaring 20’s New Year’s Party

Party favors · Food · Selfie Booth A COVER B Dec. 31st · 9:00 pm - 2:00 am AND LIKE NO OTHER... Dress the part by donning your best flapper or mob boss outfit! JANUARY 3 JOX PUB | 9PM Junk FM brings genre-bending mashups and juxtaposing styles, while delivering an infectious high energy show. From Garth Brooks to Lady Gaga in one slamming step, simultaneous Eminem and Green Day, Cee Lo Green meets Rod Stewart, Junk FM doesn’t care. Get ready for a show that is going to get everyone out of their seats and on the dance oor.

For All MWR Event Info For MWR Event info @ your ngertips download the app!! NAVYMWR SIGONELLA

Spend the day soaking of the sun and playing in the beautiful Mediterranean ocean

Spend the day soaking of the sun and playing in the beautiful Mediterranean ocean June 1 st Spend the day soaking of the& sun and playing in the beautiful MediterraneanJune ocean 15 th

June 1 st LA CUCARACHA BEACH &June 15 th Sign-up at Take 5 by May 29th June 1 st $5 for transportation &June 15 th For more info call 624-5602 LA CUCARACHA BEACH Sign-up at Take 5 by May 29th $5 for transportation For more info call 624-5602

LA CUCARACHA BEACH Sign-up at Take 5 by May 29th $5 for transportation For more info call 624-5602visit our website www.navymwrsigonella.com