the signature, august 7, 2015

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily – The sight of three twin wheels hitting a runway is something Cmdr. Nicholas Brandt has seen countless times; but watching the landing gear do its thing while the command’s new C-20G Gulfstream IV touched down for the first time last month was far from an ordinary landing for Brandt and his team of 20. It meant for the first time in 18 months Executive Transport Detachment (ETD) Sigonella would again have an aircraft in its hangar with sorties on its horizon.

Flying missions is the way it was supposed to be when in 2013 Brandt took command of the aircraft purposed to fly Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa to meeting destinations around Europe, Africa, and other locales within range. However, near the end of 2013 their lone Gulfstream C-20A jet went down with mechanical issues and was sent back to the States never to return. Instead of getting the needed repairs the higher ups decided the detachment would get an updated Gulfstream – the C-20G. The problem was with no loaner jet available for ETD Sigonella to borrow from other Gulfstream inventories, their mission would be shelved a while.

Aside from the frustration stemming from the inability to do the job they came to Sicily for, Brandt and his team had other obstacles to overcome. This included dealing with the perception by some who figured ETD having no aircraft meant the team

would naturally be using their glut of “down time” to kick back, cut out of work early, and take extended absences to hone their Eurotraveler blogging skills, when in reality, having no aircraft made life even more complicated for ETD Sailors and contractors supporting them.

“Because pilots and aircrew have to maintain qualifications and proficiencies, and there was no aircraft here in which to maintain them, we spent countless days flying back to the States and training

National Night Out NAS SIGONELLA

Sigonella rallies!

PAGE 16

Vol. 32 No. 31

TroinaSigonella helps commemorate

the Battle of Troina!PAGEs 10-11

USNH SigonellaConverts to U.S. Treasury's Cen-

tralized Receivable Service!

PAGE 5

August 7, 2015

Executive Transport has bird in hand once again After 18 months without its Catbird, command ‘very happy’ to be flying missions By LT PauL NeweLL NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Officer

Sigonella personnel help commemorate 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Troina

TROINA, Sicily - For the first time in NAS Sigonella history, Sailors, Marines, Air Force and Army personnel commemorated the 72nd anni-versary of the Battle of Troina, Aug. 2. The Bat-tle of Troina took place July 31, 1943, a week-long struggle between Axis and Allies for control of the town standing between the two armies and the ultimate goal – the city of Messina and pas-sage to mainland Italy.

During the fight townspeople fled or bunkered down in their basements and churches away from the battlefield. After six days of deadlocked fight-ing and both forces at a stalemate, the Allied forces called for an air strike on Aug. 4. Two days later the Germans fled into the night, liberating the people of Troina.

“Troina became one of the few towns that be-came a republic because they valued the Ameri-can system that liberated them from Nazism,” said Fabio Venezia, mayor of Troina. “We lost many forces during the battle and it’s very important for us to remember the past so that we can learn from them and use it to benefit for the future.”

The battle is still remembered. Placido Stam-piano wasn’t yet born, but his father, an Italian soldier, fought and ended up a German prisoner and told stories during the time of the battle.

“The whole town was greatly affected by the battle,” said Stampiano, a member of the Asso-ciazone Nazionale Combattenti e Reduci (a local

Due to the Italian holiday period in August, The Signature will be on a two-week break beginning August 14. Don't miss our next issue available on August 28. Stay up-to-date by visiting us on the NAS Sigonella Facebook page.

Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Soldiers march with Italian uniformed members in the streets of Troina, Siciliy on Aug. 2 to commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of the Battle of Troina. The battle took place July 31, 1943, a strategic Axis stronghold that stood between the Allies and the city of Messina.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ramon Go/Released) "TROINA" continued on 0

"ETD" continued on Page 9

NAS Sigonella's new C-20G Gulfstream IV lands on the NAS Sigonella airfield, Aug. 4. After 18 months without a jet to fly their missions, Executive Transport Detachment (ETD) Sigonella recently received a new aircraft to fly Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa to meeting destinations around Europe, Africa, and other locales within range. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)

By MC2 raMoN goNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

THe SIgNaTure august 7, 2015 THe SIgNaTure Page 3august 7, 2015

THE SIGNATURE

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLACommanding Officer

Capt. Chris DennisExecutive Officer

Cmdr. Charles G. McKinney IICommand Master Chief

CMDCM Mike Kaszubowski

EDITORIAL

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul Newell

[email protected]

EditorM. Todd Butler

[email protected]

Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto Lunetta

[email protected]

PAO Staff Writers \ PhotographersMC1 Tony D. Curtis

[email protected]

MC2 Ramon [email protected]

CONTACT USNaval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily

[email protected] 624-5440; 095-86-5440

PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001

PUBLISHERStampa Generale S.r.l.,

Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,Naval Support Activity

Capodichino (Naples), [email protected]

Tel. 081-568-7884Fax 081-568-7887

This civilian enterprise (CE) newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services overseas. Contents of The

Signature are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the

Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy. The appearance of advertising

in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement

by the DoD or Stampa Generale S.r.l., of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made

available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex,

national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factorof the purchaser, user or

patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser

will result in the refusal to print advertising from that source until the violation is

corrected.

The Signature is published weekly by Stampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi,

Publisher, Naval Support Activity, Capodichino (Naples), Italy.

Tel. 081-568-7884. Fax 081-568-7887. E-mail: [email protected].

Editorial submissions are welcomed from all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments,

divisions and tenant commands. Editorial submissions should be sent to the Public

Affairs Office via [email protected], guard mail stop #68 or hand-delivered to our office no later than the close of business on the Fri-

day proceeding the expected publication date. All articles submitted by non-staff members

will be considered contributing writers.

The Signature will not publish anyanonymous articles. All advertisements in this publication are the property of Stampa Generale S.r.l. Any

reproduction of advertisements in The Signature is unauthorized without the

written consent of the publisher.cnic.navy.mil/sigonella

Saluti Sigonella,First, let me say thank you to MACM Wojtal for

holding down the fort while I was away in Millington, Tenn. He did a great job and I couldn’t have been more pleased with his support and his ability to take care of business while I was away.

Second – a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to all those who were just selected to the rank of Chief Petty Officer! What an awesome accomplishment and I look forward to ensuring all those stationed here are ready for their next step into the CPO community. Bravo Zulo shipmates to you and your families!

Third – GREAT JOB SIGONELLA for winning the region wide Energy Biggest Loser contest. Everyone helped make this successful and thank you to every command on this base for making energy a top priority!

So what was I doing in Tennessee? I had the pleasure of sitting the Chief Petty Officer Selection Board and I will share some things I feel will benefit our Sailors. It was long hours working six days a week and I can think of no more rewarding job than to be able to select the future Chief Petty Officers in the United States Navy! I often get asked – what do I need to do? Am I hitting the mark? What does it take? Actually it’s quite simple.

1. Lead yourself exceptionally well. Become an expert at your rate. Learn as much as you can and make sure you are doing your job to the best of your ability. You do this by ensuring you study for your exams; you do this by going above and beyond. If you are not already involved – get involved. Get involved in associations, COMRELS and things at your command that will make a difference.

2. Create opportunities for others to succeed. It’s not about you or me. It’s about the command. The better your division is, the better your department

will be, the better your command will be. Give back to your Sailors, help them learn their rate and when someone needs help or is struggling – lend them a hand. The more we pay it forward the better we will all be and in turn the better the NAVY will be.

3. Have a positive attitude. Put a smile on your face and remember it’s only as bad as we make it. It can always be worse. Come to work and know you are making a difference and work well with others. People will take notice and it’s just fun to have a positive attitude. If you don’t make CHIEF this year – keep your head up.

At the end of the day you have to ask yourself a few questions – Am I doing everything I need to be doing to be competitive? Am I involved with the command? Am I earning every qualification that I possibly can? Am I an expert in my rate? If you can do these things, then trust me you will advance and make the next paygrade. Sitting the Chief Petty Officer board was a really great experience and there are a lot of great Sailors out there doing really tough jobs whether on shore and or sea. I look forward to going around and shaking all the hands of our newest CHIEFS! NAVY CHIEF NAVY PRIDE!

Once again, for those that didn’t make it keep

your head up. I know it’s easier said than done but don’t give up. You CAN do it and with the great leadership on this base I have no doubt we will do everything we can to ensure you are moving in the right direction.

As always Sigonella, Lead yourself exceptionally well, Create opportunities for others to succeed and Have a positive attitude. See you around the base.

The ICE/CO Suggestion Box is for our community and Commanding Officer to discuss, with an eye toward constant improvement, how we are excelling* and how we can improve**. The Signature and NASSIG Facebook Page typically publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. Comments/suggestions are useful when objective, constructive, and specific. ICE/CO Suggestion Box is NOT a forum for mean-spirited attacks.

* If you submit a "BZ" about a specific person or department, PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR NAME in order to ensure comment authenticity and therefore publically recognize employees or organizations.

** The Commanding Officer will ensure a response to all signed comments/suggestions and the vast majority of anonymous ones but reserves the right to disregard those comments/suggestions disinterested in the spirit of the program!There are two ways to submit; go to:1) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) home page on a One-Net computer at: http://ice.disa.mil, All Sigonella services are found under the Navy Europe Listing in the scroll-down menu. – or – 2) NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on "CO Suggestion Box".

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box

Command Master Chief Mike KaszubowskiDirect Line

Interactive Customer EvaluationAs everyone surely knows by now, early this week we were declared winner of

the Region-wide Energy Biggest Loser contest. With this victory is our $70,000 grand prize for community beautification/improvement and bragging rights!

The sweetest part of this victory is we, family members, U.S. and Italian employees, and service members from all branches, won this like we do everything else – as a community.

I appreciate your commitment to one another and thank those who’ve recently written in to express gratitude for some of the goodness being achieved around our base! In honor of all that is Sigonella, this ICE/CO Suggestion column is dedicated to our day-to-day standard of excellence.

Keep up the tremendous work, Sigonella! It’s an honor to serve with you each and every day.

Honor Courage Commitment, C.J. Dennis

Comment regarding “BZ for CE2 Dunaway”:BZ to the Public Works department, especially CE2 Richard Dunaway for going above and beyond to ensure NAS 2 Chapel air conditioning has remained operating during this hot summer! We are grateful to Public Works for all their hard work and continued excellent service.

Very Respectfully, LT Brian Myers, NAS 2 Chaplain

Response:Chaps, thank you for recognizing our most impressive Public Works team, and

in particular, CE2 Dunaway. It is most gratifying to hear from customers that our service providers (like CE2 Dunaway) are going the extra mile.

Comment regarding “BZ for CE2 Morgan”:Skipper, I wanted to pass along a heartfelt thank you on behalf of the entire PAO shop for the Public Works’ CE2 Richard Morgan. He is equally enthusiastic and competent, no matter to whom he is responding - embodying “CO Customer Service” and “Can Do.” BZ, CE2 Morgan!

Response: Thank you Public Affairs for the great feedback about a great Sailor! Not much warms my heart more than hearing about our service providers living up to the Sigonella standard of “CO Customer Service.”

Comment regarding “BZ for Base Appearance”:Recently I visited NAS Sigonella and saw how nicely kept both bases were. They are fantastic – spotless and well-ordered! Even when the outdoor temp soared to 100°F, the buildings where I stayed was enjoyably cool. I can only image how hard

it is with today’s budget challenges and aging infrastructure. I think NAS Sigonella may be the best-maintained base in the entire region.

Sincerely, Tarin Sherwood

Response:Dear Tarin, thank you for your compliment! We all aim to please and appreciate very much your positive feedback. Keeping our base well-maintained is a community effort. I am proud to say we, Sig’ Citizens, are genuinely committed to being good stewards of the resources we’ve been provided by tax payers like you. Thanks again for your comment!

Comment regarding “BZ for Chapel”:Please allow me to pass the Chaplain Office a gigantic BZ for their help in my recent wedding. It was a grand event befitting such an important occasion. Most importantly, my thanks to RP2 Wilkins for support with the set-up and Chaplain Myers for his stirring spiritual blessing that had us all in tears of joy.

Very Respectfully, LT Michael Wilckens, AIMD

Response: LT, first off CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding! I send my sincerest wishes to you and your wife for a long and happy life as one. I am very glad - but not surprised - to hear of your positive experience with our Religious Ministries Department. Chaplain Myers, RP2 Wilkins, as well as the whole RMD team are tireless, cheer-hearted servants to our Sigonella family.

Comment regarding “NEX BZ and Beer Selection”:I think the NEX is doing a great job! I only ask we once again get Sam Adams Summer Ale in stock. Thank you!

Response:Kelly, thank you for the BZ, and I have good news! Though I

can’t speak for this moment, most recently our NEX had cases of Sam Adams Summer Ale on the shelf. You may remember, last year the NEX responded interactively with Sigonella beer enthusiasts and procured many new selections adorning our shelves today, just one of several examples in which the NEX demonstrates its devotion to their patron’s.

Comment regarding “BZ for Library”:The Sigonella Library staff is very friendly and dedicated, and make being a library patron an awesome experience. Recently I made a book suggestion on the library’s WIX website. The staff made the purchase and emailed me when the book arrived. Thank you to Richard, Mike, and Lucia!

Very Respectfully, LT Cecilia Hu, CTF-67

Response:Cecilia, great feedback, thank you! Our library may be small compared to some in U.S. municipalities, but yours and other stories demonstrate our library team’s commitment to CO Customer Service – not many libraries can say this!

Comment regarding “BZ for NAS 2Zumba instructor”: Bravo Zulu to our NAS 2 Zumba Leaders! Angel Liebfried and Karina Pina are exceptional in leading these vigorous, but refreshing experiences. Their energy and their enthusiasm motivate the entire class!

Sincerely, Andrea Lemon, NAVSUP

Response:Andrea, thank you for your praise! Our community is indeed fortunate to have certified professionals like Angel and Karina and our other group exercise instructors. MWR works hard to bring you and other fitness center patrons diversified, competent and motivating group exercise classes. Stay fit, Stay Navy!

Comment regarding “BZ for Auto HobbyShop”:The staff at the Auto Hobby Shop is very customer service oriented! Alan Daniel was especially courteous and helpful by providing me tools and advice to help me change my oil. He repeatedly checked if I needed anything and showed me how everything worked in the shop. It was a wonderful experience; something most probably wouldn’t say about changing their oil!

Response:Thank you for your comment and thank you Alan! Our Auto Hobby Shop customers continue to laud this crew and service. Your note and the others go a long way in letting Alan and the whole team know they are appreciated.

Comment regarding “BZ to CDC ”:I have had my child at the CDC for the last two years and the current staff and director are the best I’ve seen. They know my son well, and he loves spending his day with them. The CDC-parent communication is very good, with parental feedback genuinely considered. The front desk staff is helpful and efficient. My son is happy which means everything to this active duty mom.

Very Respectfully, LCDR Marcy Lake, USNH Sigonella

Response:Dr. Lake, all parents requiring day care appreciate what you’ve just shared. I am most pleased to hear our Child Development Center team is taking the enormous responsibility of quality childcare to heart. Ms. Sue Proctor and the team are really making a difference in children’s and families’ lives. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!

"ICE" continued on Page 3

"ICE" continued from Page 2

THe SIgNaTurePage 4 august 7, 2015 THe SIgNaTure Page 5august 7, 2015

Need an appointment at the hospital?

Call DSN 624-CARE (2273) or commercial: 095-56-2273,

M - F: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For non-emergent medical questions that arise over the Weekend, Holidays,

or after office hours, please call the Nurse

Advice Line at 800-877-660 (local/Italy only)

Need a medication refill or results from your Provider?

Create an account with Relay Health using your

PCM...www.relayhealth.com (click: register, patient,

then add PCM)

USNH Sigonella's message to pay patients regarding conversion to U.S. Treasury's Centralized Receivables Service (CRS)FroM u.S. NavaL HoSPITaL SIgoNeLLa

Editor's note: This change will only affect employees of DoDDs, Contractors, NATO, and GS staff who seek medical treatment at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. This does not apply to military members and their fam-ilies covered by Tri-Care.

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - In order to more fully comply with the statutes and regulations gov-erning the invoicing of non- ben-eficiary patients for healthcare re-ceived in Navy Medicine Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella will be-gin using the U.S. Treasury's Cen-tralized Receivable Service (CRS) to process charges generating as a result of healthcare encounters delivered thru the Medical Ser-vices Accounts (MSA) program. CRS is a service offered to Federal Agencies to ensure that the debt management statutory and regu-latory requirements levied on the Agency are fully compliant, while at the same time better protecting the due process rights of the per-sons being billed. Charges from the MSA program include costs related to healthcare services provided to non-Department of Defense (DoD) beneficiaries, and charges to DoD beneficiaries for non-covered items (such as elec-tive cosmetic surgery and the in-

patient Family Member Rate).With this new CRS pro-

cess, after our Uniform Business Office (UBO) staff reviews and veri-fies the details regard-ing each completed MSA program health-care encounter, which we will then electroni-cally transfer the en-counter details to CRS for the full-service invoic-ing management of charges. Upon successful transmission of the encounter data, CRS will perform a further review of all details for correctness and com-pleteness. Once mailed by CRS, the responsible party will have 60 days to pay the invoice, estab-lish an installment agreement, or submit a dispute to CRS, if he/she believes that the invoice was pre-pared in error.

A significant process change that will be seen at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella is that we will no longer delay invoicing of the responsible party while waiting successful processing of the claim by the insurer. In other words, we will no longer continue the prac-tice of billing the insurer. This is a necessary step, because the prac-tice of delayed invoicing (i.e., bill-ing the insurer) jeopardizes the Hospital’s compliance with pub-lic law that mandates that Federal Agencies conduct prompt bill-ing for its debtors. Additionally, the practice of delayed invoic-ing also puts patient financial interests at risk when eventual invoicing does not sometimes occur until after the responsible party’s insurance filing window has closed. As such, responsible parties should anticipate that they will receive a mailed invoice from CRS sometime between ½ and 2 months after receiving healthcare in the MTF; the ½ month is a minimum time that allows the MTF to perform nec-essary medical records reviews/coding verifications, while the 2 month maximum time allows for additional reviews by the UBO and the combining together of charges from multiple days for the purpose of consolidated in-voicing by CRS.

For persons who have previ-ously been accustomed to hav-ing U.S. Naval Hospital Sigo-nella file insurance claims for them, we recommend that they establish an early dialogue with their health insurer so that they have the correct forms/proce-dures necessary to file their own claims. Additionally, since CRS invoices will often reach the point of becoming payable prior to the health insurer paying on the claim, patients should con-tact CRS early on if they are un-able to pay the invoice according to the CRS terms (normally 60 days); CRS does have the ability to establish installment agree-ments when necessary. Accounts that are on a compliant install-ment agreement remain at CRS as current accounts and are not considered to be delinquent.

Although Treasury/CRS will assume many aspects of the man-agement of these MSA program accounts, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella will still maintain over-sight of healthcare encounter-related items such as proof of the encounter, patient eligibility, maintenance of the medical re-cord, records coding, and appli-cation of approved rates towards those encounters. However, the primary point of contact for pa-tient questions will be with CRS; all CRS invoices will have contact information. Although U.S. Na-val Hospital Sigonella staff can-not be the patient's advocate in discussions with CRS, the UBO can and will be available to assist, as needed.

For any questions, please con-tact the UBO at 624-4788.

MILLINGTON, Tenn. - The goal of these changes is to achieve a healthier, fitter force over the short and long term with more Sailors taking the PRT resulting in fewer failures and better mission readiness.

1. An updated Physical Activity Risk Factor Questionnaire (PARFQ) to better assess the health of a Sailor.

2. BCA has changed allowing a Sailor three opportunities based on body type and age to pass the BCA. The Sailor will be able to use the current height and weight measurements, single-site abdominal circumference measurement, or meet the DoD maximum allowable fat limit.

3. A Sailor will be separated for failing two PFAs in three years.

4. Effective immediately upon CO approval, a Sailor who has not yet been separated due to multiple PFA failures has a transition period between now and Dec. 1, 2015 to stay in, providing they pass a mock or official PRT.

5. COs will conduct PFA spot checks. Failure may result in command FEP enrollment and diet/nutritional counseling as resources to help ensure Sailors stay or get in shape.

6. A fitness award will be issued to those Sailors who score outstanding for three consecutive PFA Cycles.

7. Health and Fitness Initiatives will be published between now and January 2016.

Check NAVADMIN 178/15 for more details about the changes.http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/documents/NAVADMIN%20178-15.pdf

Seven things to know about Navy's PFA changes Key changes begin Jan. 1, 2016... Make sure you are ready!

FroM CHIeF oF NavaL PerSoNNeL PuBLIC aFFaIrS


GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) is wor-king with Navy public health and environmental experts to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations of cancer among personnel assigned to the Department of Defense Office of Military Commissions site at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay.

In response to a notification on July 14, 2015, Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) is working with Navy public health and environmental experts to conduct a preliminary inquiry into allegations of cancer among personnel assigned to the Department of Defense Office of Military Commissions site at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay.

The complaint alleges that military and civilian personnel who worked at the Commissions area of Guantanamo Bay were likely exposed to carcinogens. According to the complaint, up to seven individuals who lived and worked in the area have subsequently been diagnosed with cancer.

In response to this complaint, CNRSE and NS Guantanamo Bay Commanding Officer Capt. David Culpepper have requested the support of the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) and other Navy environmental officials to review available records pertinent to the site and the allegations in the complaint.

As part of their review, NMCPHC public health experts are reviewing historical medical records of the individuals identified in the report to confirm the type of cancer and date of diagnosis. Histo-rical environmental data is also being reviewed by NMCPHC to determine if there are any potential

health risks from exposure to environmental hazards. This initial review must be completed before a final plan would be developed.

The initial records search is in coordination with NS Guan-tanamo Bay, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic and NAVFAC Southeast. To ensure an exhaustive pro-cess and review are met, the records search could take several weeks. Additionally, while records review is taking place, a small team of PH professionals will be traveling to Guantanamo Bay next week to provide subject matter expertise for the base com-manding officer and leadership.

Navy leadership is committed to the safety and security of all personnel at its installations and will provide regular updates on the progress of the inquiry at http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrse/installations/ns_guantanamo_bay.html, on the Armed Forces Network's weekly radio news program "Open Line," and in the pages of the "Guantanamo Gazette."

Bring the whole family to see two spectacular reli-gious festivals taking place at the end of August which celebrate the patron saints of Mineo and Noto. Visitors attending those feste will discover the true soul of Sicily’s religious and folkloristic traditions.

St. Agrippina Festival in Mineo (Aug. 22, 23, 29 and 30)

Every year, on the last two weekends of August, Mi-neo pays tribute to Santa Agrippina, (Saint Agrippina) its beloved patron saint, with religious processions, holy masses and a combination of fireworks and music shows.

Saint Agrippina was a princess who was martyred by Roman Emperor Valerian in 256 AD because she was a Christian. According to tradition, the holy relics of Saint Agrippina arrived in Mineo on May 17, in the year 261 AD.

The statue of the patron saint, which is preserved in-side the town main church, will be carried through the city streets for veneration on Sunday, Aug. 23 (6 p.m.) and Sunday, Aug. 30 (8 p.m. until midnight). At the end of the Aug. 30 procession, there will be a spectacular fireworks’ show.

Other festival highlights include the Luminarie (light displays) that will be lit on Aug. 22 around 9:30 p.m. and the Pellegrinaggio dei Nudi pilgrimage, which takes place in the town's center the night before (Aug. 29) at 6:30 p.m., Nudi are barefoot devotees dressed in white shorts and t-shirts with a red sash and a black velvet belt. They are called "naked ones" because in the past they attended the processions by wearing only white causi a tila (un-derpants) and carrying a holy picture of the saint and a bunch of flowers. The reason for such a simple dress relates to a legend telling about a night when a terrible earthquake woke up Mineo's townspeople from their sleeps in 1693. Hundreds rushed into the streets wearing only their nightshirts and invoked Saint Agrippina for the cessation of the earthquake tremors.

At the beginning of last century, the bishop of Sira-cusa prohibited devotees from wearing only underpants during the festival, as he believed it was an inappropri-ate outfit for a religious procession. During this fascinat-ing religious parade, devotees scream in Sicilian: Viva la nostra patrona Sant'Agrippina! (Long live Saint Agrip-pina, our patron saint!).

They also recite the rosary and sing hymns in Sicil-ian. After the World Wars, many Mineo residents who survived the fighting made a vow to go on a pilgrim-age every year in Mineo for the rest of their lives. Saint Agrippina is also venerated for having protected Mineo against a devastating earthquake that hit the town in 1975. The festival's entertainment will also include fire-works and music shows. Saint Agrippina is also celebrat-ed in Boston with a spectacular festival.

The feast of Saint Agrippina is also celebrated each year, for the past 100 years, in Boston's north end by a group of devotees of Italian descent.

For more information and detailed festival sched-ules, visit the town of Mineo web site http://www.circo-losantagrippina.it/

St. Conrad Festival in Noto (Aug. 30 and 31)The annual Festa di San Corrado or St. Conrad Festi-

val will return to Noto on Sunday, Aug. 30 and Monday, Aug.31. Noto is one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in Sicily. The town is indeed part of UNESCO World Heritage List. The summer feast honoring St. Conrad is one of the four traditional yearly celebrations celebrat-ing the town patron saint. Saint Conrad has been vener-ated in Noto since the 16th century. In 1515, Pope Leo X permitted the town of Noto to annually celebrate a San Corrado festival on the anniversary of his death. Hun-dred and fifteen years later, Pope Urban VIII proclaimed him a saint.

The strong devotion and gratitude shown to San Corrado by the Noto community is due to the intercessions that he granted them on several occasions throughout the centuries.

One of them concerns the miracle that San Corrado worked in 1855 when Noto res-idents summoned him to protect the town against a deadly cholera epidemic. Accord-ing to tradition, San Corrado interceded and the city was spared by the illness. Tradition also holds that, in 1943, World War II bomb-ings spared Noto as granted through the in-tercession of San Corrado. The mayor of the time also promised he would offer a candle every year to thank him.

Life of San CorradoAccording to legend, Corrado Confalonieri, a

wealthy aristocrat, was born in Piacenza in 1290. Corra-do loved hunting. One day in 1313, an episode changed his life. During his usual pastime, Corrado ordered his attendants to set fire to some bushes to flush out game. But a prevailing wind caused the flames to spread rap-idly devastating nearby fields, forests, towns and villages. Corrado fled panicking. An innocent peasant was accused of being the arsonist. Thus, he was tortured to confess a

Mineo and Noto host Religious Feasts in August

Make sure you mark on your calendar two must-see religious festivals celebrating the patron saints of Mineo and Noto. Visitors attending these feste will discover the true soul of Sicily’s religious and folkloristic traditions.(Photo by Circolo Santa Agrippina)

Naval Station Guantanamo Bay performs Public Health ReviewFroM CoMMaNder, Navy INSTaLLaTIoNS CoMMaNd PuBLIC aFFaIrS

Official U.S. Navy file photo of The North East Gate at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Bill Mesta/Released)

"UPCOMING FEASTS" continued on Page 8

U.S. NAVY HEADLINES


crime he did not commit, and eventually he was sentenced to death. As the poor man was ready to be executed, Conrad was stricken with remorse and confessed his guilt saving the poor man's life. Because of his noble ori-gins, Corrado was spared the death penalty. But he had to sell all his pos-sessions to pay off the damaged property. Thus, Corrado became poor and retired as a Franciscan monk to a lonely hermitage near Piacenza, while his wife entered the Order of Poor Clares. Later, he went to Rome to meet with Pope and eventually to Sicily. There, he settled in the Noto Valley where he led a penitential life for thirty years using a cave for meditation.

According to tradition, Corrado worked several miracles during his long hermitage. A legend tells that the most famous miracle occurred when the Siracusa Bishop visited Corrado in his humble home. When the Bishop asked Corrado if he had anything to offer to his guests, the hermit replied he would check in his cell.

Right after, he came back bringing some fresh bread out of the oven. Therefore, the bishop became convinced that Corrado was a saint.

On Sunday, Aug. 30, the Festival starts with a solemn Holy Mass cel-ebrated by the Noto Bishop at 10:30 a.m. at the Cathedral. Later, in the evening, the Arca, a silver urn containing the saint remains, is carried shoulder high along the streets of Noto's historic center. The procession begins at 7 p.m. from the Cathedral and proceeds throughout the historic heart of the city until the Crocifisso Church. A spectacular firework with music show will be held in piazza Municipio at 10 p.m.

On Monday, Aug. 31, the festival will move to the Lido di Noto, the coastal district of the town, with a concert beginning at 9 p.m. Later, at midnight ., the festival will end with a breathtaking fireworks' show on the water.

The magnificent Arc is a priceless piece of art Giovanni Manuella, a Sicilian architect, designed the Arca in 1525. Throughout the centuries, several generations of Sicilian goldsmiths and silversmiths added fine decorations to the original model. The urn was eventually completed in 1848. The Arca is 6.2 feet tall and 24 inches wide. It weighs 880 pounds. It contains the saint's body and it is usually kept inside the Noto cathedral. After the 1990 earthquake, the Arca was moved to the nearby Church of San Carlo al Corso as the cathedral was damaged by the tremors. It will be preserved there until the cathedral is restored. Members from the local Confraternite (Confraternities) bring the traditional Cilii and banners in procession while they are dressed in traditional costumes. A continuous stream of more than 4,000 people follows the procession. Cilii are deco-rated iron bowls supported by a tall wooden stick, which contains a can-dle. They have been symbolizing the devotion shown to the saint after the fulfillment of a vow or pledge since the 1500s. Some fervent devotees still perform the traditional Viaggiu Scausu or "Barefoot Itinerary" both on the night before the festival and during the procession. That is a real proof of devotion and physical resistance, as it consists of following the main procession barefoot and walking for miles from the surrounding towns to the cathedral. Some residents, leaving from the surrounding cities, walk up to 15 miles to reach Noto and take part in the procession.

For more information visit the town of Noto web site http://www.comune.noto.sr.it/

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on other Gulfstream aircraft,” said Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Gates, ETD Sigonella’s Operation Officer and pilot. “We spent more time away from our families with no jet here than we would have had we had one all along.”

Besides, putting in a full day’s work is something the group is accustomed to. In the past ETD has flown an average of six to 10 missions a month while maintaining all the same administrative and flight programs expected of a squadron with 10 times the personnel. Those who accept orders to the detachment here don’t do so for an extended vacation. “Operational readiness requires ETD Sailors to assume individual ownership of multiple programs and maintain expertise across numerous fields,” said Command Master Chief Cory Drone. “Our command is supported by Sailors in a great diversity of ratings performing different jobs.”

ETD is buoyed by enlisted Sailors in a diversity of ratings who being part of one of the Navy’s few permanently forward- deployed detachments wear the Type III naval working uniform (NWU). The support staff consists of a logistics specialist (LS) tasked with maintaining command supplies and equipment, as well as insuring the Catbird is properly supported with a fuel card while on missions. Manning the Command Services Department are Yeoman (YN) and Personnel Specialists (PS) responsible for the day-to-day personnel requirements of the

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NAS Sigonella's new C-20G Gulfstream IV prepares to land on NAS 2, Aug. 4. Executive Transport Detachment (ETD) Sigonella received a new aircraft to fly Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa to meeting destinations around Europe, Africa, and other locales within range. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)

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"TROINA" continued from Page 1

chapter of the veteran association). “He saw a lot of hunger due to the siege and it got so bad that even the crucifix in the church was getting shot.”

Associazone Nazionale Combattenti e Reduci members, the mayor of Troina, Carabinieri, Ital-ian fire department, and NAS Sigonella mem-bers marched 500 meters up Troina’s hilly terrain to commemorate the battle with the laying of a wreath and remarks by Venezia. U.S. Naval Hospi-tal (USNH) Sigonella’s color guard marched along with U.S. and Italian flags side-by-side to represent the current bond between the two nations.

“I wanted to get involved in different events like this and learn about the things I never heard of,” said Hospitalman Ian Bayne, a USNH color guard member. “It gives you a better understanding of where we are from, our past, and it’s important to honor them because of the ultimate sacrifices and…for the sake of their families and friends.”

The evening ended with refreshments and a tour of the Robert Capa exhibition. The exhibition featured 70 black and white framed photographs hung neatly inside a gallery in Troina and is open now through Sept. 30.


NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigo-nella successfully completed a fuel tank return to service evolution on July 31, an event that occurs about once eve-ry ten years per tank.

The five-day return to service operation for a bulk fuel tank at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella commenced on July 27 and was led by NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Fuels Of-ficer Lt. Rosanne Witt and her team of eighteen Sailors.

Department of Defense fuel tanks undergo a for-mal inspection program called the American Petroleum Equipment Standard 653 to ensure the integrity of tanks and compliance with all U.S. and host nation environ-mental standards, and to strive to be good stewards of the environment.

During a fuel tank inspection, a tank is drained so all structural components are visible. A certified tank in-spector conducts the inspection and upon completion, the inspector will provide a statement listing necessary repairs. Once the required maintenance is complete, the inspector will certify that a tank is suitable for return to service.

Throughout the inspection and return to service pro-cess for the NAS Sigonella bulk fuel tank, Capt. Chris Parker, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella commanding officer, certified that all federally mandated paperwork was thor-oughly reviewed and approved all standard operating procedures.

Witt's team returned the NAS Sigonella bulk tank to full operational service over a five-day period, July 27-31. They filled the tank daily with defined increments of fuel and observed for 8 hours. The team also maintained a 24-hour watch bill to observe the tank for any potential leaks.

The Sailors kept vigilance during the procedures and completed the operation successfully despite tempera-tures higher than one hundred degrees Fahrenheit.

During the evolution, the NAVSUP FLC Sigonella fuel department continued to supply fuel support to aircraft at the facility. Even while experiencing a three-fold increase

in normal fuel demand, the team maintained operational support. On average, Naval Air Station Sigonella demands about 1 million U.S. gallons of fuel per month.

In May, NAVSUP Global Logistic Support (GLS) Commander Rear Adm. James McNeal issued a new fuel tank return to service policy in order to better assess con-tract work completion and provide another set of eyes to review the return to service operating procedures. This policy requires commanding officers are involved in the process and ensures that operations are carried out safely with minimal risks to personnel and the environment.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella, one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, pro-vides global logistics, business and support services to

fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional trans-portation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, ware-housing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous ma-terial management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of more than 6,500 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide providing an extensive ar-ray of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

Fuel tank return to service completed by NAVSUP FLC SigonellaBy SHaNNoN HaNeyNAVSUP FLC Sigonella Public Affairs Officer

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (fuels) 2nd Class Michael Rader (left) from Marblehead, Massachusetts and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (fuels) 1st Class Luis Sanchez (right) from Bronx, New York open fuel valves during a bulk fuel tank return to service headed by Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella onboard Naval Air Station Sigonella. (U.S. Navy photo by Shannon Haney)


Breakfast: $3.45 Lunch: $5.55 Dinner: $4.85

As a reminder to everyone:

Reminder - there are no PTUs allowed at the Galley. Appropriate athletic gear is authorized at the discretion of the Galley staff. Please remember that for sanitation purposes and for the consideration of other customers, if you have been out for PT, been working out at the gym, or have just been engaged in any physical activity where you and or your clothing has become soiled or sweaty you will be asked to turn around.

Friday, August 7Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Minute Steak Lunch: Chicken Adobo, Sweet & Sour PorkSpeed Line: Freshly Made PizzaDinner: Baked Beef Ravioli, Baked Tuna Noddle

Saturday, August 8Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Sausage PattieBrunch: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Sausage Pattie, Baked Beef Ravioli Dinner: Fishwich with French Fries, Grilled Chicken in Orange Sauce

Sunday, August 9Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Turkey Sausage Links, Oven Fried BaconBrunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Turkey Sausage Links, Oven Fried Bacon, Roast BeefDinner: Spaghetti with Meatballs, Baked Chicken Nuggets

Monday, August 10 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Minced Beef, Oven Fried BaconLunch: Home Made Meatloaf, Herbed Baked ChickenSpeed Line: PizzaDinner: Chicken Fried Steak w/ Brown Gravy, Baked Pork Chops w/ Mushrooms

Tuesday, August 11Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Turkey Sausage Links, Oven Fried BaconLunch: Fresh Made Lasagna, Lemon Baked Fish Speed Line: Meatball Subs Dinner: Beef Stew, Teriyaki Glazed Chicken

Wednesday, August 12Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Creamed Ground Beef on Toast, Oven Fried BaconLunch: BBQ Chicken, Pork RibsSpeed Line: Burgers and Chicken PattiesDinner: Spaghetti with Meat sauce, Honey Ginger Chicken

Thursday, August 13Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Corned Beef Hash, Oven Fried BaconLunch: Oven Roasted Pork, Baked Fish with Cherry TomatoesSpeed Line: Pasta Bar Dinner: Chili Macaroni, Crispy Chicken Sandwich with Fries

Friday, August 14Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Sausage Patties Lunch: Beef and Broccoli, Oven Roasted TurkeySpeed Line: PizzaDinner: Chicken Parmesan, Chili Cheese Dogs

BREAKFASTMon-Fri

6:30-8 a.m.Weekend/Holiday

7 -9 a.m.

LUNCHMon-Fri

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Weekend/Holiday

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

DINNERMon-Fri

4:30 - 6 p.m.Weekend/Holiday

4:30 - 6 p.m.

DRIVE SAFELY SIGONELLA

All Hands News BulletinTo request publication of your message, please send it to [email protected]

ROMAN CATHOLIC• Sunday - 9 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel• TuESday, WEdnESday & FRIday 11:30 a.m. - Catholic Mass at NAS 2 ChapelSacraments of Reconciliation / Penance precedeeach Mass• FRIday - 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass at NAS 1 Chapel

LATTER-DAY SAINTS • Sunday - 1:30 p.m. at NAS 1 ChapelContact: [email protected] or 624-9049

JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICE• FRIday - 5:30 p.m. at NAS 1 ChapelPROTESTANT - NAS 1 CHAPEL• SaTuRday - 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship

Services • Sunday - 11 a.m. Traditional Worship; 12 p.m. Sunday SchoolPROTESTANT / Non-Denominational - NAS 2 Chapel• Sunday - 6 p.m.

NIGHT STUDY• MOnday - AA Meetings - 5:30 p.m., seconddeck at NAS 1 Chapel; ThuRSday - 7 p.m. at NAS 2 Chapel• TuESday - Italian Class - 7 p.m. at Classroom at NAS 1 Chapel • TuESday - Glee Club - 12 p.m. at NAS 1 Chapel • TuESday - Awana Club - 4:45 p.m at NAS 1 Chapel

NASSIG Worship Services

Veterans Admin Representative - Appointments available to meet individually for counseling with/by the Veterans Administration Overseas Military Service Coordinator.Representative will be able to respond to questions/inquiries regarding personal benefits, and to review medical records for service members. Representative is onboard NAS Sigonella, in the Fleet & Family Support Center from August 10 - 14. Call 624-4291 to schedule your appointment.

Navy Ball Committee - We will celebrate this year's Navy Ball on Oct. 2 at the Sheraton of Catania. Please mark your calendars and prepare for a wonderful evening celebrating 240 years of proud, Navy tradition.Your Command's Navy Ball Representative(s) will begin ticket sales the first week of September.All Commands, if you have not identified a Navy Ball representative, please contact Lt. Brian Myers ([email protected]), this year's Ball Chair, as soon as possible.

FFSC will be hosting the SAPR Victim Advocate Training from Sept. 28 - Oct. 1.This 40 hour training is a required part of the advocate certification process; participants must attend the entire course. Command leadership please submit recommendations with personnel name, phone number, email address and PCS date to the installation SARC at [email protected] NO LATER THAN Friday, August 14. Upon receipt of your information, candidates will receive an application package and other pertinent information.Please note that there is NO rate or rank requirement for the advocate program. We seek mature and responsible active duty members that want to genuinely serve our community.For more information, please call Xiomara Bowes at 624-4291

OPM Breach: The SECNAV website is live. Information can be found at:http://www.secnav.navy.mil/OPMBreachDON/Pages/default.aspx

Ristorante Bella Etna - Now accepting credit cards for your meals. There are no international transaction fees if you are using a U.S. based credit card. There may be a fee for those of you that use a foreign credit card. We always accept cash. RIK or meal card holders are always FREE.

Protestant Women of the Chapel - Join PWOC for a pool party! Protestant Women of the Chapel would like to invite all ladies of the NAS Sigonella community and their children to attend a pool party on August 28 from 9 - 11 am at NAS 1 Splashers Pool! We'll have refreshing drinks, yummy snacks, pool games and prizes! Please RSVP to [email protected] no later than August 14.

Civilian Human Resources (CHR) Vacancy Announcements: Vacancy announcements for L.N. and U.S. appropriated fund positions may be viewed/downloaded from http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/nas_sigonella/about/jobs.html.

Chapel Offices: NAS I 095-56-3975, NAS II 095-86-9049, DSN: 624-3975, Chaplain Duty: 335-831-4493 RP Duty: 335-786-1950 NAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Naval Air Station Sigonella Chapel

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Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid.The remaining 25 letters spell a George Eliot quotation.

BANKERBARKEEPBILLY THE KIDBOOT HILLBRANDCAMPFIRECATTLE DRIVECHAPARRALCOALCORRALCOWBOYDOC HOLLIDAYFARRIERFORTFURSGOLD MINE

GOLD PANNINGGRAZEHIRED GUNHOGSHOMESTEADHOTELJUDGELARIATLAWMANLIVESTOCKMINEROUTLAW GANGPISTOLPLOW HORSEPOSSERAILROAD

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Community rallies together for National Night Out 2015

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Service and commu-nity members at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella joined together at the Marinai Base Housing com-plex Aug. 4, for the 32nd annual National Night Out (NNO) event.

Sailors from NAS Sigonella’s Security Depart-ment invited Air Force security members, emergen-cy preparedness organizations, and multiple Italian military and police forces on base to remind every-one at NAS Sigonella how important security is for the community while building closer ties with our Italian community.

“We’re all working toward the same goal, to re-duce crime and make sure our communities are safe,” said Chief Warrant Officer Luis Martinez, NAS Sigonella anti-terrorism officer. “It’s impor-tant for our families and the entire community to see the positive side of law enforcement and all the hard work these agencies go through to protect this community.”

The NNO event began with a parade through the Marinai streets displaying law enforcement, safety, fire prevention, and Italian police force vehicles. The parade concluded at the Marinai soccer fields and also included military working dogs and their train-ers, as well as Italian horse-mounted police units.

“Master-at-Arms 1st Class Nicholas Heffel and Master-at-Arms 1st Class Kevin Davis have been planning this event over the last year,” said Chief Master-at-Arms Troy Pepito, NNO coordinator. “They have been coordinating with Marco Falzone to get buy-in from local law enforcement and it’s all came together thanks to their hard work.”

At the soccer fields, attendees were able to see weapons and equipment on display from NAS Sigo-nella security forces, Italian 41st Stormo security forces, and other agencies from around Sicily. Other events during the evening included military work-ing dog displays by NAS Sigonella security and Ital-ian Carabinieri forces, informational booths, and a bicycle raffle for a boy and girl bike. NAS Sigonella’s security association was also able to give away free food and drinks.

“This event is a great way for Security department and everyone involved with protecting the commu-nity to show off their capabilities,” said Heffel. “

NNO is a world-wide event celebrated every year that helps raise awareness about public safety and crime prevention. According to www.natw.org, NNO began on Aug. 7, 1984 when the National As-sociation of Town Watch Executive Director Matt Peskin felt that a high-profile and high impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally. The first NNO was attended by 2.5 million Ameri-cans across 400 communities in 23 states.

Children look on as local law enforcement drive by during the 32nd annual National Night Out on Marinai housing. National Nigh Out is a world-wide event celebrated every year that helps raise awareness about public safety and crime prevention. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tony D. Curtis/Released)

By MC1(Sw/aw) ToNy d. CurTISNAS Sigonella Public Affairs


command including management of new check-ins, personnel losses, all correspondence, and command interaction with Naval Air Station Sigonella’s Personnel Support Detachment. The Operations Department is comprised of Navy aircrew mechanical (AWFs) Sailors who perform primary in-flight and ground duties as crew chiefs. Drone said one of the detachment’s unique aspects is that of the Catbird billet for Culinary Specialists (CS) who prepare and provide meal services for the CNE and staff during inflight missions and must manage and account for subsistence inventories. ETD has an upgraded state-of-the-art kitchen inside the command and a galley on the aircraft to give these food specialists a nice area to hone their craft.

With only 15 total enlisted, in most cases each rating has only one person specialized in that job, which means each must able to multi-task. The aircrew survival equiptmentman (PR), for example, can’t just focus on paraloft duties, but is tasked to execute maintenance administration, quality assurance, and coordinate with civilian contractors.

The varied skill sets were a major factor in the command’s selection as a 2010 winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility, a distinction they earned by competing against U.S. employers from throughout civilian and government sectors.

That was back when the detachment had a bird to fly. The past 18 months challenged organizational leadership perhaps like no other time in the command’s history. How do you keep Sailors occupied and motivated without a mission; especially those not traveling back and forth to maintain proficiencies?

“Our MWR Team is very good at putting command events on the calendar,” said Drone. “We encourage our Sailors to take leave to visit Europe, realizing that we will be very busy once we do get the Catbird back.”

Brandt references high marks from two command culture surveys and a Safety Center command climate survey before answering the question. “Inspectors have been amazed when I tell them we haven’t performed a mission since the end of 2013,” said Brandt. “Yet, morale has remained high. I take no credit for this. I think the reason is simply due to an outstanding group of officers and enlisted who know their jobs, do them without being told, and don’t waste time complaining about the lack of an aircraft.”

Brandt then pauses, and finishes the thought. It’s a sentence he’s long been eager to say. “With that said, everyone is very happy to have the plane back!”

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the signature, august 7, 2015

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