The Signature August 29, 2014

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Children of NAS attend Catholic and Protestant

VBS!

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Dublin:

A visit to the emerald city!

August 29, 2014 cnic.navy.mil/sigonellaVol. 31 No. 32

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Eighteen first-class petty officers aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella were selected for advancement to chief petty officer earlier this month.

The new selectees can be seen wearing a "selectee" badge around base and are currently going through CPO 365 Phase II training to help prepare them for this career milestone.

Becoming a Navy chief means more than just a higher paycheck. It also comes with added responsibilities. The new selectees go through a rigorous indduction process full of physical training, mentoring, and leadership training. These activities are aimed at helping get new chiefs ready for the upcoming responsibilities and tasks before they don their anchors for the first time.

Chief Yeoman Lewis Brickhouse said "becoming a chief " does not happen overnight and takes years of perseverance to achieve the skills necessary to lead others. Many feel it is an honor to be brought into such a long standing brotherhood of camaraderie and tradition.

"It's a feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself " said Brickhouse, LCPO of NAS Sigonella's Administration Office. "You are a part of tradition and a family; it's a great feeling that is hard to explain."

Master Chief Master-at-Arms Mark Wojtal of NAS Sigonella's Security Department said making chief is a rewarding accomplishment full of mental, physical, and emotional ups-and-downs. He added that it can also be fulfilling to see how one has progressed throughout a career.

"It takes a lot of determination, focus, and doing your job to the best of your

Local service members to receive COLA increase

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Service members stationed in Sigonella will see an increase in their paycheck starting on September 1. Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) will be raised due to the latest results of the Defense Travel Management Office's (DTMO) periodic survey.

The overseas COLA calculator can be found online at: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/colaCalc.cfm <http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/colaCalc.cfm>

To see the COLA changes, compare the 2014 August 1st to 15th period to the 2014 August 16th to end of month period in the calculator. The calculator takes into account location, pay grade, years of service, the number of dependents, and if someone lives in the barracks or not.

“The number of dependents does affect the equation but only up to five dependents,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Phyo Myo. “The COLA maxes out at five dependents.” This COLA adjustment does not pertain to DoD civilians.

With the new rates, an E-5 with six years of active duty service and one dependent would see a daily COLA rate increase of about $1.56, raising the pay period allowance total by $54.64, and $109.28 for the month. Under the same criteria, an O-3 would see a daily increase of about $2.07, pay period raise of $72.53, monthly raise of $145.06.

“The COLA index for Sigonella raised by 2 points from 0.38 to 0.4,” said Myo. “That leads to about a dollar a day increase or more depending on the service member’s family structure.”

According to the Defense Travel Management Office website, overseas COLA is intended to equalize purchasing power so that service members can purchase the same level of goods and services overseas as they could if they were stationed in CONUS. It is calculated by comparing the prices of goods and services overseas with average prices for equivalent goods and services in CONUS. The result of this comparison is an index that reflects a cost of living. If prices in CONUS are rising at a greater rate than those overseas, COLA will decrease. If prices overseas are rising at a greater rate than those in CONUS, COLA will increase. Similarly, if overseas prices rise or fall at the same rate as CONUS prices, COLA will stay the same.

Additionally, to figure out the COLA index, two surveys are used to determine the relative cost of living overseas compared with CONUS. The Living Pattern Survey (LPS), conducted every three years, captures input from service members and their families to establish where and how they purchase goods and services. The Retail Price Schedule (RPS), conducted every year, collects prices for a market basket of approximately 120 goods and services. Service members play a critical role by participating in the surveys.

The raw data collected through the surveys is then sent to the Per Diem, Travel, and Transportation Allowance Committee in Washington, D.C. Based on this year's data, the committee determined changes were due for Sigonella. “The bottom line is that everyone is making more money and that makes for happy Sailors,” said Myo.

By MC1 Tony CurTisNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

18 local Sailors selected for chiefBy yn3 GaBrielle MillyNAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Chief Yeoman (sel) Renato Centeno (left), Chief Information System Technician (sel) Sammie Torres (center) and Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (sel) Anthony Artino (right) serve chili cheese dogs during a fundraiser for the chief selects as they participate in the CPO 365 Phase II Program at Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, August 27. (U.S. Navy photo by Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kristen Pokrinchak) see "Selectees" page 10

siGnaTuresiGonella, siCily

THe

THe siGnaTurePaGe 2 august 29, 2014 THe siGnaTure PaGe 3august 29, 2014

DRIV

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NASSIG WORSHIP SERVICESROMAN CATHOLICSunday■ 9 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS I Chapel)

TuESday - FRIday■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS II Chapel)Sacraments of Reconciliation/Penance precede each Mass

FRIday■ 11:30 a.m. Catholic Mass (naS I Chapel)

PROTESTANTnaS I ChapelSaTuRday■ 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Services

Sunday■ 10 a.m. Sunday School■ 11 a.m. Traditional Worship

naS II ChapelSunday■ 5 p.m. Protestant Evening Service

LATTER-DAY SAINTS Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (naS I Chapel)Contact: [email protected] or 624-9049

JEWISH SHABBAT LAY SERVICEFRIday at 5:30 p.m. (naS I Chapel)

NIGHT STUDYWEdnESday at 5 p.m. (naS I Chapel)

■ Italian Class Tuesday at 7 p.m (Classroom at naS 1 Chapel)

■ aa Meetings: MOnday at 5:30 p.m. (naS I Chapel) second deck; THuRSday at 7 p.m. (naS II Chapel)

naS Sigonella Religious Ministries department Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/navalairStationSigonella Chapel

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

Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris DennisDirect LineTHe siGnaTure

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLACommanding OfficerCapt. Chris DennisExecutive OfficerCmdr. Charles G. McKinney IICommand Master ChiefCMDCM Mike Kaszubowski

EDITORIAL

Public Affairs Officer Lt. Paul [email protected]

EditorM. Todd [email protected]

Community Relations Officer Dott. Alberto [email protected]

PAO Staff Writers \ PhotographersMC1 Tony D. [email protected]

MA3 Kristen [email protected]

CONTACT USNaval Air Station Sigonella, [email protected] 624-5440; 095-86-5440PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001

PUBLISHERStampa Generale S.r.l., Sig. Bruno Brandi, Publisher,Naval Support ActivityCapodichino (Naples), [email protected]. 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

Every successful organization has a mission and vision statement. These critical statements, when fully embraced, unify an organization's culture, behavior, and efforts in order to deliver consistent success. The mission statement defines big picture what is to be accomplished while the vision statement describes how.

The NASSIG mission is: To provide installation support to Fleet, Fighter, Family that is second to none!

These 13 words say so much. NASSIG exists to help our country and allies achieve security objectives through support. And we do this like the commercial says, “We do it the old fashion way, we earn it.” As the Hub of the Med, NAS Sigonella is an active, vibrant and diverse community of professionals and families. We deliver world-class ashore support to US, NATO, and Coalition forces through our devotion to: vigilant preparedness, dynamic coordination, relentless follow-through, and frequent assessment. Again, words matter. In our community, we see no distinction between uniforms, color of skin, gender, sexual orientation, or any other means of distinction. We care about honor, courage and commitment. Everything else is simply noise. Together, “we earn it” through unceasing preparation, coordination, follow-through, and assessment. Taken together, these actions matter, and here is evidence of some of the great strides you’ve made since I became base commanding officer 15 months ago...

The recent galley renovation (including Wi-Fi); the Take Five facelift; the remodeling and opening of the new NAS 2 pool, multipurpose field, and fitness center. Other noteworthy improvements include the substantial reduction of litter across all base locations while simultaneously increasing our recycling. And WATER! Yes, just a year or so ago NASSIG was constantly and rightfully being bruised about our water programs. Today, NASSIG meets and exceeds all EPA and EU standards for quality, and our water program is fully transparent. NASSIG makes high-quality H2O. We are getting shrewder with our energy and water conservation with much of our improvement having been achieved with the installation of high-efficiency equipment (our personal resource stewardship choices are the next great challenge!). The community continues to roll out newer and better services and I see evidence of community activism every day with our robust Community Relations inside and outside NASSIG. So many give their time to make NASSIG and our host nation an even better place to live and work!

And there is so much just around the corner. Our base continues to support “Fleet and Fighter” deployed forces, Global Hawk, VP, SPMAGTF, Predator, and countless transient units, all contributing to US and

NATO security every day. In FY-15 those tenant commands and many in our "family" will directly reap the benefits of our collective efforts. We will see major overhauls to nearly all of our barracks: Bldgs. 170, 557, and 560 will all get new HVAC systems, meaning each will use much less energy but deliver much better air conditioning. Bldgs. 557 and 560 will get full makeovers. Bldg. 557 remains at max capacity supporting our VP brothers and sisters and is long overdue for the comprehensive TLC it will receive the coming 18 months. Bldg. 560 is a stellar example of how community synchronization leads to mission readiness. This barracks was set to be demolished, but Security ensured the structure remained intact. Then the Marine Corps stepped in to take custody while Public Works prepared a shovel-ready project that will in due course turn the building into modernized quarters for NASSIG Marines.

There are many other great improvements coming to this base. Look outside! My goal is to design inviting places for folks to congregate. CDC and SAC now have shade structures to cool our children from the strong Sicilian summer sun. Look for similar improvements as well as recreational upgrades around our NAS 2 barracks, the Annex field, the NAS 1 public park, Ristorante Bella Etna, Take Five, and other locations. All of these additions provide real and meaningful quality-of-life improvements to Fleet, Fighter, and Family. Many more unseen-but-just-as-important enhancements are accomplished by you, each of you, each day, demonstrating your commitment to our Navy Core Values and our NASSIG mission and vision. Please, Sigonella, accept my sincere Bravo Zulu for being a community and not just a base. I truly admire your tremendous efforts!

Sigonella – Keep working hard, being honest, and making smart decisions!

Whether you are just arriving in Sigonella or have been here for some time, getting a job can be hard work! If you follow the easy tips below, you can be well on your way to a successful start.

Update your ResumeKeeping your resume current is a key to success. Job announcements may only be open for a

short period of time; the time to update your resume is well before you see a posting. Remember to fine tune to your resume prior to submitting to coincide with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities for the position you are applying for. Include volunteer experience; it can also be a great resume builder and a way to fill in gaps in paid employment history.

NetworkNetworking is a primary link to information, job leads and a great source for preparing for an

interview. Gather a list on contacts that might be able to help you with your career or job search. Be sure to regularly add new contacts to your list and stay in touch with those already on your list. Network with professionals already in the field you are in and those in fields you would like to learn more about. You can also contact the Sigonella chapter of In Gear Career on Facebook at “Sigonella Professional Network”, they have monthly lunchbox meetings and other exciting events planned to help get you started.

Attend the Sigonella Job Fair Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Navy Exchange complex, NAS I. The FFSC, MWR and

NEX have teamed up to bring this great opportunity to the Sigonella community, come check it out. Employers will be on hand to discuss on-base job openings and you may have the chance to meet directly with a hiring manager, so dress for success!! Also on hand will be colleges, volunteer organizations and the Fleet and Family Support Center to provide that last minute resume assistance and pep talk!

Keep your confidence goingSet realistic goals for your job search and check them off as you accomplish them. Stay involved

in professional development activities by reading, volunteering and avoiding time wasters like procrastination, too much TV watching or unnecessary on-line shopping! Associate with positive, professional people who can help you recognize your strengths and give you a boost in your self-confidence when you need it. Keep up on exercise, healthy eating and spiritual inspiration, a healthy body, mind and spirit will give you the mental energy and positive attitude employers like to see.

Good luck and for more information contact the Fleet and Family Support Center on base at 624-4291or if calling from off base 095-56-4291

New groups at FFSCBy elizaBeTH WalTHerCounseling Supervisor and Family Advocacy RepresentativeFleet and Family Service Center NAS Sigonella

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - Did you know about the new ways to receive support at the Fleet and Family Support Center? The Counseling department is launching two new psychotherapy groups this Fall. As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, FFSC started the Women Supporting Women group for female sexual assault survivors. With the success of this group we are expanding our offerings to include the Men’s Roundtable, a group where men learn about themselves and how they relate to others and the Healthy Steps group for men and women where members broaden their self-awareness and learn tips and tools to reach their personal and professional goals

Group therapy is a dynamic, supportive and interactive process, where members discover how they affect others, begin to identify needs, process fears and learn to trust and deepen connections. Being part of a group of people helps members see what they are going through is universal and they are not alone. In group members share strengths and help others, which can boost self-esteem and confidence. Studies have shown that group therapy can be highly effective in reducing stress and distress.

So how does it work? Groups can be as small as three or four and as large as twelve individuals. The group typically meets once each week for an hour and a half to two hours depending on the group size. The Men’s Roundtable and the Women Supporting Women Groups are ongoing and members can join at any time. The Healthy Steps group follows an eight session curriculum that will be offered several times a year.

For more information please contact FFSC at 624-4291

Fleet and Family job search "survival tips"

IN GEAR CAREER IS A NON-FEDERAL ENTITY. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENT STATUS.

From Fleet and Family Service Center NAS Sigonella

THe siGnaTurePaGe 4 august 29, 2014 THe siGnaTure PaGe 5august 29, 2014

C A L E N D A R

AUG/SEPT2014

Friday29

Paintball1:30 - 8 p.m.Outdoor Rec

Saturday30

Piazza Armerina Roman Villas & Aidone Museum

7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.ITT

Sunday31Principe di Corleone

Winery6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.

ITT

1/2 price Bowling11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sparetime Bowling*Every Sunday

MondaySEPT 1Quarter Mania Monday

1 - 9 p.m.Sparetime Bowling

Tuesday2Pre-Deployment Class

9 - 11 a.m.FFSC

Post Deployment Class

1 - 3 p.m.FFSC

Wednesday3How to Network a Job

Fair9 - 10 a.m. & 1 - 4 p.m.

FFSC

Accessing Higher Edu-cation Track

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.FFSC

Thursday4

Relocation Fair12:45 - 2 p.m.

FFSC

Accessing Higher Education Track8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FFSC

5Arrivederci Class8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

FFSC

Local Car Buying Strategies

9 - 10:30 a.m.FFSC

6Milo Wine Festival

2 p.m. - 12 a.m.ITT

Marzamemi Boat Tour7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Outdoor Rec

7Vizzini Tour: Recogni-

tion of Marines and Giovanni Verga11 a.m. - 11 p.m

ITT

8ICR

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

Command Financial Specialist Training

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.FFSC

*Contact FFSC for re-quirements

9 ICR

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

10ICR

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.FFSC

11Sig Safe

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.FFSC

12Survive and Thrive

8 a.m. - 2 p.m.FFSC

Relocation Fair1:30 - 3 p.m.

FFSC

13 14Budget Bowling Sun-days11 a.m. - 7 p.m.Sparetime Bowling*Every Sunday

FFSC: x4291ITT : x4777, x4396

Liberty/Connections/Take 5: x4246, x5602Outdoor Rec: x4777, x4396 Fitness: x4483, x5243

Midtown 2 Theaters: x4248American Red Cross: x4900

Does your command or organization have an event you’d like to see on the Community Calendar? Email us at [email protected] and let us know!

IMPORTANT EXTENSIONS:

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. Please make sure your comments and suggestions are constructive. In other words, "BE NICE ON ICE."

Commanding Officer's Suggestion Box

Concern regarding smoking outside NEX and Commissary:What is the policy on smoking in door-ways and paths to the NEX, DECA and MWR's facilities?

Response: Smoking (second-hand smoke) is a proven public health threat at the same time the right to smoke is a personal liberty. It is my intent to try and thoughtfully balance these two competing issues. Therefore, my published smoking policy is, all personnel are advised that smoking is not permitted in buildings, near building entry or exit areas, nor near air intake ducts outside buildings. Smoking is restricted to beyond these areas by at least 50 feet or 15.2 meters. Inclement weather does not suspend this policy. "No Smoking" signs in English and Italian will be posted soon to affected areas.

If someone smoking in violation of my order, and you are uncomfortable approaching them, please bring it to the attention of the establishment's manager or Security.

Concern regarding outdated products at Commissary:Why does DECA sell outdated products at regular price? I recently purchased several pies and noticed that they had already expired.

Response: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Speaking with DECA, I have learned there are many variables when it comes product readiness overseas, these generally include merchandize type and readiness coding (expiration dates, best used by, sold by dates, etc). As an example, items normally sold chilled in the States are sold frozen here and the dates on these items are good for one year beyond the date on the package. Typically, items that differ from dates on package should be identified by store signage at the location of the product. The most important thing to remember is when you have a question or are unsure about anything in the commissary, please ask either of our managers, Mr. Gary Bufalo and Mr. Al Brooks. You may reach our managers at: [email protected] W- 624-4385, 095-56-4385; or [email protected] W- 624-3777, 095-56-3777.

Concern regarding CDC biting policy:What is the CDC's policy on children biting other children and what should I do as a concerned parent?

Response: Biting is always something to take seriously, and please do not hesitate to contact CDC staff immediately if you suspect biting is happening at the CDC. Please know, there is a biting policy for CYP which may be found in the parent handbook. Once evidence of a biting is discovered, CDC will place the biting child on to a behavioral improvement plan with participation from the classroom staff, parent and the CDC administration to include the Training and Curriculum Specialist. While we endeavor to help children overcome their biting tendency, ultimately if the behavioral improvement plan is unsuccessful, the biting child will be removed from the CDC.

If you are interested, I also learned the following which our CDC staff uses to attempt to determine causes and corrections for biting: biting among pre-toddlers and toddlers (12 - 36 months) is usually done to communicate frustration while learning social, language, and self control skills. Pre-toddlers and toddlers often do not have the language skills necessary to control situations and their attempts to communicate are often not understood or respected. Biting therefore becomes a powerful way to communicate with and control others or the environment. Sometimes pre-toddlers and toddlers bite when they meet too many challenges (activities that are too difficult), demands, wants, or obstacles. Also, many pre-toddlers and toddlers do not yet understand sharing. The end result is sometimes young children may bite when they experience stress. Finally, some pre-toddlers and toddlers bite only in self-defense; others are simply imitating other toddlers who bite.

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 august 29, 2014 THe siGnaTure PaGe 7august 29, 2014

By ed BarkerNaval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

Vouchers enable accelerated officer graduate educationu.s. navy Headlines

The procession of the Arca, the silver urn containing the saint's remains that is carried shoulder high along the streets of Noto historic center is the highlight of the Aug. 31 summer festival honoring St. Corrado the patron saint of Noto. (Photo by Angelo Grimaldi)

Noto honors St. Corrado ITALIAN HEADLINESVenice Film festival opens 71st edition

(ANSA) - Rome - The 71st Venice Film Festival, which opened two days ago, will feature a wide range of international offerings, including a biopic on iconic Italian writer and filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini starring brooding American actor Willem Dafoe.

The program opened on August 27 with the premier of Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's latest work, the black comedy 'Birdman or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance'.

Starring American actors Michael Keaton and Edward Norton, Birdman tells the tale of a down-and-out actor who recalls happier days when he played a superhero. Birdman also stars British actresses Naomi Watts and Andrea Riseborough.

Hong Kong director Ann Hui's 'The Golden Era', a story of a radical writer living in a period of Japanese imperialism in China, will close the Lido-based festival on September 6.

Many of the films in this year's lineup deal with the dark subjects of economic recession, hardship, and war, said festival director Alberto Barbera said as the lineup was unveiled in Rome.

Still, selecting just 55 films from 1,500 contenders was "painful", he said.The subject matter, like the national origins of the films, ranges widely

and includes Abel Ferrara's anticipated 'Pasolini' with Dafoe portraying the respected writer, poet and film director Pasolini, who was murdered in 1975; and 'The Cut' by Turkish director Fatih Akin, which tells the tale of a mute father searching for his daughters. French film composer Alexandre Desplat will head the main jury panel that includes British actor Tim Roth, Palestinian director Elia Suleiman, Italian actor-director Carlo Verdone, and Chinese actress and director Joan Chen.

The international lineup also includes Swedish director Roy Andersson's 'A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence' while David Oelhoffen's 'Loin des Hommes' stars Viggo Mortensen as a teacher who becomes friendly with a dissident during Frances war with Algeria.

Three Italian films are in the running for the festival's top prize - the coveted Golden Lion - including 'Il Giovane Favoloso' by Mario Martone, mafia saga 'Anime Nere' by Francesco Munzi and 'Hungry Hearts' by Saverio Costanzo. Several films will also be shown, apart from the competitors, including 'The Sound and The Fury' by Hollywood actor-director James Franco, an adaptation of the novel by American writer William Faulkner; 'She's Funny That Way' from Peter Bogdanovich; and The Humbling from Barry Levinson.

Danish director Lars Von Trier will present an extended director's cut of his 'Nymphomaniac Volume II', which follows up on the original presented last year at the Berlin Film Festival.

Meanwhile, a separate Venice Classics series will offer a number of restored classic films as well as industry-related documentaries such as Marco Spagnoli's homage to Sophia Loren 'Women of Myth' accompanied by a showing of Ettore Scola's restored 1977 film 'Una Giornata Particolare' (A Special Day) starring Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.

NOTO, Sicily - It’s that time of the year again! The annual "Festa di San Corrado" or St. Corrado Festival returns to Noto, Sunday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 1. Noto is one of the most beautiful Baroque towns in Sicily. The town is part of UNESCO World Heritage List.

The summer feast honoring St. Corrado is one of the four traditional yearly celebrations celebrating the town patron saint. St. Corrado has been venerated in Noto since the 16th century. In 1515, Pope Leo X permitted the town of Noto to annually celebrate a St. Corrado festival on the anniversary of his death. One hundred and fifteen years later, Pope Urban VIII proclaimed him a saint.

The strong devotion and gratitude shown to St. 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 St. Corrado worked in 1855 when Noto residents summoned him to protect the town against a deadly cholera epidemic. According to legend, St. Corrado interceded and the city was spared by the illness. Tradition also holds that, in 1943, World War II bombings spared Noto as granted through the intercession of St. Corrado. The mayor of the time promised he would offer a candle every year to thank him.

As it is told, Corrado Confalonieri, a wealthy aristocrat, was born in Piacenza in 1290. Corrado loved hunting. One day in 1313, an event changed his life.

While hunting, Corrado ordered his attendants to set fire to some bushes to flush out game. A prevailing wind caused the flames to spread rapidly devastating nearby fields, forests, towns and villages. Corrado fled, panicking.

An innocent peasant was accused of being the arsonist, was tortured to confess to the crime he did not commit, and eventually he was sentenced to death. As the poor man was ready to be executed,

Corrado was stricken with remorse and confessed his guilt saving the poor man's life. Because of his noble origins, Corrado was spared the death penalty. However, he had to sell all his possessions 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.

Learn These Words in Italian!

English: father Italian: padre

English: motherItalian: madre

English: brotherItalian: fratello

Family : Famiglia

Have fun practicing your Italian! Buona Fortuna!

English: sisterItalian: sorella

English: uncleItalian: zio

English: auntItalian: ziaJU

ST SA

Y IT

!

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval officers unable to pursue full-time graduate studies now have an additional education option with the FY-15 Graduate Education Voucher (GEV) program, announced Aug. 25.

Detailed in Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) 191/14, the GEV program offers eligible officers the opportunity to receive funded graduate education during off-duty hours. Through GEV, unrestricted line (URL) officers can apply to receive funding for Navy-relevant graduate education meeting the requirements of at least one subspecialty code as specified by the Navy Subspecialty System.

"Many officers find it challenging to maintain their career progression and simultaneously schedule full-time education at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or other institutions," said Dr. Cheral Cook, graduate education coordinator for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). "The GEV program offers an accelerated path to an off-duty master's degree with financial support of up to $20,000 per fiscal year, with a total limit of $40,000 for the entire course of study."

All required fees normally charged by the university relating directly to student application and enrollment, including mandatory health fees and health insurance, laboratory fees, vehicle registration and identification cards, and computer fees are reimbursable. Other reimbursable expenses include the cost of textbooks and course materials, and limited expenditures for transcript and entry fees, and final thesis production.

Lt. Jeffrey Cornielle, a submarine officer and instructor at the Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific at Pearl Harbor, recently completed his master's degree with Pennsylvania State University.

"This degree program has enabled me to approach problem solving from more than the traditional methods that I learned through Naval training," said Cornielle. "It provided me more insight on personnel management and its important role in the overall engineering project management process. I now have the tools to take a step back from a problem and understand how to evaluate all facets of that problem before making an educated decision which could make a strong impact on my mission's success. This is definitely a great tool to have available for my post-Navy career when that time comes."

GEV applicants select a regionally accredited school and choose a specific course of study meeting their community's subspecialty requirements. Education plans are reviewed and approved for the Navy subspecialty code by NPS.

The GEV program is targeted at officers with demonstrated superior performance and upward career mobility who are transferring or have recently reported to shore duty, in order to allow sufficient time for completion of a graduate program. The GEV program is open to URL active-duty officers in pay grades O-3 through O-5, in designators 111X (Surface Warfare), 112X (Submarine Warfare), 113X (Special Warfare/SEAL), 114X (Special Operations), and 13XX (Naval Aviator/Naval Flight Officer).

There are 120 planned quotas available for FY-15 as follows: Surface Warfare - 42; Submarine - 27; Aviation - 49; Special Warfare/Special Operations/Explosive Ordnance Disposal - 2. Quotas by degree program and warfare areas are listed in the in the NAVADMIN, and additional information can be found on the Navy College Program's GEV Web page at: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/gev/gev_home.aspx.

Some restrictions apply and enrollment in the program carries a service obligation of three times the number of months of education completed, with a minimum of 24, and a maximum of 36 months obligation. Officers completing a degree using GEV should expect to serve one tour in a subspecialty billet not later than the second tour following graduation. OPNAVINST 1520.37B contains additional information on specific program requirements. Interested officers should submit written requests to their detailer, per the NAVADMIN and OPNAV instruction.

For those with Program-specific GEV questions, call 850-473-6064, DSN: 753.For those not qualifying for the GEV program, educational assistance may be available through the Tuition Assistance program, G.I. Bill or other graduate education programs, as listed on the Navy College Web site at https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/.

For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil andwww.navy.mil/local/cnet/.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (NNS) -- Effective immediately, commanding officers and officers-in-charge may approve waivers to the one-year requirement that Sailors must be on board their first permanent duty station (PDS) to be eligible for Tuition Assistance (TA) according to NAVADMIN 190/14 released Aug. 21.

In addition to command triad waiver approval, Sailors must meet all existing requirements for participation eligibility.

The NAVADMIN also detailed changes to the grade and fee policy for TA for courses stating after 1 Oct. to align with recent Department of Defense TA policy.

Successful course completion will be defined as a grade of "C" or higher for undergraduate courses, a "B" or higher for graduate courses, and a "Pass" for "Pass/Fail" grades and must be attained to avoid reimbursement of TA funding. Reimbursement will also be required from Sailors who don't make up a grade of "I" (incomplete) by the educational institutions' deadline or six months after the completion of the class, whichever comes first.

Also changing Oct. 1, only tuition directly related to the course of instruction - and not including fees - will be paid with TA funds. Fees no longer covered by TA include equipment, supplies, books/materials, exams, admissions, registration, fines and costs associated with distance learning.

These changes align the Navy's policy with Department of Defense Instruction 1322.25 for Voluntary Education (VOLED) programs covering policies for service members' use of TA.

"Historically, more than 85 percent of Sailors satisfactorily complete and pass their undergraduate and/or graduate level classes; this is a tribute to the focus and dedication of the Sailors using VOLED programs," said Ernest D'Antonio, the Center for Personal and Professional Development's (CPPD) Navy VOLED program director.

In Fiscal Year 2013, approximately 89 percent of courses paid for by TA were successfully passed, with 72 percent of those courses resulting in an "A" or "B" grade, according to D'Antonio.

Sailors not successfully completing courses using TA must reimburse the Navy for TA funds.

For more information Sailors can contact their local Navy College Office, Virtual Education Center (VEC) or the Navy College Program website at https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/.

For more information about the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), visit: https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cppd/.

Tuition Assistance policy changing in FY-15From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs Office

THe siGnaTurePaGe 8 august 29, 2014 THe siGnaTure PaGe 9august 29, 2014

Dublin. Go there. Seriously, I feel like that’s all that needs to be said

on the matter. If you’ve ever seen photos of the lush countryside of Ireland, the quaint cottages in the fishing villages, and dusty pubs of Dublin you know why we decided to book a vacation to the emerald isle.

It’s beautiful and so rich of history! The next thing we needed to figure out was when

to go! The 2014 Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon in Dublin was scheduled for August fourth, so we booked our trip for one week around that date and it could not have come at a better time! The weather was amazing. We got a nice break from the Sicilian heat wave and were able to spend a week in jeans and sweaters, carrying umbrellas through the rain, and sipping on hot coffee. Irish summer doesn’t last long at all, but we did manage to get lucky with a few days of sunshine as well.

For getting around in Dublin, we mainly relied on our own two feet and taxis during the downpours or late evening hours. To get around the country, you have a few options. First being to rent a car and drive around on the left side of the road hopping from city to city, spending a few nights in each. If going the wrong direction through a round about and shifting a manual car with your left hand sounds a bit too adventurous for you, consider booking a bus tour! You can stay in the capital city for the duration of your trip and still see a great deal of the country via booking day trips through one of the many bus tour companies. We booked two bus tours during our week stay. Each tour was a full 12 hours focused on getting us to and from one major sight, but stopping along the way at several fun and beautiful stops! The trips were amazingly priced too! At 20-60 Euro, the trip price covered transportation, entry into multiple attractions, a comfortable seat on a bus with free WIFI and a super informative and entertaining tour guide that gave us quite the Irish history lesson. Can’t beat that!

We set out on our Irish vacation with a few goals and sights in mind, but what we most enjoyed was just walking around and exploring. Some of the coolest things we saw were the street performers, ruins of Viking settlements, and wonderful pubs or restaurants that we stumbled upon. Dublin has a very comfortable charm to it. The city really captivated us and made us feel comfortable almost immediately even though we had never been. Maybe it’s the fact that everyone speaks English or maybe because the Irish are just so polite and welcoming, it’s evident in their catch phrase “1000 welcomes”. Whatever it is, Ireland definitely stole a little piece of our hearts and we already can’t wait to go back!

Photos and story by Lyndsay Curtiswww.LyndsayCurtis.com

THe siGnaTurePaGe 10 august 29, 2014 THe siGnaTure PaGe 11august 29, 2014

As a reminder, all dependents are always welcome at the galley!Please provide any negative or positive feedback. There is a suggestion box near the entrance to the galley, next to the serving line.

Friday, August 29*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Grilled Sausage Patties, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles.*Lunch: Clam Chowder Soup, Baked Salmon Fish, Baked Chicken, Lasagna, Carrots, Broccoli, Cookies, Ice Cream.*Speed line: Pizza.*Dinner: Chicken Noodle Soup, Roast Turkey, Fishwich Sandwich, Pasta Chef, Tossed Green Rice, Chicken Gravy, Corn O’Brien, Green Beans, Cookies.

Saturday, August 30*Breakfast: Farina, Grilled Ham Slices, Bacon, Creamed Sausage W/Biscuit, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Egg Drop Soup, Drumettes Chicken, Chili Macaroni, Chili Dogs, Creamed Sausage Gravy, Hash Brown Potatoes, Summer Squash, Asparagus, Pie.*Dinner: Vegetable Soup, Pasta al Forno, Pork Chop w/Mushroom Gravy, Chili Dogs, Pepper Steak, Rice Pilaf, Fresh Cauliflower, Mashed Potatoes, Pie.

Sunday, August 31*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Sausage Gravy, Bacon, Minute Steak, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Italian Roasted Potatoes, French Toast.*Brunch: Breakfast Items, Cream of Broccoli Soup, Salisbury Steak, Chili Dogs, Chicken Patties, Peas, Corn on The Cob, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Pie.*Dinner: Chicken Vegetable Soup, Veal Parmesan, Chili Dogs, Pork Adobo, Penne W/Fish and Tomato Cherries, Rice Pilaf, Gravy, Seasoned Carrots, Cauliflowers, Pie.

Monday, September 1*Breakfast: Hot Hominy Grits, Oven Fried Bacon, Minced Beef, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Italian Roasted Potatoes, Waffles.*Lunch: Creamed of Potato Soup, Chicken Cordon Blue, Roast Rib of Beef, Penne Amatriciana, Mashed Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Mixed Vegetables, Summer Squash, White Cake, Pie, Ice Cream.*Speed line: Asstd. Pizza.*Dinner: Vegetable Supreme Soup, Grilled Chicken Breast, Herbed Salmon Fish, Pasta Chef, Rice Pilaf, Chicken Gravy, Fresh Cauliflower.

Tuesday, September 2*Breakfast: Hot Farina, Omelets, Grilled Sausage Patties, Creamed Sausage W/Biscuit, Bacon, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles. * Lunch: Spanish Soup, Mexican Rice, Beef/Fish Tacos, Burritos, Beef Fajitas, Corn Whole Kernel, Broccoli, Refried Beans, Baked Potatoes, Oatmeal Nut Cookies, Ice Cream.*Speed Line: Manicotti, Chicken Cordon Bleu.Dinner: Zesty Bean Soup, Pepper Steak, Fried Shrimp, Spaghetti Carbonara, Steamed Rice, Peas & Carrots, Squash, Cake.

Wednesday, September 3*Breakfast: Rolled Oats, Creamed Beef, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Pancakes.*Lunch: Beef Rice Soup, Baked Fish W/ Tomato Cherry, Lasagna, Chicken Florencia, Rice Pilaf, Cauliflower, Mixed Vegetable, Peanut butter Cookies, Ice Cream.*Speed Line: Grilled Cheese/Hamburger, Baked Beans, French Fried Potatoes, Grilled Bacon.*Dinner: Cream of Chicken Soup, BBQ Pork Ribs, Baked Scallops, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Steamed Rice, Fried Cabbage, Cake.

Thursday, September 4*Breakfast: Hominy Grits, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast.*Lunch: Corn Chowder Soup, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Crab Legs, Manicotti, Roast Rib of Beef, Baked Potatoes, Brown Gravy, Cauliflowers, Carrots, Pie, Ice Cream.*Dinner: Minestrone Soup, Chicken Drumettes, Meat Loaf, Penne Alfredo, Ginger Rice, Broccoli, Corn.

Friday, September 5*Breakfast: Hot Oatmeal, Grilled Sausage Patties, Creamed Sausage W/Biscuit, Bacon, Asstd. Omelets, Eggs to Order, Hash Brown Potatoes, Waffles.*Lunch: Cream of Potato Soup, Rice Pilaf, Creole Scallop, Roast Beef, Lasagna, Pepper Steak, Seasoned Mix Vegetables, Fresh Squash, Ice Cream.Speed Line: Pizza.*Dinner: French Onion Soup, Spaghetti w/ Fish Sauce, Chicken Parmesan, Beef Stew, Steamed Rice, Fresh Cauliflower, Peas & Carrots.

Catholic Vacation Bible School celebrated at NAS 1 Chapel

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - From August 18-22, the Immaculate Conception Catholic Community celebrated the “Vatican Express” Vacation Bible School (CVBS) at NAS 1 Chapel. Under the guidance of Father Frank Watts, the parish priest, and Cindy Berlin, the Catholic Religious Education Coordinator, along with 25 adult and teen volunteers, the children experienced an unforgettable week of Catholic education, music, crafts, snacks and activities. There were 50 children enrolled in CVBS with an age range of 4-years-old through 6th grade. The focus of the “Vatican Express” CVBS was on significant features of the Catholic faith such as the Scripture, the work of St. Jerome who translated the Bible into Latin, the Holy Eucharist and the Blessed Sacrament, St. Peter and the Pope. Also, the children learned about Vatican City and its treasures as well as St. Peter’s Square and Basilica. The children began the morning by posting the Papal flag, reciting the Apostles’ Creed and praying a decade of the Rosary as well as enjoying skits by the teen volunteers. Music was a great part of the VBS, as the children learned songs entitled “Standing on the Rock” and “Shine like the Son”. The VBS included a craft time in which the students made rosaries, a monstrance, Pope Francis banners and colored stained glass pictures of St. Peter. Also, the children enjoyed daily “theme” snacks such as “communion cookies” and “Popemobile” snacks. Creative activities included making St. Peter’s beard with marshmallows and “praying like you’ve never prayed before” whipped cream toss. The children learned the familiar shout “Viva il Papa!” which pilgrims shout at the Pope in St. Peter’s Square. The week concluded with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. A group photo and a signed card by the volunteers and children will be sent to Pope Francis in Rome. The “Vatican Express” Catholic VBS proved to be a wonderful time for the Catholic community to have fun, work and grow together, and learn more about our Catholic faith.

By FaTHer Frank WaTTsNAS Sigonella Religious Ministries Department, Parish Priest

Children pose with banners of Pope Francis which they made during the "Catholic Vatican Express" Vacation Bible School held at NAS Sigonella August 8-12. They were shouting "Viva il Papa" in his honor. (Photo by Jason Berlin)

ability," Wojtal said. "However, the most important trait of all is taking care of your junior Sailors. [The process] is full of frustration and joy. Being pinned and entering the brotherhood of the chief 's mess is an amazing feeling."

Brickhhouse stated that the "road to becoming a chief can be difficult and you must do the little things that may seem insignificant. You must also be involved with your command, your community, engage in leadership roles, and collateral duties. Everything that you do helps to make a difference, but really pays off in the end."

Both Wojtal and Brickhouse agree that becoming a Navy chief takes time, diligence, and a lot of hard work.

Congratulations to following chief selectees: MAC (Sel) Brian Day - Security, ITC (Sel) Christopher Cournoyor - NCTS, YNC (Sel) Renato Centeno - NCTS, ATC (Sel) Jonathan Gaillard - AIMD, MAC (Sel) Troy Pepito - Security, MAC (Sel) Shawn Stewart - Security, AMC (Sel) Nicholas Hampton - AIMD, ITC (Sel) Eugene Gaudet - NCTS, ITC (Sel) Greg Schreiner - NCTS, LSC (Sel) Sheridan Gater - NAVSUP, AOC (Sel) Anthony Artino - CTF 67, AZC (Sel) Stephanie Holzhauler - VP-4, ATC (Sel) John Doll - AIMD, AWC (Sel) Robert Cherhoniak - VP-4, ITC (Sel). Jefferey Williams - VP-4, CTRC (Sel) Hunter Brown -VP-4, AMEC (Sel) Eduardo McGregor, and ITC (Sel) Samuel Torres.

"Selectees" continued from page 1

THe siGnaTurePaGe 12 august 29, 2014 THe siGnaTure PaGe 13august 29, 2014

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Find and circle all of the old TV shows that are hidden in the grid.The remaining letters spell the name of an additional old TV show.

ADDAMS FAMILYAVENGERSBATMANBEWITCHEDBRADY BUNCHCHARLIE'S ANGELSCOACHCOLUMBOCOSBY SHOWCYBILLDRAGNET FAMILY TIESGET SMARTGOLDEN GIRLS

GUNSMOKEHAPPY DAYSHARRY OHIGHLANDERHOGAN'S HEROESHOTELI LOVE LUCY KNOTS LANDINGKUNG FULONE RANGERMAGNUM P.I.MANNIXMASHMCCLOUD

MONKEESNIGHT GALLERYPRETENDER QUANTUM LEAPQUINCYROCKFORD FILESROSEANNESTAR TREKTHE SAINTTWIN PEAKSWINGSWONDER YEARSX FILES

Old TV Shows 3

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - August 4-8, over 106 children and volunteers gathered for summer adventure at the NAS 1 Chapel for a week of Bible camp. The theme for this year’s Protestant Vacation Bible School (VBS) was “Weird Animals.” During this week’s extravaganza, children learned stories and memory verses from the Bible, and they discovered interesting facts about animals. The Elementary school-age children tried out new songs, displayed exciting dance routines, and they had the opportunity to meet new friends as they prepare to go back to school in several weeks. In the process, children had fun in experimenting with challenging games, awesome crafts, and testing their wits against their teachers. Plus, they delighted in wonderful treats such fruit par fey topped with scrumptious whipped cream, which was served during snack time.

On the afternoon prior to the opening day of VBS, volunteers transformed the Chapel into a magical kingdom filled with wonder and enchantment. The transformation of space was implemented in several hours by regular church attenders and first-time volunteers.

Jaimie Lamborn, who volunteered as a teacher this week, said about the significance of Vacation Bible School: “My favorite part of VBS is about how the children find out about other kids’ issues in other places on the video and how they cope with their problems. The children discover that no matter what difficulties they may face whether that is peer pressure, bullying, loneliness, that Jesus loves them and can help them with their issues.”

Marie Moran, another volunteer who role played a veterinarian known as Dr. Paws, said: “The children are in being introduced to the weird animals such as Axl, Fern, Ozzy, Milton, and Shred and they learn that they are loved by Jesus no matter how different they are. In the same way Jesus loves all of us. We are unique, special, and different in our own ways. Children growing up may feel left out in the neighborhood or in the classroom at times, and they just need to know that God loves all of us and made us very special as individuals.”

Rachel Perez, the Protestant Religious Education Director, reflected on the importance of the Bible Camp and gave the following input: “The impact of VBS is that children are in a time of transition this summer with children PCSing here, friends moving away, and school getting ready to start up. That’s why VBS comes at a great time because they have the assurance that Jesus loves them in spite of whatever problems they may face each day.”

Last year the Catholic congregation and the Protestant congregation held a joint Vacation Bible School, but there wasn’t enough space to handle all the children. This year the Religious Ministries Department is hosting two different VBS events, and it would appear as an end result that attendance among students and volunteers has been doubled with greater organization and more space available.

For all parents and children looking for more spiritual adventure and learning, the Religious Ministries Department will sponsor one more Bible Camp this summer. The Catholic Vacation Bible School will take place Monday-Friday, August 18-22. The schedule will be from 0900-1230 Monday through Thursday and 0900-1200 that Friday. The age range is from 4 year old-6th grade. To register your child(ren) or volunteer, e-mail [email protected]. The theme for this year's Vacation Bible School is "Vatican Express."

Please see the NASSIG Chapel Facebook page for more details on this great opportunity for summer fun and learning for the whole family. For more information, you may also call 624-3975 at the NAS 1 Chapel.

Summer adventure at Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School was held at NAS Sigonella on August 4 - 8. Grade-school children and their volunteers engage in interpretive movements to the Bible-based curriculum in the NAS 1 Chapel sanctuary. When parents and children are ready for school to start up to break the monotony of the summer doldrums, VBS provides a wholesome activity that inspires faith, strong values, and family enrichment. (U.S. Navy photo by Master-at-Arms 3rd class Rachelle Garcia)

By lT edWard erWinReligious Ministries Department NAS Sigonella

THe siGnaTurePaGe 14 august 29, 2014 THe siGnaTure PaGe 15august 29, 2014

NORFOLK (NNS) -- For more than 230 years, the U.S. Navy has achieved and maintained much of its maritime superiority from long-term alliances with foreign partners.

The importance of building, maintaining and enhancing these partnerships is reflected in Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' four priorities to ensure the Navy will "continue to be the finest fighting force the world has ever known."

"When our ships and Marines exercise with our European and international partners, it is the connection between the people that is most important to our future ability to operate together," said Mabus recently, at a security conference in The Hague. "It is one of the reasons we send so many of our officers to war colleges here in Europe, and conduct exchange programs."

Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) has an inventory of more than 70 warships and is responsible for manning, training, and equipping them. At any given time, nearly half of these ships are either forward deployed to Spain and Bahrain, or deployed around the world in other locations. Some of these ships, both stateside and abroad, have billets permanently manned by officers from foreign forces.

"Foreign officers serving aboard our ships bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team," said Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao, SURFLANT commander. "They can offer a different perspective while helping us build on our strengths. These partnerships, forged at the deck-plate level and honed on the high seas, have led to friendships and collaborations, enduring ties to allied navies and nations."

Kapitnleutnant Anika Herrmann of the German Navy, Maj. Bastien Leclerc of the Canadian Army and Lt. Matt Millyard of the British Royal Navy, are three such officers bringing this new perspective to SURFLANT ships.

Millyard received his commission in October 2007 and reported to his current assignment in November 2012 as navigator aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81).

"This job has been a fantastic opportunity for me," he said. "I have learned a lot during my two years here and I know that I have grown as a manager and a leader; without a doubt, the Royal Navy is getting a better officer back."

As a catholic priest for the Canadian Army, Leclerc now tends to the religious needs of more than 250 Sailors deployed aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51). Leclerc joined the crew in February, a day before the ship deployed on an eight-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

"We are truly blessed to have him aboard," said Cmdr. Camille Flaherty, Arleigh Burke commanding officer. "We are the only ship with a French Canadian chaplain, and one of the few afloat units with a Roman catholic priest. I am 100 percent confident that without him we wouldn't be nearly as successful as we have been on this deployment."

Setting sail aboard a U.S. Navy warship was an unexpected turn of events for the Canadian Soldier. "This is my first ship ever," Leclerc said. "I've never even been on a Canadian ship."

Leclerc's lack of naval experience does not limit his ability to support the ship as he also organizes community relations (COMREL) projects when the ship pulls into foreign ports.

"Our first COMREL project was in Marseille, France," he said. "We spent two days there, with about 20 Sailors each day, playing with underprivileged children at the 'Domaine de Fontainieu.' It was a fantastic experience for the children and Sailors."

Flaherty attributes much of the success of Arleigh Burke's COMREL projects and their numerous official visits and events, to Leclerc's translating abilities.

"It shows that the partnership isn't just aboard the ship, but abroad as we are interested in learning about our French partners and other nations we visit. He really helps link that bridge and tie that knot," she explained.

Aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) Herrmann serves as the ship's navigator. She joined the German Navy in July of 2005, and has been assigned to Hue City since last October.

"I believe intercultural skills make better people out of us," she said. "Living, learning and working in a different country and in a different navy is a life-changing, mind-opening experience. It provides first-hand experience on what is different in the way our navies operate, and thus contributes to a better understanding of the way our militaries cooperate."

Herrmann's performance aboard the ship has made a positive impression on the Hue City crew.

"She brings energy, enthusiasm and a different approach to how other countries' navies operate," added Hue City Command Master Chief Jimmie Carter.

"Due to its very nature, this experience will be carried with Herrmann for the rest of her life," said Cmdr. Shan Bogart, Hue City executive officer. "It provides our Sailors the opportunity to work directly with a military service member of an allied country. Her service onboard speaks volumes about how far our countries have come in building strong partnerships. Given the rich history we have had with our allied countries since the birth of our nation, this experience is integral to the professionalism and development of all our Sailors."

Herrmann, Millyard, and Leclerc are only three in a long line of volunteers to serve a foreign country.

"The American Revolution might have been lost but for foreigners who came to make common cause with the Colonials by joining George Washington's rag-tag Continental Army and Navy, and the struggling republic was all the better for having them in its ranks," reported Cmdr. (ret.) Eric Dietrich-Berryman, of the Hampton Roads Naval Historical Foundation.

Even Capt. John Paul Jones, the "Father of the U.S. Navy" served abroad, according to Dietrich-Berryman. Following the War for Independence, Jones joined the navy of Russia's Catherine the Great, winning decisive battles over the Ottoman Turks in the Black Sea.

Nearby, this tradition continues today, aboard SURFLANT ships."Working together, we become more interoperable," summarized Mabus." We can

provide key training and develop the operational capabilities of like-minded countries and navies. This in itself increases stability for the global system, distributes the burdens and costs of maritime security, and makes us all safer. The burden of security has to be shared, meaning, our partnerships matter."

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/.

NAS SIGONELLA, Sicily - August is Immunizations Awareness Month, and with the new school year having just started as well as the beginning of the new flu season, it is the perfect time to re-educate and inform everyone about vaccines and what they do for you. When you vaccinate yourself or your child, not only are you protecting yourselves from a potentially fatal contagious disease, you are protecting your community by slowing or stopping the disease’s ability to spread. School is a huge source for spreading preventable diseases. Children at school can not only rapidly spread disease they can bring it home and spread it to unvaccinated family members, as well. Newborn children are especially at risk. This is why it is so important to get your child’s vaccinations on time.

Many people associate immunizations with children, and while most vaccines are given to school-aged children the truth is that everyone, regardless of age, should make sure they are up-to-date and completely protected. For instance, adults having a child should receive the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine to protect their new babies from whooping cough, a potentially fatal illness. Those traveling to other countries should always check the Centers for Disease Control website to see what the recommended vaccines are for the countries they are visiting. Some countries have diseases that are uncommon or non-existent in the United States and will even refuse your entry without the proper vaccinations.

Immunizations such as the “new” Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine are often a concern to parents when it comes to immunizing their children. For most, miscommunication and education is the cause of this fear. While this vaccine is newly available to the public, it has existed and been in tested for the past seven to ten years. Vaccine testing is much more selective than other medications. While normal medications cure illnesses and have acceptable minor side effects such as nausea and headaches, vaccines prevent illness. If they cause unwanted side effects -- in even a slight portion of the population -- they won’t be introduced to the public. In many cases when an adverse event is reported, it is impossible to tell if the vaccine was the cause. These unsolvable cases inflate the vaccine adverse reaction percentage.

Flu vaccines are controversial to some. Some people believe that the flu vaccine will give them the flu, and others question why a new vaccine is given every year. The flu vaccine will not give you the flu. While it is possible that you will feel a bit under the weather the next couple of days following its administration, that reaction is just the vaccine creating antibodies against the flu. A legitimate flu case will lay out anyone for a week or more and can even be fatal to geriatric patients and children. Concerning the introduction of new vaccines every year, the flu virus is highly adaptable and mutates quickly. Every year a team of top researchers pick which strains will be most common and harmful in the upcoming flu year, and these are the strains your vaccine protects you against. Yes, it is possible for some unseen strain to slip by as was the case with the H1N1 flu in years past, but this is easily fixed with a new vaccine that protects against the new strain of flu.

For more information, stop by Medical Home Port’s immunizations clinic with any questions and to see if you or your children are up to date with your recommended immunizations. No appointment is necessary unless deemed so by the pediatrician. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; on Wednesdays, Immunizations closes at noon.

Immunizations: Now is the time to start preparing

Foreign officers advance surface warrior partnerships

By HM3 kyle o’neilU.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella

By MC1 eriC BroWnCNSL Public Affairs

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THe siGnaTurePaGe 16 august 29, 2014