Vol. 36 No. 12 June 14, 2019

INSTALLATION ACHIEVES SECURITY READINESS CERTIFICATION Story on page 3

HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WWII Story on page 6

SCHOOL’S OUT!! 2 The Signature June 14, 2019 3 Direct Line Sigonella Security Forces Teresa Goley, General Manager, Navy Exchange Sigonella THE SIGNATURE Benvenuti NAS Sigonella! organizations, commands, and Achieve CNIC Certification U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA I am honored to have recently most importantly, the people of By Janine Scianna runner, a vehicle-borne improvised joined the Naval Air Station NAS Sigonella. It is important for NAS Sigonella Public Affairs explosive device, and an active shooter. Commanding Officer Sigonella community. For me to understand what the NEX as Since 2016, Naval Air Station The security department cannot Capt. Kevin Pickard the 22 years, I have been a command and service provider Sigonella’s naval security forces defend the installations alone, which is why the evaluation also looked for Executive Officer fulfilling the mission of the is doing right, and where we have (NSF) have been working toward integration with other emergency Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran Navy Exchange in five different opportunities to grow. It is my the final evaluation problem (FEP) that was held June 12, 2019. FEP responders—emergency dispatch, countries. My most recent duty and obligation to ensure fire, and medical—along with the Command Master Chief was the culminating exercise of a CMDCM Nancy Estrada assignment was NEX Bahrain. that the Sigonella community is three-year certification process by support of the community. I started my career in 1997 provided with the best quality The CNIC security assessment Commander, Navy Installations EDITORIAL at NEXCOM’s Virginia Beach of goods and services as if our Command (CNIC). After many months process was put in place not long Public Affairs Officer headquarters. Over the next NEX was on a CONUS base. of training, drilling, and intermediate after the shooting death of Master- Lt. Karl Schonberg several years, I transferred as a One of the most important things assessments, CNIC determined that at-Arms second class Mark Mayo at [email protected] military spouse with our children I have learned is how our service NAS Sigonella’s installation security Naval Station Norfolk, which was determined to be the result of security Assistant Public Affairs Officer to bases at Pensacola, Florida, members and their families depend readiness exceeded their standards. lapses. That event, coupled with Janine Scianna Great Lakes, and Keflavik, on the Navy Exchange to enhance The FEP was a four-day exercise that [email protected] CNIC assessors used to spot-check a series of other significant issues Iceland. I have also worked at NEX their quality of life. We are not across the security enterprise, brought the Navy Exchange Enterprise the installation’s administration of its Community Relations Officer Naples, Italy, NEX Yokosuka, just a store, but a piece of home. I NSF, and it included drills designed the importance of MA training and Dott. Alberto Lunetta has contributed $2.3 billion [email protected] Japan, and NEX Singapore. look forward to developing close to test whether the base can defend certifications to the forefront. As a in support of MWR programs Time spent in all these locations relationships within the community itself. The drills included simulated PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers has given me the opportunity and base to better serve you. The worldwide. Locally, Navy Exchange responses to scenarios involving a gate "SECURITY" cont’d on Page 11 MC2 Joshua Coté and experience to become range of my experiences from Sigonella has contributed [email protected] $450,000 to the MWR programs the General Manager of NEX being a military spouse and raising GMSN Rashond Grant Sigonella. Throughout my my children in several CONUS on base here. We are more than [email protected] time working within the Navy and OCONUS environments has a store, we are a community. CONTACT US Exchange community, I have increased my commitment to the I consider the NEX our home and I want everyone to feel welcome. Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily held many positions ranging NEX and to the ones we serve. [email protected] I am always interested in learning DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440 from a pricing specialist, to PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001 logistical support manager, to “We are not how we can better support our retail operations manager. It is communities with retail, services, just a store, or food outlets. We are never my sincere goal that knowing so This newspaper is an authorized publication but a piece satisfied with the status quo, so for members of the military services much about the inner workings overseas. Contents of The Signature are of the NEX system will please reach out to me any time not necessarily the official views of, or of home.” endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the to serve you most effectively. with your inquiries or suggestions Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. One of the most important Before I sign off, I would like at [email protected]. Navy. aspects of my position is to know to remind the community that I look forward to serving the Editorial submissions are welcomed from what the demographics of the for every dollar that you spend at NAS Sigonella community and all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments, enhancing your quality of life divisions and tenant commands. Editorial base population are and what you the Navy Exchange retail store, submissions should be sent to the Public and that of your families. Affairs Office via [email protected]. All need. These two factors play an NAS II mini mart, or any service articles submitted by non-staff members important role in the product and outlet, 70% goes right back to Again, thank you for the warm will be considered contributing writers. services that each Navy Exchange our service members and their welcome I have received, and I look Sailors onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella participate in a simulated security emergency as part of an forward to seeing you in the NEX! installation security assessment, June 12. NAS Sigonella’s strategic location enables U.S, allied, and offers. In the coming weeks, I will families through our annual partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa be reaching out to the different MWR contribution. Since 1943, and Southwest Asia. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Coté (Released) Congratulations, Graduates! 4 The Signature June 14, 2019 SCHOOL’S OUT 5

Sigonella High School Class of 2019 (Photo by Randy Latimer)

Name: LS2 Cody Frakes Command: Commander, Task Force 67 Hometown: Eureka, CA

Naval Air Station Sigonella plays host the command. He is also the flight amazing pizza and travel opportunities. to many different commands, 36 to logistics requester, and is responsible So far, Frakes has traveled to be exact. One of them is Commander, for organizing different flights for his Amsterdam, Budapest, Rome, and Task Force 67 (CTF-67). Its mission command. Dublin, not to mention exploring the is to provide professional and relevant Along with the business of his daily island of Sicily itself. support to U.S. Sixth Fleet, Naval routine, Frakes also is the Morale, One of the best things about being Forces Europe, Naval Forces Africa, Welfare and Recreation president for assigned to shore duty is that Sailors Fifth grade students graduate

NATO, and unified commanders in CTF-67. He also serves as a command have a more free time to work on from Sigonella Elementary order to strengthen enduring and financial specialist and the assistant an academic degree. Here on NAS (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna) emerging partnerships and maintain drug and alcohol program adviser. Sigonella, the Navy College office is our nation’s supremacy at sea. At Everyone that joins the military has very helpful with getting Sailors on the the heart of CTF-67 are deployed differing reasons for enlisting. right track. Frakes is currently working Sigonella Elementary students Kindergarten students enjoy a splash day squadrons that contribute to anti- “I joined to travel the world,” said on finishing up his associates degree at celebrate the last day of school. to celebrate the last day of school. submarine warfare, intelligences Frakes. “I also wanted to go to college Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna) (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna) surveillance and reconnaissance, and and have the opportunity to better Everyone has different plans for theater security in Europe and Africa. myself.” their career in the Navy, whether that One Sailor that has really stood out This is Frake’s first time being means continuing on or moving on to to leadership at CTF-67 is Logistics assigned to a shore command. In the civilian side. Frakes is keeping his Specialist 2nd Class Cody Frakes, previous tours, he was assigned to the future options open for now. from Eureka, Calif. Frakes is part of USS Chosin (CG 65) and the USS Carl “I just reenlisted for four more the supply and ordnance department. Vinson (CVN 70). years,” said Frakes. “This recent Frakes is the government credit A lot of people enjoy many different reenlistment will take me past 11 card holder for the command, so he parts of the culture here in Sicily. His years, so my main goal right now is just is in charge of ordering supplies for favorite things about Sicily are the working on making first class.” 6 The Signature June 14, 2019 7 SIGONELLA HONORS WORLD WAR II ANNIVERSARIES

Service members salute during the

Service members set the POW/MIA table. A Sailor flies the POW/MIA flag. POW/MIA table-setting ceremony.

(U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant) (U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant) (U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant)

By Janine Scianna pivotal battles in naval history. three American aircraft carriers from the ships’ engine room in the worldwide celebration of to better appreciate what it might NAS Sigonella Public Affairs The three-day Midway conflict and staffing Midway Airfield with Sailors to the gunner’s mates to the the heroic actions of the Allied have felt like for Allied troops The world is now 75 years changed the trajectory of the war in 105 land-based search and combat squadron maintenance crews.” forces that fateful day. to land there on D-Day. removed from World War II. As the Pacific. During the battle, seven planes from across the services. June 6, 2019 also marked the Lt. Steven Hervey, one of NAS “What an honor it was to participate the decades go by, the first-hand ships sank and 3,364 men lost their Winning Midway meant that the 75th anniversary of the Normandy Sigonella’s chaplains, made the in such a mission,” said Harden. “I accounts of wartime are waning, lives in the service of their respective U.S. Navy could switch from defensive invasion. Like Midway, the Normandy journey along with his family. will definitely go again next year.” replaced with lessons learned in countries. But the U.S. casualties to offensive mode in the Pacific, invasion is credited as being essential Along with seeing the remaining These two campaigns altered history books and generational were an order of magnitude smaller swinging the pendulum of momentum to winning the war on the European defenses at Pointe du Hoc and the trajectory of the war in both storytelling. As time passes, our than the Japanese, and the lopsided for the duration of the war. It also front. Unlike Midway, however, the speaking with WWII veterans, theaters. Their significance and society must work harder to preserve victory significantly stalled Japanese meant that Allied forces had more casualties were much more substantial. he said the French hospitality the heroism of service members and commemorate the important advancement in the Pacific. strategic options available to them Nearly 160,000 Allied troops landed was humbling to experience. that participated in them will never sacrifices of service members from The victory has largely been in both theaters after the victory. along a heavily fortified, 50-mile “Seeing the beauty of the Normandy be forgotten. Yet, NAS Sigonella “The Greatest Generation.” credited to superior intelligence. During Sigonella’s ceremony, stretch of French coastline in the countryside and the appreciation of the recognizes the spectrum of sacrifices Naval Air Station Sigonella gathered Navy cryptologists were able to NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer historic operation known as D-Day. French people even 75 years later was that service members have made not to honor the veterans and campaigns break Japanese code and know Capt. Kevin Pickard was quick to More than 4,400 of them perished, an for the work we do today only in these pivotal campaigns, but of World War II. Service members where and when the Imperial Navy note that the decisive victory at and at least 9,000 were wounded as military members,” said Hervey. throughout our nation’s history. from the U.S. Navy, Army, Marine was planning its next attack after Midway required the efforts and or missing on D-Day alone. But by Shannon Harden, sexual assault As part of the Sailor 360 leadership Corps, and Air Force on June 4, 2019 victory in the Battle of the Coral coordination of everyone involved. day’s end, the Allies had gained a response coordinator for NAS development program, service to commemorate the anniversary Sea. Adm. Chester Nimitz was able “No man who fought goes foothold to begin liberating Europe. Sigonella, also attended. She members from across branches of the critical Battle of Midway in to pool his resources for a surprise unappreciated,” said Pickard. Many of Sigonella’s own traveled remarked about how physically 1952, one of the most decisive and ambush, strategically positioning “Midway was an all hands effort, to Normandy, France to take part being in Normandy allowed her "WWII" continued on Page 11 8 The Signature June 14, 2019 9

Ancient Greek Drama Festival Continues in Siracusa Lone Sailor Statue Erected at D-Day’s Utah Beach By Alberto Lunetta From U.S. Naval Forces Europe- NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs Imagine sitting down in a beautiful SAINTE-MARIE-DU-MONT, France open-air Greek theater and enjoying the (NNS) -- In the midst of the 75th passion and drama of a Greek tragedy, Anniversary of D-Day, Adm. James G. in the same way theatergoers did over Foggo III, commander of U.S. Naval 2,000 years ago. Every summer, Siracusa Forces Europe and Africa (CNE-A), and hosts a season of live performances the U.S. Navy Memorial teamed up to of Greek dramas in its ancient Greek dedicate The Lone Sailor statue at Utah amphitheater. The 55th edition of the Beach, June 6, 2019. INDA Ancient Greek Drama Festival The Lone Sailor is an iconic symbol of runs from May 10 to July 6. It has been a the Navy Memorial’s mission to Honor, world-renowned tradition since 1914 and Recognize, and Celebrate the men and hosts thousands of spectators every year. women of the Sea Services, past, , These performances will invoke and future and to inform the public about Stock Photo empathy in its spectators of the stories The 55th edition of the must-see Ancient Greek Drama Festival continues to uphold its reputation their service. The statue at Utah Beach is of these tragic characters whose passion, as one of the preeminent cultural events focusing on the modern adaptation and performance of the first one located outside the United fears, doomed love and tragedies are Western classics. Running through July 6 at the magnificent stage of the Siracusa Greek Theater, States. today’s SEALs, came onto the beaches that honors the Frogmen’s contribution timeless. The drama will draw you it features Euripides’ tragedies “Helen” and “The Trojan Women” and the comedy “Lysistrata” by “The newest location was chosen to dismantle and demolish mines and and legacy is a once in a life opportunity Aristophanes. (Photo by INDA Press Office) in, truly creating a once-in-a-lifetime to honor the “Frogmen” of the Naval anti-ship barriers in preparation for the and a very special moment for me and the opportunity to gain a firsthand experience outward help, and are forced to rely on ancient world. Famous plays such as “The Combat Demolition Units and all of amphibious landing of the 1st Army Navy family.” of a pillar of ancient Greek culture. The themselves. The character deals with Persians” and “The Women of Etna” by the men and women of the Navy who Division on June 6, 1944. The first Lone Sailor statue, the work of performances are in Italian but audio external forces, which appear to rule his Aeschylus were premiered here. Besides heroically served at Normandy to defend “This statue will serve as a reminder sculptor Stanley Bleifeld, was dedicated guides that simultaneously translate life. Eventually, tragedies express the the famous tragedies of Sophocles and freedom for the and our of the historic day the United States in October 1987. The Navy Memorial’s in English are available to rent. vulnerability of human beings whose Euripides, the theatre also witnessed the allies,” said retired Rear Adm. Frank and Allies arrived from the sea to free Statue City Program began in 1997 According to 4th century B.C. suffering is caused by a combination birth of comedy. The Sicilian playwright Thorp IV, president and CEO of the U.S. the world from tyranny and repression, with the placement of a Lone Sailor Greek philosopher Aristotle, “Tragedy of human and divine actions. Epicharmos, from the nearby Megara Navy Memorial. forging a lasting relationship with the statue at Recruit Training Command depicts the downfall of a basically good This year’s season features three Hyblea, was the creator of Greek comedy. In the predawn hours of June 6, 1944, people of Saint- Marie-Du-Mont, the in Great Lakes, IL. The Lone Sailor in person through some fatal error or different performances that are scheduled Under Roman rule, the theater was they were the first Americans to set foot first city to be liberated in France during Normandy is the seventeenth, including misjudgment, producing suffering and on alternate days: “Helen” by Euripides reduced in size to only 46 rows of seating on to the shores of France as part of WWII,” Foggo said. the original on the Navy Memorial Plaza insight on the part of the protagonist (directed by Davide Livermore), “The in order to accommodate a larger stage Operation Neptune. It was the largest The Lone Sailor statue stands on a plaza in Washington, DC. and arousing pity and fear on the part Trojan Women” by Euripides (directed area for gladiator games. Since then, seaborne invasion in history and part at the Utah Beach Museum overlooking “The Lone Sailor monument of the audience.” So be ready to cry by Muriel Mayette) and the comedy the seats and auditorium have largely of an overarching plan code-named the Atlantic Ocean from where the U.S. represents all these Sailors and Marines or laugh with the characters as you “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes (directed remained untouched, but visitors Operation Overlord - the beginning of invasion force appeared on that historic that lost their lives at sea. And what they enjoy their superb acting skills. by Tullio Solenghi). For detailed will need to use their imaginations to the end of World War II in Europe, and morning. Although people come and have given to us,” said Foggo. “Their Tragedy is one of the three dramatic information on tickets and performance envision the original stage and scenes. commonly referred to as D-Day. go from this statue, the Lone Sailor will steadfast commitment defeated tyranny genres of ancient Greece dramas. The schedules, visit www.indafondazione.org Above the theatre there is an artificial “The Frogmen swam ashore to the continue to serve as a universal sign of and preserved freedom. To them, we are word “tragedy” comes from the term The Siracusa Greek amphitheater grotto, the Nymphaeum. It was dedicated beaches of Normandy to make them safer respect towards all Sea Service personnel forever indebted. “tragedia” or “goat-song,” named for was built around 470 B.C. by Hiero to the Muses and fresh spring water for the follow-on wave of Allied forces,” for generations to come. U.S. Naval Forces Europe - Africa, the goatskins the chorus wore during I. Around 220 B.C., the theatre was still flows from its holes through the said Foggo. “The Lone Sailor statue is a CNE-A Fleet Master Chief Derrick headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a the performance. It refers primarily expanded to its current size by Hiero II. ancient canals. On the left side of the reminder to honor and remember their Walters, a Navy SEAL, will participate in full range of maritime security operations to a tragic drama in which the central The renovation expanded the theater to Nymphaeum there is a small street of bravery and to act as a link from the past a swim that will emulate the journey the and theater security cooperation character—usually a king, queen, or 140 meters in diameter and include 61 tombs dating to the Byzantine period. to the present as we continue to protect Frogmen took in the early morning of missions in concert with coalition, joint, hero—suffers an ill-fated situation rows of seating for 15,000 spectators, the same values they fought to protect.” June 6, 1944. “It is an honor to be here interagency, and other parties in order to in which they are deprived of all making it the largest theatre of the entire "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 11 These Frogmen, the ancestors of for 75th Anniversary of D-Day, but also advance security and stability in Europe to participate in a dedication ceremony and Africa. 10 The Signature June 14, 2019 11

By Janine Scianna "WWII" cont’d from Page 7 "SECURITY" cont’d from Page 3 our team excelled and exceeded the evaluators’ expectations.” Sigonella Players Impress NAS Sigonella Public Affairs participated in decorating the result, existing security assessment Lt. Cdr. Allen Richmond, NAS programs previously only used to The Sigonella Players started as symbolic POW/MIA table during Sigonella security officer, also praised assess ships were adapted by CNIC a brand new community theatre the June 4 Midway ceremony. Each the hard work of everyone involved. During Debut Season to assess NSF programs ashore, too. group in January 2019. The element of the symbolic place setting, “Be proud in everything that “NAS Sigonella’s security forces Players are a mix of active duty from the pure white tablecloth to the you do. We demonstrated beyond not only passed the event, but Nominees: military, civilians, and dependents slice of bitter lemon, invited ceremony a reasonable doubt that not only did so with a score of 90%. That Best Sound Design at Sigonella. After just a month observers to reflect on the sacrifices did we know our preplanned Gary Anderson puts them at the very top of NSFs Best Stage Manager of rehearsal, they hosted their made by these service members. After responses and standard operating Lt. Michael Bertshinger worldwide,” praised NAS Sigonella procedures, but we also know Best Actress in a Featured Role Nancy Himes debut performances of David the table was set, a bell was tolled once Commanding Officer, Capt. Ive’s "Sure Thing," a series of short how to apply them to defend our Best Stage Properties and Dressing Jessica Tuczinski, Ainhoa Gonzalez each for nine MIA and POW victims, Kevin Pickard. “In all respects, comedic plays, on March 7 and 8. who came from all service branches seven sites,” said Richmond. Best Supporting Actress Cassandra Smircic Best Male Military Performance Despite their novelty, the and whose sacrifices occurred during PO2 David Lane, PO2 Robert Koepke Players have already developed numerous U.S. military conflicts. Best Ensemble Sigonella Players a reputation for excellence. In At its conclusion, Pickard reminded 2019 Best Play Sigonella Players addition to the fun of performing everyone of the purpose in coming in front an enthusiastic hometown together for this ceremony. The Winners: crowd, the Sigonella Players were gravity of each of these conflicts Best Male Military Performance PO2 Robert Koepke the first U.S. naval base to be and their role in changing the represented at the annual U.S. tides of World War II reminds us Army Installation Management of the mission of the U.S. military Command (IMCOM) Tournament and its allies in advancing and of Plays. A military tradition for keeping peace worldwide. over 25 years, the tournament “Whatever service or country Master-at-Arms 2nd Class John Villielm responds to a simulated security consists of American theater you represent, this ceremony is emergency during an installation security assessment onboard Naval Air groups located throughout about you. Take time to remember Station Sigonella June 12. U.S. Navy photo by GMSN Rashond Grant Europe on Army, Air Force— the sacrifices, but also be joyful and now—Navy bases. Each year, IMCOM sends "ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 8 funeral items. After they escape, the king B.C. during the Peloponnesian War. It three judges to view live military “Helen” by Euripidies learns of their subterfuge and eventually is often considered a commentary on the productions throughout Europe, Synopsis from Britannica.com accepts the loss philosophically. capture of the Aegean island of Melos and Sigonella Players receive nominees for offer constructive feedback to “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes the subsequent slaughter and subjugation the cast and crew afterwards, and In this light work, Euripides deflates of its populace by the Athenians outstanding theater production. one of the best-known legends of Greek Synopsis from Britannica.com conduct free theater workshops. earlier that year. In the same year, the (Photo by Ivan Messina) mythology, that Helen ran off adulterously This comedy depicts the seizure of the After reviewing 19 shows from scandalous desecration of the hermai with Paris to Troy. In Euripides’ version, Athenian acropolis and of the treasury 13 military communities across and the Athenians’ second expedition only a phantom Helen goes with Paris, and of Athens by the city’s women. At the the region, IMCOM selected the to Sicily occurred, events which may instigation of the witty and determined the real woman pines faithfully in Egypt. also have influenced the author. list of nominees and winners for Lysistrata, they have banded together When Menelaus is shipwrecked in Egypt The Trojan Women was the third 55 award categories. On April with the women of Sparta to declare a on his way home from Troy, he is baffled tragedy of a trilogy dealing with 27, the Tournament of Plays ban on sexual contact until their partners by the duplicate Helen until the phantom the Trojan War. The first tragedy, held their “TOPPERs” award end the Peloponnesian War, which evaporates and permits his reunion Alexandros, was about the recognition ceremony, where they announced has lasted more than 20 years. The with his real wife. The pair then escape of the Trojan prince Paris who had been nominees and winners. women hold out until their desperate from the Egyptian king Theoclymenus, abandoned in infancy by his parents The Sigonella Players, after only partners arrange for peace, and the who wants to marry Helen, by fooling and rediscovered in adulthood. The a few months of existence, pulled men and women are then reunited. him into believing that Menelaus is a second tragedy, Palamedes, dealt with in nine nominations and one shipwrecked mariner who escaped death award for its production of “Sure “The Trojan Women” Greek mistreatment of their fellow PO2 Robert Koepke wins award for when Menelaus died. Theoclymenus by Euripides Thing.” Congratulations to the Greek Palamedes. This trilogy was best male military performance. allows Helen to bury her husband at Synopsis from Wikipedia.org presented at the Dionysia along with (Photo by Ivan Messina) Sigonella Players for an award- sea, equipping her and her disguised This tragedy was first produced in 415 the comedic satyr play Sisyphos. winning inaugural first season! husband with a fast ship and all manner of Recreation & Entertainment