In this weeks edition we check out STEM Knight at Sigonella Elementary School, we take a look at the science behind Mt. Etna, and finally we check out the St. Agata festival held in Catania.
CATANIA, Sicily - It's a peaceful Sunday morning when you feel a slight vibration. At first you dismiss it; unsure whether the rumble was the phone vibrating in your pocket, or your growling stomach craving a flakey chocolate cornetto. at's when windows and doors be- gin to shake, trembling in fear as though they know the coming disaster. en it happens - a violent explosion ringing in the air. You step outside to see what's happening, but you already know. Looking north, a plume of ash and rock are thrust into the atmosphere while simultaneously a giant black cloud careens down the hill, devouring everything in its path. ere's no use in hiding. Running is futile. You thought Marinai was far enough away from the wrath of Mt. Etna. And you were wrong. While this scenario involving a large-scale eruption of Mt. Etna could cause earthquakes, landslides, lava flows, and pyroclastic flows, and have devastating effect on the economy, weather conditions, agriculture, and the life you know, don't start evacuating just yet. "It's very, very stable," said Boris Behncke, a volcanologist at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania, Sicily. "[Etna is] different from Vesuvius, where we know magma accumulates all the time and sooner or later it will overcome a threshold and blow the top of the volcano to pieces. From all the data that we get we have the impression that there is currently no major accumulation of magma below Etna." Behncke says this is due to the efficiency of the volcano. e magma beneath Mt. Etna has an unrestricted flow from the bottom to the top. is allows pressure to be released freely and oſten instead of building up, and this prevents a massive eruption. It's like dropping a Mentos into a bottle of Coca-Cola. If you put the cap on the NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - If you've never had to deal with a door-to-door salesman, consider yourself lucky. ey show up unannounced trying to sell you what they claim to be the product of the future. You try to tell them you're not interested, but "Trusty Tom" is there to talk, not listen. Aſter reciting his 20-minute sermon about how some new vacuum cleaner harnesses the power of a hurricane to suck up every molecule of dirt on your floor, (as well as small pets and children weighing less than 50 pounds), you politely tell him "no." en he practically kicks your door in then dumps a garbage bag full of dirt right in the middle of your carpet. A cloud of dust fills the room, but don't worry. e" Hurriclean 5000" has a state-of-the-art air filtration system so efficient that it's guaranteed to rid your home of all allergens, airborne pathogens, and oxygen, so take a deep breath because the demonstration is about to start. He turns the appliance on and blurts out more technical information, but you can't hear anything over the jet engine' that's powering this must-have machine. When the roar of the vacuum finally silences, Tom reminds you that you can't put a price on cleanliness, but he can. For 16 easy payments of $742.53 this nature-defying device could be all yours. Aſter signing the papers, Tom is on his way. For those of you who have had similar experiences with obnoxious salesmen, or crass advertisements, you've perhaps wondered out loud, "why can't somebody just sell me something useful." Well you're in luck. Starting today you can have it all, with STEM. at's right, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. e future is now, and if you want to be a part of it then take advantage of this wonderful offer before it's too late. What do you get with STEM? Knowledge, of course, but I'm not talking about boring lecture hall learning. STEM offers a hands-on approach to problem solving using real world applications. at's just what happened at Knights Hall, Feb. 5, during STEM Knight. Kids of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella got the chance to educate themselves in the four fields of STEM, even if, they didn't know that's what they were doing. "Each one of these games that the teachers have fit into N A S SIG O N E L L A STEM sells C.J. Davis launches a propeller into the air using Snap Circuits during STEM Knight in Knights Hall at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Feb. 5. STEM Knight offers kids the opportunity to engage in hands on problem solving in the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Donavan K. Patubo/Released) BY MC2 DONAVAN PATUBO NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Staff ETNA" continued on Page 5 Military Saves Campaign: How much are you saving? PAGE 13 Vol. 32 No. 6 Saint Agata Festival: See the action! PAGE 12 SPMGTF-CR Africa: Change of Command! PAGE 4 February 13, 2015 Mount Etna - the science behind this stable giant BY MC2 DONAVAN PATUBO NAS Sigonella Public Affairs Staff Mount Etna erupts down the southwest slope, Feb. 1. (Photo by Lyndsay Curtis) "STEM" continued on Page 5
Transcript
CATANIA, Sicily - It's a peaceful Sunday morning when you feel a slight vibration. At first you dismiss it; unsure whether the rumble was the phone vibrating in your pocket, or your growling stomach craving a flakey chocolate cornetto.
That's when windows and doors be-gin to shake, trembling in fear as though they know the coming disaster. Then it happens - a violent explosion ringing in the air. You step outside to see what's happening, but you already know.
Looking north, a plume of ash and rock are thrust into the atmosphere while simultaneously a giant black cloud careens down the hill, devouring everything in its path. There's no use in hiding. Running is futile. You thought Marinai was far enough away from the wrath of Mt. Etna. And you were wrong.
While this scenario involving a large-scale eruption of Mt. Etna could cause earthquakes, landslides, lava flows, and pyroclastic flows, and have devastating effect on the economy,
weather conditions, agriculture, and the life you know, don't start evacuating just yet.
"It's very, very stable," said Boris Behncke, a volcanologist at the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology in Catania, Sicily. "[Etna is] different from Vesuvius, where we know magma accumulates all the time and sooner or later it will overcome a threshold and blow the top of the volcano to pieces. From all the data that we get we have the impression that there is currently no major accumulation of magma below Etna."
Behncke says this is due to the efficiency of the volcano. The magma beneath Mt. Etna has an unrestricted flow from the bottom to the top. This allows pressure to be released freely and often instead of building up, and this prevents a massive eruption. It's like dropping a Mentos into a bottle of Coca-Cola. If you put the cap on the
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - If you've never had to deal with a door-to-door salesman, consider yourself lucky. They show up unannounced trying to sell you what they claim to be the product of the future. You try to tell them you're not interested, but "Trusty Tom" is there to talk, not listen. After reciting his 20-minute sermon about how some new vacuum cleaner harnesses the power of a hurricane to suck up every molecule of dirt on your floor, (as well as small pets and children weighing less than 50 pounds), you politely tell him "no." Then he practically kicks your door in then dumps a garbage bag full of dirt right in the middle of your carpet. A cloud of dust fills the room, but don't worry. The" Hurriclean 5000" has a state-of-the-art air filtration system so efficient that it's guaranteed to rid your home of all allergens, airborne pathogens, and oxygen, so take a deep breath because the demonstration is about to start. He turns the appliance on and blurts out more technical information, but you can't hear anything over the jet engine' that's powering this must-have machine. When the roar of the vacuum finally silences, Tom reminds you that you can't put a price on cleanliness, but he can. For 16 easy payments of $742.53 this nature-defying device could be all yours. After signing the papers, Tom is on his way.
For those of you who have had similar experiences with obnoxious salesmen, or crass advertisements, you've perhaps wondered out loud, "why can't somebody just sell me something useful."
Well you're in luck. Starting today you can have it all, with STEM. That's right, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The future is now, and if you want to be a part of it then take advantage of this wonderful offer before it's too late. What do you get with STEM? Knowledge, of course, but I'm not talking about boring lecture hall learning. STEM offers a hands-on approach to problem solving using real world applications. That's just what happened at Knights Hall, Feb. 5, during STEM Knight. Kids of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella got the chance to educate themselves in the four fields of STEM, even if, they didn't know that's what they were doing.
"Each one of these games that the teachers have fit into
NAS SIGONELLA
STEM sells
C.J. Davis launches a propeller into the air using Snap Circuits during STEM Knight in Knights Hall at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Feb. 5. STEM Knight offers kids the opportunity to engage in hands on problem solving in the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Donavan K. Patubo/Released)
By MC2 Donavan PatuBoNAS Sigonella Public Affairs Staff
ETNA" continued on Page 5
Military Saves Campaign:How much are you saving?
PAGE 13
Vol. 32 No. 6
Saint Agata Festival:
See the action!
PAGE 12
SPMGTF-CR Africa:
Change of Command!
PAGE 4
February 13, 2015
Mount Etna - the science behind this stable giantBy MC2 Donavan PatuBoNAS Sigonella Public Affairs Staff
Mount Etna erupts down the southwest slope, Feb. 1. (Photo by Lyndsay Curtis)
"STEM" continued on Page 5
tHE SIGnatuREPaGE 2 February 13, 2015 tHE SIGnatuRE PaGE 3February 13, 2015
Monday is Presidents Day, an annual occasion to enjoy family and friends. Celebrated on George Washington’s birthday, the holiday is traditionally a time to commemorate our nation’s presidents, and especially our two greatest, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Not only were they born in February, the two men were the focal leaders in the inception and survival of the American states. We often take it for granted, but there was no guarantee the “American Experiment” would be successful. During these great men’s lives, there were many moments when it looked as if they, and the nation they would ultimately lead, were doomed to fail. Instead, these genuine ‘greats,’ inspired by failure and frustration, kept moving forward to find success. Many of our Presidents have transcended the toughest of times and challenges to lead our country through adversity. They all share the same trait, a reluctance to accept “no” from the world. This prescient and tenacious reluctance is what sets them apart.
George Washington is arguably the most significant of the list of noteworthy United States’ founding fathers. Hero of the American Revolution and pivotal bolsterer for our government, Washington was flexible, yet unwavering, and honorable and valiant while simultaneously temperate and gentile. During the American Revolution, Washington’s Continental Army suffered countless losses including the humiliating retreat from New York City, the cruel 1777-’78 Valley Forge winter, and dissent and near dissolution from many he counted on for support. Washington constantly faced the threat of being relieved of command by Congress, even though Washington used his own fortune to help fund the army’s costs. Still, trial after trial, Washington found a way to overcome naysayers and inspire victory when events looked most bleak. For Washington, every New York City was a springboard for Trenton and Princeton, and hard lessons learned through loss ultimately led to the stunning strategic victory at Yorktown. Maybe Washington’s greatest enduring contribution to our nation was his leadership as president. Our country was unruly and dogged due to frail governance and lack of consensus. Washington himself was extremely reluctant to take leadership’s mantle again. Still, President Washington, putting the country ahead of himself and his doubts, set us on a true course for two terms, and then most importantly peacefully relinquished power to his elected successor. Washington’s obligation to say “yes” to what he devoutly believed was the patriot’s duty remains a hallmark for all Americans, even today.
Abraham Lincoln singularly led the salvation of our Union. Though not his desire, Lincoln’s 1860 presidential election was the tipping point for the South’s secession from the Union. Like Washington before him, Lincoln faced long odds, which included numerous political and military foes and
incompetents, many inside the Union. Yet, Lincoln willed himself and our country to success through patience, persistence, and vision. Following three years of losses, Lincoln and his generals built on Gettysburg, ultimately delivering a whole Union. In his Second Inaugural Address, Lincoln demonstrated that healing was possible in spite of the political long odds when he spoke his powerfully influential words: “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” President Lincoln’s reluctance to accept “no” ultimately cost him his life, but for the 150 years since his death demonstrated that grace and Union are possible among disparities and pain, and that Americans need not be slaves to baser human instincts.
Known for his Rough Riding, “Big-stick” carrying diplomacy, Theodore Roosevelt is celebrated not only for his virility, but also for his progressive, conservationist sensibilities. Roosevelt was born with a severe asthmatic condition that left him in poor childhood health. Roosevelt refused to remain inactive and forced himself into a vigorous physical regimen, allowing a life full of adventure and success. Roosevelt entered politics when our country was mired in corruption. Forever guided by his staunch belief that reform was not only just and right, but possible, Roosevelt resolved to say “yes” only to those lofty principles instilled in him as a young boy. Though it cost him reelection, his personal sacrifice achieved a brokered peace to the Russo-Japanese War; increased international recognition of US might through the strategic-yet-peaceful power projection of the “Great White Fleet”; and hard-fought victories for the middleclass and poor of our country won by his “trust busting” crusade, which ultimately codified the destruction of the corrupting force that was America monopolies. With his unflinching demeanor, adventurist spirit, and self-sacrifice, President Theodore Roosevelt returned our nation to a truer course.
Finally, John F. Kennedy is also a much beloved U.S. president, and his too was a life of struggles and setbacks. Battling colitis, chronic lower back pain, and other physical ailments that often left him in the hospital for weeks on end, young Kennedy was physi-cally and socially underdeveloped and untested. The events of World War II presented him with opportu-nities to explore his true metal. When Ltjg. John Ken-
nedy’s PT-109 patrol boat was sunk near the Solomon Islands, the oft-reluctant officer-in-charge asserted himself. Despite incredible physical suffering, and a looming Japanese enemy, Kennedy led the rescue of most of his 13-man crew. This event personally and politically would catapult Kennedy toward the presi-dency where he would reconcile a country corrupted by racial hatred, and threatened by nuclear war. Like presidents before him, Kennedy lost his life because of his reluctance to cower from hate. His courage to say “yes” to an aggressive US Naval quarantine forced the Soviets to remove nuclear weapons from Cuba – and amazingly averted a sure nuclear confrontation with our declared communist enemy. Likewise, this same tenacity ultimately and posthumously led to the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which brought the United States much closer to codifying in law what we had declared in spirit in 1776.
These four commanders-in-chief refused to give into the temptation to quit. When offered opportunities to overcome, to push through, and ultimately achieve, they found a way to rightly and justly say “yes.” Just as the country’s secure future was not certain for these greats, neither is ours. Just as their challenges were perilous, so might ours be perilous. Today, in little and big ways, each of us must too be reluctant to take “no,” for an answer. We are the torchbearers of our forefathers’ legacy.
Sigonella, enjoy this long weekend, reflect on life, show someone you love them on Valentine’s Day, and find ways to say “yes.”
Commanding Officer Capt. Chris DennisDirect Line
There are two ways to submit feed back to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Chris Dennis:
Visit The 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. Also, visit NAS Sigonella's website www.cnic.navy.mil/Sigonella, go to the "About" drop down menu and click on " CO Suggestion Box".
The Signature will anonymously publish comments and responses for the benefit of the Sigonella community. If you are submitting a "BZ", we ask that you provide your name in order for us to properly recognize employee. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."
Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box
Interactive Customer Evaluation
CommandingOfficer’s
Box
Suggestion EvaluationCustomerInteractive
"ICE" continued from Page 2
"ICE" continued on Page 3
Comment regarding Housekeeping at NGIS:I do not understand why those who are temporarily deployed here and living in the barracks must clean our own rooms even though there are housekeeping personnel on NAS 2 who can do the work. As it stands now, our squadron has assigned cleaning duty sections to maintain standards. What can be done?
Response: First off, I'd like to commend you and your team for all the work you've done during your stay to keep VP-4 living spaces clean and orderly. I understand your command master chief has much to do with making sure your barracks rooms are properly maintained. Thank you for being good stewards of our sacred resources! To answer your question, temporarily assigned members such as VP-4 fall under the "mission essential funding" (MEF) section of the Navy budget,
which means Navy Gateway Inn and Suites (NGIS) is only given $25 a day for your stay compared to the normal $60-$84 for typical TDY/Space "A" reservations. Because of the disparity, your barracks' rooms are only being cleaned by staff three days a week because full service is not paid for.However, during each of those three days rooms are vacuumed, and bath-rooms and kitchens are mopped while linens are replaced once per week.
Currently the long-term strategy to fund rotationally-assigned MEF personnel is being reevaluated at the highest levels of the Navy.
Comment regarding Smoking near the NEX/Commissary:Despite signs directing people not to smoke within 50 feet of buildings, I constantly see people smoking next to Commissary and NEX entrances. It
gets so bad sometimes that the only way to get into the building is to pass someone with a cigarette in their mouth. With pregnant mothers, newborn babies, children, and even just the general populace frequenting these locations, is it unreasonable to suggest a smoking area that does not affect our health when going to the Commissary or NEX?
Response: I appreciate your concern for the safety and well-being of our children, and really all Sig’ Citizens. Command Master Chief Kaszubowski is currently collaborating with the Navy Exchange, the Commissary, and Public Works to come up with a good solution for the dilemma you describe. More to follow. We’ll keep you posted.
Comment regarding Overgrown Bushes in Marinai:The bushes in Marinai are overgrown and have begun to invade the sidewalks, forcing young children and others into the streets to walk, stroll their kids, and ride bikes. This is a safety issue that needs immediate attention.
Response: Got it! We are working with Pizzarotti to get this resolved. We will get back to you shortly with the response.
Comment regarding Security Customer Service:I am very pleased with the service I received this morning at the NAS 2 Sigonella Security office. I was there to report a minor traffic accident and make a statement. Upon arrival I was immediately and courteously addressed. I was then taken to an office where I was professionally taken through the report procedure. The MA3 who dealt with me was respectful, knowledgeable about what needed to be done, patient, and professional. After finishing the report, he answered all of my questions and provided me with form DD 2701. I have not named the MA3 who helped me, but I ask that one of your staff please take the time to look up the report so he can be properly recognized!
Response: Thank you for passing along a great example of CO Customer Service. We’re very proud of our professional, helpful Security team!
Comment regarding Angie’s Travel:I hear Angie's Travels has discontinued its base service. Will there be any means of assisting personnel in planning outside-island travel other than ITT trips or the Fleet and Family Support Center? Thank you.
Response: Thank you for your inquiry, and the opportunity to address your concern. MWR Sigonella is committed to awarding a leisure travel contract and has been working this issue since the end of last year. As such, the contracting process is strictly regulated to include a bidding process, evaluating the bids, and then awarding the contract. The bidding deadline was Jan. 31, and many bids were received and are now being evaluated. We expect to award the contract in early-March. If you have additional questions, please contact MWR Community Activities Director, Marijo Gaudette, at 624-4941 or via email at [email protected].
Comment Regarding Security and School Age Care:Capt. Dennis, my only suggestions for Security and the MWR-run School Age Care (SAC) program is that they keep doing what they’re doing. Despite the conditions and stress, our gate guards are genuinely friendly to all entering this installation. I appreciate the sincerity behind the smiles, and especially in less-than-desirable conditions. Keep it up MAs!As well, MWR’s SAC center is nothing short of fantastic! My son adores the affection and devotion each employee gives. Ms. Jamie, Ms. Sherri, Mr. Tru, Mr. Warren, Ms. Christy, Ms. Laura, and every other individual in the center deserve a huge high-five and a hug, just as they would give to our children.Regards, Andrea
Response: Andrea, we all appreciate positive feedback from the community about the good work our Sigonella team is doing. We have notified the Security and MWR department heads so they may appropriately recognize the fantastic efforts you’ve cited. Thank you for taking the time to relay your BZ!
Comment regarding Mail Shipping from Local Companies:Though mail services to and from the States are great, I am having trouble getting items sent to me from European vendors. I have asked the post office if there is a solution and they’ve told me the only remedy is to secure a local post office box, which is actually quite expensive. Having researched I have learned that Army and Air Force bases throughout Europe have both local and APO/FPO for all their personnel whether living in housing or not. Is this a possibility for those stationed here?
Response: First of all, thank you for this fantastic question as it is of interest to much of the Sigonella community. Unfortunately there is no official agreement between U.S. forces in Italy and the Italian government to formally allow U.S. citizenry to receive packages on base through the Italian Post Office. I will mention (but will also emphasize caution) that some people have asked their friends or co-worker living on the economy to utilize their Italian post-office box. It is a possible solution, but you need to make sure you trust your friend or co-worker, and I won’t guarantee a positive outcome. If this solution is not ideal, you may also rent an Italian Post Office Box as you've already mentioned. The rates start at a little over €8 per month and increase with box size. Finally, you could ask the company if they participate in the international shipping program. If so your packages could be delivered to an FPO address, but these international shipping fees are usually costly. If you have further questions to include contact information for establishing an Italian Post Office Box, please contact the Fleet Mail Center @ DSN: 624-5558 or via email at: [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
tHE SIGnatuREPaGE 4 February 13, 2015 tHE SIGnatuRE PaGE 5February 13, 2015
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 assumed the logistics and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) missions of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa from Combat Logistics Battalion 2 here Feb. 1.
This new rotation of Marines will continue to enhance the partnerships with African nations through engagements. By working with the militaries of Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, Uganda and other countries, these Marines help increase regional stability and the U.S. Marine Corps' ability to work alongside partner nations.
Lt. Col. Alfredo DuBois, commanding officer of the new rotation, stressed the importance of the training his unit conducted leading up to this deployment.
"To the Marines, Sailors and Coastguardsmen of 272, I really appreciate all of your hard work up to this point. You are ready," said DuBois. "I look forward to serving alongside you as we continue the mission and the professional legacy we have inherited from our counterparts."
Established as SPMAGTF-AF in 2011 and re-designated as SPMAGTF-CR-AF in 2014, the unit is comprised of a command element, aviation combat element, logistics combat element, and ground combat element gathered from various units within II Marine Expeditionary Force. MWSS-272 serves as the logistics combat element in support of SPMAGTF-CR-AF, while providing combat logistics detachments at Moron Air Base, Spain and Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania.
The TSC teams have travelled throughout western and eastern Africa, engaging in mutual training that includes, but is not limited to, infantry tactics, combat engineering, combat lifesaving, and small boat operations and maintenance.
More than 375 Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, and 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, joined eight U.S.
Coastguardsmen to the train approximately 620 African military personnel in 44 separate engagements in across 19 different countries.
"They came out here, performed and executed. I couldn't have asked for anything better than that," said Lt. Col. William Stophel, the outgoing commanding officer of SPMAGTF-CR-AF Det. A.
Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa heightens U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa's ability to help partner nations in addressing security challenges. Over the next six months,
SPMAGTF-CR-AF Det. A is scheduled for 27 missions in ten African countries.
Sigonella welcomes new SPMAGTF-CR Africa MarinesBy LanCE CoRPoRaL LuCaS HoPkInSSPMAGTF-CR Africa Public Affairs
Sgt. Maj. Gregory Mitchell, left, and Lt. Col. Alfredo DuBois, right, uncase the squadron colors during a transfer of authority ceremony aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Feb. 1. DuBois will command Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa in Sigonella for the next six months. The unit is scheduled to conduct more than 20 partner-nation training missions in 10 different countries throughout Eastern and Western Africa. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Corporal Lucas J. Hopkins/Released)
"ETNA" continued from Page 1
"STEM" continued from Page 1
bottle, the whole thing will blow up and there will be soda and pieces of bottle everywhere. Leave the cap off and you'll still have a little mess to clean up, but the bottle stays intact.
Despite their small size, Etna's eruptions can be problematic. Lava flows can threaten several towns built on the slopes of the mountain and volcanic ash can have an adverse effect on many things including human health, communications, and transportation. Still, occasional outbursts like the one seen recently on Etna are business as usual, according to Behncke.
"It was very much a standard event for Etna," he said. "Spectacular and very beautiful. So most of it is to be enjoyed, actually."
Many people do enjoy the eruptions of Mt. Etna, in one way or another. You may have stepped outside to watch its pyrotechnic display from a distance, or maybe even driven up the side of the volcano to get a closer look at the "fireworks." If you've ever enjoyed a good glass of Sicilian wine you can thank Etna for its volcanic deposits, which have made the soil very rich and fertile for agriculture.
At the time there doesn't seem to be any reason to worry about a devastating eruption here, but Behncke says everyone living near a volcano should be prepared. Having a plan in case of an emergency will not only keep you safe; it could keep you alive. Until that day comes, take full advantage of Mt. Etna. Hike its trails, ski its slopes, taste its wine, and take the time to marvel at all the beauty that surrounds us thanks to this majestic mountain.
the standards that we have to teach. The kids come in and they get to do all kinds of different things, but they're having fun and they don't realize they're learning at the same time," said Judy Shannon, Elementary School Counselor.
"It's hard not to have a good time when you're using toothpicks and marshmallows to build a structure that can stand up to a Jello earthquake, or constructing the highest tower possible with nothing more than paper and scotch tape," she added. "Yes, from robotics, to computers, to astronomy, STEM Knight kept kids interested and engaged. But STEM isn't just for kids."
Now you might be asking yourself, “How much does something like this cost?" That’s the beauty of STEM. You get out of it what you put in to it. A little time and imagination goes a long way. Keep investing
and you may find yourself with an exciting career. As fewer American students show interest in these academic disciplines, the demand and opportunity for those pursuing STEM careers grows. But act fast because events like STEM Knight are intended to raise interest in these fields of study and that’s exactly what they’re doing.
“I saw kids building things out of toothpicks and candy and so I wanted to build something too, but bigger. And I got to learn about the stars, and the moon, and the Earth in the Skylab. That was cool. I want to learn more about outer space,” said Manuel Tamayo, a STEM Knight participant.
Sure, you could blow your child’s college tuition on a fancy new vacuum cleaner, but that would just suck. So open the door to a bright future full of endless possibilities with STEM and start your tomorrow, today.
Volcanologist, Boris Behncke, stands in the operations room of the Etna Observatory in Catania, Sicily, Feb. 2, 2015. The Etna Observatory contributes to the monitoring of Mt. Etna and the Aeolian Islands. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Donavan K. Patubo/Released)
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 335-578-8077 if you are normally seen
at the hospital or 335-578-8150
if you are normally seen at the Flight Line Clinic.
tHE SIGnatuREPaGE 6 February 13, 2015 tHE SIGnatuRE PaGE 7February 13, 2015
SCIACCA, Sicily - The last weekend of Carnival is about to start. Among the breathtaking must-go Carnival traditions in Italy, the dazzling “Carnevale di Sciacca” (Sciacca Carnival) is definitely one of the most spectacular ones. An ancient merrymaking festivals, the 115th edition of Carnevale will begin tomorrow (Feb. 14) in this picturesque ancient coastal town in the Agrigento province located not far from the world-renowned Greek Temples of Agrigento.
Sciacca is mainly famous for its thermal baths, but also for its anchovy and sardine industry and ceramic and coral craftsmanship.
Sicilian clergyman Mario Ciaccio was the first historian to describe the Carnival of Sciacca in 1890. However, historic sources tell us that the carnival has been actually celebrated since the 17th century. At the beginning, Sciacca’s Carnival was mainly a celebration of country life with food and wine. Peasants, fishermen and herdsmen with painted faces and funny hats, played pranks and exchanged insults, played role reversals and made political satire. This was called “lu gabbu” (the mockery). Nobody was offended because that was what carnival was all about. The grand finale for the celebrations was the burning of “lu Nannu,” (today named “Peppi ‘Nnappa”) a straw dummy who represented the manifested spirit of carnival. Doing so, bad luck and sins were burned away, leaving the town pure and filled with hope for good things to come.
Today, the allegorical “Carri” or floats are the highlights of the celebrations. Associations including amateur musicians, ceramists, costume designers, poets, craftsmen and decorators begin creating these majestic parading papier-mâché floats after the summer. At the end of every working day around midnight, everyone who is involved in building a float gathers for the “Schiticchio (dinner among friends). This is an important social moment as it enhances group cohesion. The “carri allegorici” (allegorical floats) depict political and social satire. Ballets and performances are held during the parades.
In Sciacca food is always a big deal and especially at carnival. Traditional foods and dolci
Carnival merrymaking kicks off in Sciacca this weekend
Carnival fun continues in Sicily! Mark on your calendar the prestigious Carnival events that are yearly held in Sciacca, in the Agrigento province. (Photo by http://ettoremannino.altervista.org/)
"CARNIVAL" continued on Page 12
CNO: You've got to get us off the gunpowder"By DavID SMaLLEyOffice of Naval Research Public Affairs
(sweets) associated with Carnevale include “cucchitelle” (cookies made with pumpkin and covered with frosting) and the traditional cannoli, chiacchere, (irregularly shaped pieces of dough, fried and dusted with powdered sugar) “Maccaruna di zitu” (maccheroni pasta with pork ragu sauce) and “pasta con le sarde” (pasta with sardines) among others. During the festival, stands selling typical carnival food are open all day long in the historic center.
Float parades scheduleHere are some of the must-see events of this year’s
carnival. Amazing parades of dazzling masqueraded groups and allegoric floats will be held tomorrow (Saturday, Feb.14) in the towns’ historic heart at 5 and 9 p.m. in piazza Scandagliato
An afternoon parade will also be held on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11 a.m., 4 and 9 p.m. On Monday, Feb. 15 and Tuesday Feb. 16 , float parades will be held throughout the day. Music shows, parades and entertainment will be held every night at 9 p.m.
On the last day of carnival, Tuesday, Feb. 17, celebrations come to a spectacular symbolic end around 2 a.m. (Feb. 18) with the burning of the “Peppi ‘Nnappa” puppet in the historic center.
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert outlined his thoughts Feb. 4 on three science and technology objectives for the Navy and Marine Corps of the future, at the Naval Future Force Science and Technology (S&T) EXPO in Washington, D.C.
Speaking before nearly 3,000 attendees from across government, academia and industry, Greenert charged his audience to reduce reliance on gunpowder; increase stamina for underwater unmanned vehicles' power and propulsion systems; and increase focus on cybersecurity.
"Number one, you've got to get us off gunpowder," said Greenert, noting that Office of Naval Research-supported weapon programs like Laser Weapon System (LaWS) and the Electromagnetic Railgun are vital to the future force. "We will have an incredibly deep magazine when we bring [those weapons] in."
Weapons like LaWS have a virtually unlimited magazine, only constrained by power and cooling capabilities onboard the vessel carrying them. In addition, Greenert noted the added safety for Sailors and Marines that will come from reducing dependency on gunpowder-based munitions.
"Probably the biggest vulnerability of a ship is its magazine, because that's where all the explosives are," he said.
He also cited the tremendous cost savings offered by, for instance, laser weapons fired at a dollar per shot, or low-cost Electromagnetic Railgun projectiles, versus needing to rely on million-dollar missiles, in some cases without the same range, for all threats and missions.
Greenert's second challenge for the S&T community is to develop "greater stamina" in unmanned underwater vehicle propulsion systems, to maintain naval dominance in the undersea domain.
"I need them compact and reliable in their power and propulsion, but I also need them safe," he said.
And, as the Ohio-class submarines near replacement age, Greenert noted
that increased range and endurance for unmanned systems will be vital for the future fleet with the overall number of submarines projected to decrease.
Greenert's final S&T objective centers on cybersecurity, which he said is something that keeps him up at night.
"I need you to lock your IT doors," he told the EXPO attendees. "You do it at home, and you need to keep that mindset at work.
"Cybersecurity is a key requirement for all our systems and weapons."He encouraged scientists and engineers to include security in the initial
design of everything they do, rather than trying to add security measures later.The CNO also discussed the history of game-changing technologies that
have come from the Naval S&T community, including GPS, advanced radar and quiet propulsion capabilities. He continued on to say, "we continue to rely on you."
The host of the EXPO, Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Mat Winter, introduced the CNO and spoke about the importance of Naval S&T research for the future force-including the essential partnerships between the Naval Research Enterprise, academia and industry.
The Naval Future Force Science and Technology EXPO is the Navy's premier science and technology event, showcasing some of the latest cutting-edge research being undertaken by the Office of Naval Research. It brings together thousands of participants to learn and share ideas on technologies that can help support the warfighter of today and tomorrow.
ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs more than 1,000 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
u.S. navy HEaDLInES
tHE SIGnatuREPaGE 8 February 13, 2015 tHE SIGnatuRE PaGE 9February 13, 2015
Saint Agata of Sicily (231 A.D. - 251 A.D.)Saint Agata is a Christian saint and virgin martyress. Her annual memorial is held on Feb. 5. Agata was born in Catania or Palermo, Sicily, and she was persecuted and martyred in approximately 251 A.D. for her steadfast profession of faith. She is one of seven women, who, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, are commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. She is the patron saint of Catania, Molise, Malta, San Marino and Zamarramala, a municipality of the Province of Segovia in Spain. She is also the patron saint of breast cancer patients, martyrs, wet nurses, bell-founders, bakers, fire, earthquakes, and eruptions of Mount Etna.
Photo credits by: Maria Dumanlang, Angel Rita Messina, and MC3 Ramon Go
tHE SIGnatuREPaGE 10 February 13, 2015 tHE SIGnatuRE PaGE 11February 13, 2015
Breakfast: $3.45 Lunch: $5.55 Dinner: $4.85As a reminder to everyone:
1. 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.
2. For personnel on night duty, we have implemented a separate sign-in sheet to allow you to get a "to-go" meal for later consumption. Please kindly inform the front desk that you are on night shift. Please be in uniform.
3. Due to limited supplies for "to-go" containers we are currently limiting "to-go" meals to personnel on duty in uniform only. We will inform everyone once "to-go" is available for personnel in appropriate civilian attire.
4. Taking food out of the galley is strictly prohibited unless it is for an authorized “to-go” ticket.
Saturday, February 14 Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Pork Sausage Patties, Corned Beef HashBrunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Pork Sausage Patties, Corned Beef Hash, Chicken Fried Steak Dinner: Chicken Florentine, Baked Tuna and Noodles
Sunday, February 15Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried BaconBrunch: Eggs to Order, Grilled Minute Steak, Oven Fried Bacon, Grilled Ham & Cheese SandwichDinner: Spaghetti with Meat sauce, Oven Baked Chicken Patties
Tuesday, February 17Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Sausage Gravy with Biscuits, Grilled Turkey Sausage Lunch: Asian Style CuisineSpeed Line: Meatball Sandwich w/ Onion RingsDinner: Roast Beef, Pasta Penne Amatriciana
Wednesday, February 18Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Creamed Ground Beef on Toast, Oven Fried BaconLunch: Lasagna, Lemon Baked FishSpeed Line: Burgers and Chicken PattiesDinner: Pasta Penne Alfredo, Grilled Chicken Breast in Orange Sauce
Thursday, February 19Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Corned Beef Hash, Grilled Pork Sausage PattiesLunch: BBQ Chicken, Savory Corned BeefSpeed Line: Ham & Cheese Sandwich w/ French FriesDinner: Chili Macaroni, Baked Salmon
Friday, February 20Breakfast: Eggs to Order, Oven Fried Bacon, Chicken TocinoLunch: Meat Loaf, Blackened FishSpeed Line: PizzaDinner: Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Pasta al Forno
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.
NASSIG Worship Services
Chapel Offices: NAS I 95563975, NAS II 095869049, 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
DRIVE SAFELY SIGONELLA
SAPR Victim Advocate Training - The FFSC SAPR program will host SAPR Victim Advocate Training the week of March 16-20. This is a 40 hour training that is required as part of the advocate certification process. We ask that command leadership submit their recommendation with personnel name, phone number, email address and PCS date to the installation SARC at [email protected] NO LATER THAN Tuesday, Feb.17. Upon receipt of your information, candidates will receive an application package and other pertinent information.Please call the FFSC for more information at 624-4291
Religious Ministries Department in conjunction with CREDO will sponsor a Family Enrichment Retreat on March 6-8 at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania. For more information and sign-up, you may contact the Chapel at 624-3975 or at [email protected].
Religious Ministries Department will sponsor in conjunction with CREDO a Marriage Enrichment Retreat (MER) on Feb. 20-22 at the Sheraton Hotel in Catania. For more information and sign-up, you may contact the Chapel at 624-3975 or [email protected].
ATHOC NOTIFICATION SYSTEM - Please ensure that all DoD Military personnel and essential emergency U.S. civilian personnel are registered in the ATHOC NOTIFICATION SYSTEM and are able to receive information communicated via ATHOC. This is mandatory.
inform and encourage all command sponsored adult (18 and above) dependents, other U.S. Government civilian personnel, Local National employees and Contractor personnel of the ability to voluntarily enroll in the ATHOC NOTIFICATION SYSTEM. Voluntary registration of all Non-military and Non-emergency essential U.S. Civilian Personnel is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
-For ONENet users: All must ensure users update information in CDNS (purple globe). If there is an issue with the purple globe, the website is:https://waaneucdap01.eu.navy.mil/corp/atlaunch.asp?opt=uid&nexturl=https://waaneucdap01.eu.navy.mil/selfservice/entry.aspx?uid=[UID].All military members and essential emergency U.S. government civilians mustsign in and input the required. As stated above, it is highly recommendedthat all other ONENet users also sign up their adult dependents. The onlineformat has been modified to allow for additional information.
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 Chapel
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
"CARNIVAL" continued from Page 6What are you saving for?
Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Christopher Dennis, speaks before signing the Military Saves Campaign Proclamation, Feb. 6, at the NAS 1 food court. Military Saves Week is the annual opportunity for installations and organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for service members and their families to assess their own saving status. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Donavan K. Patubo/Released)
By MIkE MatHEnyFleet & Family Support Center Sigonella
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - The Military Saves Campaign kicked off last week with it's annual proclamation event that highlights February as a month for all of us to reassert our commitment to financial priorities and savings goals. Many tenant departmental teams and Sigonella community members have responded with enthusiasm to the challenge put forth by Fleet and Family Support Center by taking the Military Saves Pledge and proclaiming their saving intentions. They have done so by representing their “I’m Saving For:” commitment by posting on the FFSC Sigonella Facebook page to build community awareness and momentum for Sigonella to make a strong statement of savings activism through this promotion.
This activity of making savings commitments is only the beginning of the process, however. The Military Saves theme for 2015 is: Set a Goal. Make a Plan. Save Automatically. Setting a goal will create a specific focus for savings activity. Visit the FFSC Facebook page to get a sense of what many locals are putting their attention to: many are saving for retirement, creating an emergency fund, planning ahead for vacations, reducing student loans, buying a new car and even college savings for a new granddaughter. At different tenant commands, Command Financial Specialist leaders are supporting their peers through proactive financial education and training. Troy Brady, a CFS with the Navy Munitions Command organized a lunchtime training program for the command on the topic of car buying strategies. CFS leaders Barrett Strachan and Justin Ott are organizing a training on TSP for NAVFAC Public Works, and the CFS Team at AIMD are organizing a Military Saves Pledge Potluck to encourage high participation rates within their unit.
Fleet and Family Support Center is offering two more classes to be held next week. On Feb. 17 please register to attend: “The Power of Paying Yourself First” and class space is available on Feb. 20 for “Tax Return Strategies.” The financial education resources throughout this community are here to support you in turning your goals into planned strategies for successful outcomes. Contact your command CFS or FFSC at 624-4291 for more information, and join us to get involved with this community effort!
Sciacca is about two-and-a-half hours from Catania. It is fairly easy to reach. Exit Caltanissetta on the Catania-Palermo highway. Take the Agrigento-Caltanissetta national road. Once you get to Agrigento. Take the Agrigento-Sciacca and follow directions for Sciacca.
For more information and detailed schedules, visit http://www.sciaccarnevale.it
Traditional Carnival food Don’t forget to taste the scrumptious Carnival food
sure to please your palate! As reported by http://blog.italian-connection.
co/, in Renaissance times, “the week preceding Ash Wednesday (and the beginning of Lent) got the name of grasso – fat, deriving from the festive banquets organized during this period. These banquets were known for rich dishes as well as their abundance of fried sweets (more fat!) This may be seen as simply gorging before the traditionally low-fat diet of the Lenten period, but it is also true that celebrations involving lots of people made it necessary to prepare desserts that would be quick, cheap and delicious, so frying was a good way to cook lots of sweets for large crowds. And so the culmination of carnival came to be known as Martedi Grasso, Fat Tuesday.”
A popular traditional carnival salty specialty includes: “maccarruni setti puttusa co' ragù ri sasizza” (tubular pasta with seven holes dressed with a savory pork ragù) is a specialty that everyone loves to sample.
If you want to indulge in typical Sicilian treats, Carnival is the best time for doing so. Sicilian ethnographer, Giuseppe Pitrè, an expert in Sicilian popular traditions wrote that cannolo (fried pastry filled with creamy fillings) is the “crown of the carnival lunch.” Pastry shops and bakeries will sell frittelle,” the delicious Carnival fritters are also sure to whet your appetite.
Tempt your taste buds with the “chiacchere” (gossip) also known as nastrini (ribbons) or bugie (lies) and cenci (rags). They are a delicious stripe-shaped, deep-fried in lard fritters and covered with powdered sugar whose origin dates back to the Roman times when they were called frictilia, These sweets are named lies or gossip to remember what the carnival motto says i.e. during carnival every prank or joke is accepted.
Pignolata or Pignoccata is another traditional must-eat carnival dessert from Messina that you should try. It is light egg dough fried and half covered in a chocolate glaze and half in a lemon glaze that is served in mounds.
tHE SIGnatuREPaGE 14 February 13, 2015 tHE SIGnatuRE PaGE 15February 13, 2015
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Lodged beside a hill overlooking an expanse of Sicilian farms and orchards, the three level U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella dwarfs in comparison to its surroundings. What the facility lacks in size, the Command definitely makes up with staff that is unrelenting in the pursuit of achieving professional goals and keeping abreast with the ever changing realm of the medical field.
“The tempo over here is not as robust as it is in a major MTF (military treatment facility) like Naval Medical Center Portsmouth or Naval Medical Center San Diego,” concedes Capt. Jamie Wise, Director for Nursing Services. “ As part of serving a relatively healthy patient population, it is imperative that we continuously seek ways to keep our staff well trained and ready to accomplish our mission here in Sigonella.”
Historically, USNH Sigonella has been proactive in pursuing skill sustainment initiatives and it is currently one of six command-level strategic priorities.. The hospital has formally partnered with Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) and has sent a number of staff to the facility for additional specialty training. Our nursing staff periodically train with LRMC staff to enhance their labor and delivery skills to better serve our obstetric population. Deliveries account for our top inpatient diagnosis at the hospital so it is critical that staff on the Multi-Service Ward maintain this specialized skill. Other initiatives include frequent emergency response drills, nursing skills fairs and, and utilization of online resources for continuing education. Furthermore, nursing specialty certification has been taken to a new level at the command and this has been predominantly driven by our talented and motivated staff.. Currently, over sixty percent of U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella’s nurses are either prepared at the Master’s level or have attained specialty certification in their field of practice. In the summer of 2014, one of our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) on her off-duty time. Our one and only Family Nurse Practitioner is also working on her PhD and is nearing completion of this academically intensive nursing program.
Lt. Sara Edmondson, the Command Patient Safety Manager, who formerly served as an OB trained nurse on the Multi-service ward, attained her Electronic Fetal Monitoring certification. “Given our geographical location one would think it would be more challenging to complete these advanced certifications as compared to our counterparts in the States,” she says. It was not the case as the Command reserved a testing center, ensured that the nurses had time off to take the exam and supported funding to cover the cost of the test. “Essentially, our job was to study and be prepared on test day,” she adds.
The executive leadership is truly impressed with the professionalism and ca-liber of the nursing staff at U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella. “Whether our nurses work in the emergency department, multi-service ward or medical homeport you can be assured that they are pro-actively maintaining their professional focus and continue their drive for clinical excellence.” Capt. Wise concludes.
U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Nurses maintain professional focusBy HM2 JoSEPH CaStRoU.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella Public Affairs
Avoiding burnout Public Works - making water safe to drink every day
By Lt BRIan MyERSNAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department
By CMCn DavID MoRtEnSonUEM Branch, Public Works Department Sigonella
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Are you tired and worn down? Do you feel like everything in your life is out of your control? Perhaps you lack "margin." Author and M.D., Richard Swenson, explained margin in the following way: “Margin is the gap between rest and exhaustion, the space between breathing freely and scuffoating.” Mathematically, margin can be explained in the following formula: power – load = margin.
The goal is to increase your power, which is composed of energy, skills, time, training, emotional and physical strength, faith, finances, and social supports. The load on the other hand is negative and composed of too much work, personal problems, obligations, commitments, expectations, debt, deadlines, and interpersonal conflicts. Those who struggle with margin let an unhealthy load take over their lives. In other words, margin-less people are burned out because they lack balance, are overworked, and have lost the ability to successfully manage their lives. To increase one’s power and decrease the load or margin-less living, one needs to inject control and stability.
The truth is that human beings are systems, and as such have physical, performance, emotional, and mental limits. This is a reality we all need to understand. The prescription offered this week from one of your base Chaplains is to regain control of your life. Those that achieve margin in life and avoid burn out practice simplicity and contentment. Margin-living people exercise regularly, eat healthy, manage time well, properly manage their finances, and instill personal boundaries in their lives. They also realize the need for emotional stability, spiritual rest, and above all love.
So how are you doing Sigonella? Do you have margin in your life, or are you on the verge of burn out? You have the resources at your disposal. We hear about them during our weekly and yearly GMT trainings. Don’t you think it’s time to get some help? Some of those free resources include: financial planning and advising, confidential counseling, spiritual growth and enrichment, support groups for various needs and addictions, and physical fitness training. May this article encourage you to instill margin into your life, and avoid burnout!
NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - There is a new process at the NAS 1 and 2 water treatment plant! After multiple years of study and design, the water plants have implemented a way to control pipe corrosion through newly - installed calcite contactors. Though it seems complicated, it is actually a simple technology that will better improve our water quality and extend the life of the waterlines.
After a month of rigorous testing and an investment of $1.4 million, the calcite contactors are up and running. The contactors are big blue tanks outside of the water treatment plants with layers of minerals inside that transfer calcium into the water. All of the chemistry magic of transferring calcium into the water happens after the multiple stages of filtration at both water plants. Addition of calcium will have multiple benefits, help balance the pH (keeping the water stable) and reduce corrosion in the water pipes at both NAS 1 and 2.
Corrosion has been a problem at Sigonella in the past. There are many ways you can see the effects of pipe corrosion:
• It can turn your water a reddish color and can leave greenish-blue stains on drains, which require special cleaners to remove.
• Decreases the efficiency of hot water heaters • Give you higher water bills due to undetected leaks.• Leaves a bad taste in your water due to high metallic content, which may cause you to buy
bottled water.Testing is done on a daily basis to ensure the calcite contactors maintain safe and reliable
drinking water. UT2 Juan Selvera who has devoted his time and dedication to the water plant over the past 30 months stated, “Greatest major piece of equipment added in my duration at the water plant; surpassed my expectations of the quality of water that it produces.”
Sigonella’s Water Treatment Plant Mission and Vision is that “We will make safe drinking every day or we won’t make water at all”.
The new $1.4 million calcite contactor in full operation at NAS 1 and NAS 2. (U.S. Navy photo by Utilitiesman 1st Class Daniel Goodwin/Released)
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