THE MODERN MAFIA MARINES TRAIN MOROCCAN SOLDIERS SECNAV MEMO ON NAVAL INSTALLATION - and who is fighting it Story on
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Vol. 36 No. 25 December 20, 2019
THE MODERN MAFIA
and who is fighting it
Story on page 6
MARINES TRAIN
MOROCCAN SOLDIERS
SECNAV MEMO ON
NAVAL INSTALLATION
TRAGEDIES
2 The Signature
Direct Line
NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer Capt. Kevin Pickard
B
uon Natale Sigonella! the addition of a new unmanned
Can you believe the holiday capability when NATO AGS received
season is already in full its first two RQ-4D aircraft.
swing? Over the past week Our AMC passenger terminal
or so, we have kicked off our on-base successfully processed more than
celebrations with our annual “Sig’s 18,000 passengers, 26 million
the Season” events. We have had two pounds of cargo, and serviced
spectacular Christmas tree lightings thousands of transient aircraft. Our
at Midtown and Marinai, a breakfast Fleet Logistics Center Site Sigonella
with Santa, a Jingle Bell Jog, and processed millions of pieces of
many other events. Kudos to MWR, mail for carrier strike groups
USO, and our friends at Pizzarotti for and deployed units throughout
making these events so memorable. the theater. Our port ops team
It has truly been wonderful for Amy supported dozens of ship visits at
and I to see so many of you getting the NATO pier in Augusta Bay. Our
into the spirit of the season. Security department opened the
The end of the year is traditionally new $13 million ECP on NAS II and
a time spent in both reflection on demonstrated exceptional ability in
scoring a 90% on the Commander countless senior government and
our annual achievements and an
Navy Installations Command Final military officials. Each of them
opportunity to look forward to all
Evaluation Problem in June. has walked away with a distinctly
of the good things to come in the
Our quality of life programs positive view on our operations
New Year. Since taking command
continue to set the standard and praised your clearly visible
in April, I have been humbled to
throughout the region. Our Bella commitment to the mission.
see the hard work, professionalism,
Etna galley won back-to-back Ney Your success wouldn’t be possible
and dedication displayed on a daily
Awards for best ashore galley and without the effort you put in day
basis from each and every service
just finished the final round of in and day out. So as we look back
members and civilian employee
inspection for consideration in this on this past year, you and your
who lives and works here. It is due
year’s Ney award. MWR has not families have much to be proud of.
to your efforts that this installation
rested on those laurels, overseeing No matter what your holiday plans
runs both smoothly and effectively.
the completion of a $900,000 multi- are—whether you are traveling
No matter your command, each of
year upgrade to our sports fields, and home or relaxing in Sicily—please
you plays a critical role in making
once again hit the Red, White and enjoy the well-deserved time with
NAS Sigonella the indispensable
Boom and AutumnFest events out of your family, friends, and those
“Hub of the Med.” I’d like to take
the park! And throughout the year, who matter most. You deserve it.
a moment to reflect on the amazing
the entire Sigonella team supported I could proudly go on and on
work that we have accomplished
over 200 community relations regarding your accomplishments.
together at Sigonella in 2019.
projects, continuing the tradition As we look forward to 2020, I ask
As you all know, NAS Sigonella
of fostering positive and impactful that you continue the hard charging
continues to be a key aviation
relations with our Sicilian hosts. attitude you maintained in 2019.
enabler for the entire region. As
The importance of our mission On behalf of the Big XO, CDR
a team, we executed over 18,000
to national and Alliance strategy Moran, Command Master Chief
operational and training sorties
is continually recognized at the Estrada, and my family, we wish
from land and carrier-based aircraft.
highest levels. We have had a steady you the happiest of holidays and
And unique to our installation,
stream of distinguished visitors, a wonderful New Year. I migliori
we are the leader in unmanned
aerial systems. In fact, 2019 saw including three heads of state and auguri di Buon Natale e Felice 2020!
December 20, 2019 3
Interactive Customer Evaluation
Comment Regarding Housing: it is not what I ordered and ingredients THE SIGNATURE
We have received several are missing. Customers should be
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA
complaints recently about power informed prior to paying for a good or
outages and surges at Marinai service, not after. This has happened
family housing. Please allow us several times at different locations. The Commanding Officer
Capt. Kevin Pickard
to discuss the issue and what the staff does not offer a refund, either.
installation is doing to minimize The NEX needs to fix these simple Executive Officer
the inconveniences to residents. issues and work on quality control. Cmdr. Patrick J. Moran
Response: Response:
Thank you for voicing your concerns Thank you for taking time to Command Master Chief
CMDCM Nancy Estrada
about utilities in Marinai. As you have voice your concerns. We rely on
likely already experienced, power customer feedback to identify areas EDITORIAL
supply is inconsistent throughout for improvement and appreciate the Public Affairs Officer
Sicily. We sympathize with your feedback you provided. While food Lt. Karl Schonberg
karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil
frustrations. Unfortunately, due to vendors sometimes experience delays
infrastructure challenges within the in receiving their supply shipments Assistant Public Affairs Officer
Italian electricity distribution system, from the U.S., we expect vendors Janine Scianna
janine.scianna@eu.navy.mil
Pizzarotti and the U.S. government to notify customers at the time of
have limited control over the quality ordering if there is a limited menu Community Relations Officer
of power provided to our installations. or missing ingredients. We have Dott. Alberto Lunetta
alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil
Both Public Works and Pizzarotti reached out to all NEX food vendors
continue to proactively and routinely to correct this problem going forward. PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers
engage with the utility company in Unfortunately, while refunds cannot MC2 Joshua Coté
an effort to advocate for upgrades be performed on the registers in joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil
to the distribution system. For the food court, they can be processed at MR2 Kyle Drummond
kyle.m.drummond@navy.mil
utilities infrastructure that is under our the customer service counter in the
control, we are working hard to ensure NEX store. For any future concerns, CONTACT US
that its reliability and functionality please feel free to reach out directly Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily
are above industry standards. to the NEX manager, Teresa Goley, at thesig@eu.navy.mil
DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440
In order to mitigate the DSN 624-4278 / COMM 095-56- PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001
inconsistencies in power supply and 4278 or teresa.goley@nexweb.org.
protect your electronics, we encourage Comment Regarding Housing:
residents in Marinai and in economy I have brought this issue up to my This newspaper is an authorized publication
for members of the military services
housing to purchase uninterruptible chain of command multiple times. overseas. Contents of The Signature are
power supply equipment. For future not necessarily the official views of, or
There are mice in the Bldg. 170 endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the
housing-related concerns, feel free barracks. They are in my room, and Department of Defense (DoD), or the U.S.
Navy.
to directly contact the Housing I know of multiple other people who
Director, Peter Faulk, at peter. are having the same issue as well. Editorial submissions are welcomed from
faulk@eu.navy.mil or DSN 624- I did put in a work order to get it all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments,
divisions and tenant commands. Editorial
4070 / COMM 095-56-4070. addressed and I haven’t had any luck. submissions should be sent to the Public
Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil. All
Comment Regarding Food Court: This is unsanitary and disgusting. articles submitted by non-staff members
will be considered contributing writers.
The NAS I food services are Response:
disappointing. I have paid for items on Thank you ffor bringing your
the menu and after receiving the food, concerns to our attention. Pests and
"ICE" cont’d on Page 11
4 The Signature
Name: AT2 Alexandria Buck
Department: AIMD
Hometown: Glendale, Calif.
Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Hornet on the flight deck of an air school was pretty much too afraid
Detachment is just one of many carrier to changing circuit cards or to join on his own, so he asked me
tenant commands here at Naval Air tracing electrical wiring diagrams and I decided to help him out.”
Station Sigonella. AIMD’s purpose in an air-conditioned shop. AIMD Sigonella is Buck’s first
is to provide maintenance and repair Although her work is slowing in command, and she has been in the
services of aeronautical components anticipation of transferring to a new Navy for a little over four years.
and support equipment to naval forces duty station, Buck’s primary duties Soon she is transferring to Japan,
throughout the African, European, here were calibrating torque wrenches where she will be joining Helicopter
and southwest Asian regions. AIMD and conducting maintenance on Sea Combat Squadron 12 based
itself is broken down into several electronics that the Navy’s patrol at Naval Air Facility Atsugi.
departments, and in one of those shops squadron sends in. Buck also held a In her time here, Buck took
is standout Sailor Aviation Electronics number of different collateral duties, advantage of the cheap and convenient
Technician 2nd Class Alexandria including HAZMAT petty officer travel to explore Europe. She has
Buck from Glendale, California. for her department and serving on traveled to Germany, London,
The rate of Aviation Electronics the command resilience team. and all over Sicily. She also visited
Technician was converted from “For me, my favorite part of my job is Ukraine and several other countries.
Aviation Radio Technician in 1945, definitely my co-workers,” said Buck. Her two favorite places to visit
so it has a long history in the Navy. “They make they day more fun and were Germany and Ukraine.
ATs perform maintenance and interesting and just go by smoother.” Buck is working on her
repairs on a wide range of aircraft Buck has a rather unusual story of associate’s degree in information
electrical and electronic systems. how she ended up deciding to serve. technology and hopes to complete
Repairs jobs can range from trouble- “I didn’t join the Navy for the normal her coursework soon. As for the
shooting the computer-controlled reasons most people join for,” said future, Buck plans on pursuing a
weapon system on an F/A-18 Buck. “One of my classmates in high 20-year Navy career if she can.
December 20, 2019 5
Sigonella’s SPMAGTF-CR-Africa 20.1
Helps Train Moroccan Armed Forces
By 2nd Lt. Grace Jenkins
SPMAGT-CR-AF 20.1 COMMSTRAT Officer
Marines and Sailors with Special course preparation. The training also locating, accessing, identifying,
Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task included practical application where rendering safe, neutralizing,
Force-Crisis Response-Africa and students instructed their classmates in and disposing of ordnance. The
U.S. Soldiers and Airmen of the the disposal of improvised explosive technicians are also screened
Utah National Guard concluded devices. In addition to EOD-specific annually to validate their proficiency
a joint bilateral training program activities, a U.S. Navy corpsman in EOD policies and procedures.
in Morocco Dec. 13, 2019. After delivered tactical combat casualty While there is no permanent
the two-week training program, care classes to build upon what was “footprint” of U.S. military forces
U.S. service members graduated taught in previous engagements. in Morocco, they have had a long
more than 50 Royal Moroccan HMA Program instructors plan to history of training with the Royal
Armed Forces service members. return for advanced training sessions Moroccan Armed Forces. The training
The program trained Moroccan in the spring of 2020. The intent of during HMA Morocco strengthens
service members in humanitarian mine the spring period of instruction is to the development of joint leaders
action explosive ordnance disposal supervise and pin the coveted EOD and teams who understand the
level one instructor training in order badge on the new Moroccan Armed extraordinary capability brought to
to increase the explosive ordnance Forces EOD level one instructors. the joint warfighter to integrate efforts
disposal capability of the Moroccan U.S. instructors were all EOD across all layers of the battlespace.
military. In other words, the program technicians and the training The Special Purpose Marine Air
implemented a “train-the-trainer” delivered adhered to both U.S. and Ground Task Force – Crisis Response
instruction program to develop the international safety regulations. U.S. – Africa is deployed to conduct
Moroccans’ skills in order to train their Marine explosive ordnance disposal crisis-response and theater-security
own personnel for future operations. technicians are all graduates of the operations in Africa and promote
The curriculum covered a Naval School for Explosive Ordnance regional stability by conducting
variety of topics such as teaching Disposal where they complete nine military-to-military training exercises
techniques, public speaking, and months of rigorous training to include throughout Europe and Africa.
Moroccan service members receive training
from SPMAGTF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by
Staff Sgt. Brytani Musick)
Moroccan service members are trained by SPMAGTF in EOD
instruction. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by 2nd Lt. Grace Jenkins)
6 The Signature
TODAY’S friendly, its orange and olive groves
plentiful, and its history rich and
fascinating. But it’s hard not to secretly
Palermo), and from agriculture to all
economic sectors. In particular, the
huge demand for construction after
MODERN wonder: is the mafia still alive in Sicily?
And do I have anything to worry about?
The mafia has deep roots in Sicilian
World War II clinched the mafia’s
hold over almost all aspects of the
economy. There was no violence,
MAFIA history. Its current form originated
after the unification of Italy in 1861,
when Sicily was annexed to be part
simply because the mafia controlled
everything. Without resistance,
there was no need for aggression.
By Janine Scianna of the new kingdom. Noblemen, who But in the 80s, everything changed.
NAS Sigonella Public Affairs previously owned most of Sicilian Once totally subverted by mafiosos,
land, turned over ownership to some members of the judicial system
Being a little off the beaten path private farmers and allowed them began to combat organized crime.
compared to mainland Italy, few to self-govern. Without real law Among the first, Rocco Chinnici
have visited Sicily before being enforcement, the environment was created the Antimafia Pool of
stationed here. Perhaps your only ripe for collusion and led to the investigative judges who worked
exposure to Sicilian culture was development of organized crime. together to share information and
watching “The Godfather” or other After World War I, Sicily’s economy develop strategies to investigate and
mobster movies. With little other pop was extremely depressed and many of prosecute mafiosos. Unsurprisingly,
culture that depicts Sicily, it’s hard its people emigrated to other countries. Chinnici was assassinated by the
not to associate the mafia with it. The lack of a healthy state created a mafia in 1983 for his bold efforts.
Upon arriving, we learn quickly that vacuum for further rise in organized Judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo
Sicily is actually very different from crime. Over time, activity spread from Borsellino continued the efforts of
the stereotype—its people are overtly the countryside to cities (primarily Chinnici, including making being
an accomplice to mafia crimes illegal
activity itself. Their efforts led to the
conviction of 338 mafia bosses in
December 1987 after the famous
Maxi Trial. Subsequent appeals
were aggressively fought by Falcone
and Borsellino. Again showing its
strength via violence, the mafia killed
both judges in separate bombings in
1992. The media coverage of their
assassinations was a formative and
poignant memory for many Sicilians.
“[Falcone and Borsellino] were two
symbols of the fight against the mob,”
said Nicola Grassi, president of the
anti-mafia grassroots organization
Associazione Antiestorsione Catanese
Onlus – Libero Grassi (ASAEC). “It
was a turning point in public opinion
towards the mafia. There was a very
strong anti-mob sentiment afterwards.”
As part of the legislative response,
Business owner Tony Ruperto hangs a banner outside his restaurant that an existing article of Italian law known
indicates his refusal to pay the pizzo. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna) as “41-bis” was modified to reduce
December 20, 2019 7 Sicilian judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino were among those assasinated by mafiosos in the 1990s. communications between imprisoned Several grassroots organizations Tony Ruperto, a pizza restaurant mafiosos and outside associates, like the ASAEC have formed to help owner in Catania and a beneficiary weakening the chain of command. The business owners fight against the of the ASAEC’s efforts, encourages cumulative effects of the Antimafia mafia’s demands. ASAEC was formed Americans to be conscious of Pool’s efforts essentially forced the in 1991 after a business owner, what businesses they patronize. mob back underground, operating Libero Grassi, was killed by the “The customer has the power in stealth with few acts of violence. mafia for refusing to pay the pizzo. to choose,” said Ruperto. “If Yet, as Grassi attests, the mafia is The ASAEC serves as a liaison to you see a big, beautiful business, still a pervasive part of Sicily. There help owners report mafia demands ask yourself ‘Where does that continue to be corrupt politicians who and litigate against them in court, business get its large profits?’” allow state infiltration of mafiosos. and also acts as a safe haven and He advises that to create a better Today, the mafia has a firm grip on listening ear for those fearing mafia chance of supporting businesses that the drug trafficking and construction retaliation. With state funding, it don’t comply with mafia demands, like industries. It also collects the “pizzo,” can also assist with legal expenses. his, try to go to smaller businesses and which is a forced protection “tax” Today, Grassi says that the mafia is look for a special sticker advertising levied against Sicilian business winning the public relations battle. that they refuse to pay the pizzo. owners. Owners can choose to pay it People do not see violence and Ruperto also wants Americans to and avoid trouble, or refuse and risk think that mafia activity is subsiding. know that despite the stereotypes damage to their business or property. That is not the case, he warns. This depicted by movies like “The Luckily, no business owner who has perception enables the mafia to quietly Godfather,” most Sicilians are just reported pizzo demands to the police continue its exploits. But for Sigonella normal people living their lives. has ever been retaliated against. personnel and families, there is no “Our country does have some Still, Grassi estimates that 70% of specific concern; the mafia focuses problems. But it’s a beautiful place business owners pay the pizzo. solely on Sicilian-owned businesses. with beautiful people,” said Ruperto.
8 The Signature
LA M
MODE
I giudici Giovanni Falcone e Paolo Borsellino sono tra i
servitori dello Stato uccisi dalla mafia negli anni 90.
(Janine Scianna) costituendo Regno d’Italia. I nobili, asservito fino a quel momento alla mafia,
Ufficio Pubblica Informazione NAS Sigonella che in precedenza possedevano iniziarono a combattere il crimine
vaste proprietà in Sicilia, cedettero organizzato. Tra i primi, il giudice
Non trattandosi di una meta gettona-
la proprietà ai gabellotti (affittuari) Rocco Chinnici costituì il pool di
tissima rispetto al resto d’Italia, poche
e permisero loro di autogovernarsi. magistrati investigativi Antimafia che si
persone hanno avuto la possibilità di
L’assenza dello Stato alimentò unirono per condividere informazioni e
visitare la Sicilia prima di essere inviati
l’humus che permise lo sviluppo sviluppare strategie volte ad indagare e
in servizio nell’isola. Probabilmente,
della criminalità organizzata. perseguire i mafiosi. Non sorprende che
l’unico modo di entrare a contatto con la
Dopo la prima guerra mondiale, Chinnici venne assassinato dalla mafia
cultura siciliana è stato quello guardare
l’economia siciliana era estremamente nel 1983 per il suo impegno antimafia.
il film “Il Padrino” o altri film di ma-
depressa e molte persone emigrarono I giudici Giovanni Falcone e
fia. Non essendoci in giro molte altre
in altri paesi. La mancanza di uno Stato Paolo Borsellino continuarono
rappresentazioni dell’identità siciliana,
sano creò un vuoto per l’ulteriore l’impegno antimafia di Chinnici, che
è difficile non associare la mafia ad essa.
aumento della criminalità organizzata. comprendeva anche l’introduzione
Una volta arrivati in Sicilia, abbiamo
Nel tempo, l’attività si diffuse dalle del reato di associazione mafiosa.
subito capito che la Sicilia è in realtà
campagne alle città (principalmente I loro sforzi investigativi portarono alla
molto diversa dallo stereotipo mafioso:
Palermo) e dall’agricoltura a condanna di 338 boss mafiosi alla fine
la sua gente è sinceramente amichevole,
tutti i settori economici. del famoso Maxiprocesso nel dicembre
i suoi aranceti e uliveti abbondanti e
In particolare, il boom edilizio che si 1987. I successivi appelli furono
la sua storia ricca e affascinante. Ma
verificò dopo la seconda guerra mondiale combattuti con caparbietà da Falcone
è difficile non chiedersi in segreto: la
favorì l’infiltrazione della mafia in quasi e Borsellino. Ma la mafia, esercitando
mafia è ancora viva in Sicilia? Devo
tutti gli aspetti dell’economia. Non c’era nuovamente la sua forza attraverso la
preoccuparmi di qualcosa a riguardo?
violenza, semplicemente perché la mafia violenza, uccise entrambi i giudici in
La mafia ha radici profonde nella
controllava tutto. Senza resistenza, attentati separati nel 1992. La copertura
storia siciliana. La sua forma attuale
non c’era bisogno di violenza. mediatica dei loro omicidi suscitò una
ebbe origine dopo l’Unità d’Italia nel
Ma negli anni ‘80 tutto cambiò. profonda emozione e consapevolezza
1861, quando la Sicilia fu annessa al
Alcuni membri del sistema giudiziario, nell’opinione pubblica siciliana.
December 20, 2019 9
comunicazioni dei mafiosi con le processi per aiutare gli imprenditori
MAFIA
organizzazioni criminali operanti a combattere le pretese della mafia.
all’esterno, interrompendo la catena L’Asaec funge da collegamento
di comando. L’efficace impegno del per aiutare i commercianti e gli
Pool Antimafia costrinse la mafia imprenditori a denunciare le richieste
ERNA ad agire sottotraccia, operando di
nascosto con pochi atti di violenza.
Tuttavia, come sottolinea Grassi, la
mafia è ancora ampiamente diffusa in
della mafia e ad agire in giudizio nei
loro confronti in tribunale, offrendo
supporto e ascolto a coloro che temono
ritorsioni della mafia..Grazie alle
“Falcone e Borsellino sono stati due Sicilia. Continuano ad esserci politici leggi dello Stato l’assistenza legale
simboli della lotta contro la mafia”, corrotti che favoriscono l’infiltrazione viene sostenuta da un fondo statale.
afferma Nicola Grassi, presidente dell’ all’interno delle strutture di potere. Oggi, Grassi afferma che la mafia
Asaec, l’Associazione Antiestorsione Oggi la mafia ha un saldo controllo sul sta vincendo la battaglia della
di Catania “Libero Grassi”, nata nel traffico di droga e sull’edilizia. Riscuote comunicazione. Le persone non vedono
novembre del 1991 all’indomani anche il “pizzo”, che è una “tassa” di violenza e pensano che l’attività della
dell’assassinio dell’imprenditore “protezione-obbligata”. I commercianti mafia si stia attenuando. “Non è così,”
palermitano ucciso dalla mafia possono scegliere di pagarlo illudendosi avverte Grassi. Questa percezione
perché si era ribellato al pizzo. “È di evitare problemi, oppure rifiutare consente alla mafia di insinuarsi
stata una svolta culturale epocale e denunciare ai Carabinieri. Dopo la silenziosamente per continuare la sua
nell’opinione pubblica contro la mafia denuncia nessuno è stato toccato perché attività illecita. Ma per il personale e le
che ha successivamente generato un la risposta delle forze dell’ordine è stata famiglie della NAS Sigonella americana
forte sentimento antimafioso. “ sempre efficace. Oggi, Grassi stima che non vi è alcuna preoccupazione
La risposta legislativa dello Stato si il 70% degli imprenditori paghi il pizzo. specifica; la mafia si concentra
concretizzò nella modifica dell’articolo Diverse associazioni di base esclusivamente sulle aziende siciliane.
“41-bis” volta ad ostacolare le come l’Asaec si sono costituite nei Tony Ruperto, proprietario di un
ristorante pizzeria a Catania, che ha
beneficiato del supporto dell’Asaec,
incoraggia gli americani al consumo
critico antipizzo. “Il cliente ha la
facoltà di scegliere”, dichiara Ruperto.
“Se vedi un negozio grande e bello,
chiediti: “da dove provengono i
grandi profitti di quell’azienda?’”
Consiglia quindi di sostenere le
aziende che respingono le pretese
della mafia, proprio come la sua, e
di orientarsi verso le aziende più
piccole, riconoscendole dall’adesivo
esposto che contraddistingue
chi rifiuta di pagare il pizzo.
Ruperto ci tiene infine a spiegare
agli americani che, nonostante gli
stereotipi raffigurati da film come
“Il Padrino”, la maggior parte dei
siciliani è composta da persone
normali che vivono la loro vita.
“Il nostro paese ha dei problemi. Ma è
Il ristoratore Tony Ruperto mostra la sua appartenenza all ‘ASAEC e un posto bellissimo che ospita persone
il suo rifiuto di pagare il pizzo. (U.S. Navy photo by Janine Scianna) meravigliose”, ha detto Ruperto.
10 The Signature
Famous Sicilian Cakes to Try This Holiday Season
By Alberto Lunetta
NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
According to Sicilian tradition,
Christmas night is magical because
spells are cast by wizards who hide in
mysterious hideouts located on remote
mountain passages. Legend says that
during this night, the blue sky turns
into a dazzling golden color and that
hidden treasures concealed beneath
walnut trees bring a sudden wealth
to whoever unveils them. Eccentric
vendors offer precious objects,
spices, and baskets full of nuts,
pomegranates, almonds, pistachios,
dried figs, raisins, pine-seeds and
hazelnuts to the visitors. Dried fruits
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Italian and Sicilian Christmas desserts. Panettone is among the most
are always mentioned in Sicilian popular cakes that can be found during Christmas at supermarkets and pastry and bakery shops across
Christmas traditions as they symbolize the island. (Photo by Dreamstime.com)
wealth and plenty. This is the
reason why many Sicilian Christmas Sicily. Panettone was first prepared baked by the lead chef. After the
cakes are made from dried fruit. in Milan in the 15th century at the original cake was botched, Tony, a
“Buccellato” or “cucciddatu” bakery of a man named Tony. Since bold scullery boy, prepared another
(as it is called in Sicilian), is one Tony had such a bad temper, Ughetto, one by hastily mixing flour, eggs,
of the most popular cakes that are one of his assistants, was afraid to butter, sugar, and candied fruits
prepared during this holiday season. ask him for permission to marry to save the chef’s reputation. The
It is a short crust ring shaped cake his daughter, Adalgisa. Instead, he Duke and his guests raved about
filled with dried fruits, orange peels, decided to impress Tony by baking a the new cake and he decided to
chocolate, and honey and sprinkled special cake made from flour, sugar, name it after Tony. Today, in
with pistachio. There is also a smaller candied fruits, and raisins. Soon, addition to the traditional candied
version called buccellatino that is his cake became very popular and fruits and raisin fillings, panettone
covered with white frosting. Other everybody in Milan asked for “Pan di is enriched with chocolate chips,
traditional cakes include mustazzoli Tony” (Tony’s bread) which was later frosting, almonds and fruit creams.
(sweets filled with cooked wine and named Panettone. In the wake of its According to one tradition,
mixed with almonds, pine-seeds, and popularity, Tony rewarded Ughetto “pandoro” (bread of gold) was named
nuts), raviole (fried pastries filled by allowing him to marry Adalgisa. because of the delicate yellow color
with sweet ricotta) and crispelle A competing tradition claims of the dough, which comes from
(rice fritters covered with honey). that panettone was first served for eggs. Its origin stems from Verona,
The classic Italian Christmas cakes Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan an elegant Renaissance city located
such as “panettone,” “pandoro,” and from 1494–1499, during a lavish in the north of Italy that was also
“torrone” are also very popular in banquet as a replacement of a cake "ITALIAN NEWS" continued on Page 13December 20, 2019 11
Memo From Acting Secretary of the Navy
Thomas B. Modly
On the Recent Incidents at Naval Installations
In the last two weeks, our entire Navy and Marine Corps family was struck by
three tragic acts: Little Creek, Virginia; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; and Pensacola,
Florida. These crimes targeted us all, and I know I speak for every Sailor,
Marine, and Civilian in the Department when I say that our prayers are with
the families of the fallen and with the wounded. It is our solemn duty to find the
causes of such tragic loss and ceaselessly work together to prevent them. As
we reflect on these tragedies, I ask that we focus on the following:
Grief.
We must understand, and stand in grief, alongside the families of those who lost their lives in these tragic incidents.
The families of Airman Mohammed Sameh Haitham, Airman Apprentice Cameron Scott Walters, Ensign Joshua
Kaleb Watson, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Oscar Jesus Temores, Mr. Vincent Kapoi, and Mr. Roldan Agustin are a
part of OUR broad naval family. They are suffering from the loss of their loved ones. We must pray for them and
keep them in our thoughts. For those who witnessed these events, and/or were injured, we must be committed to
help them in their journeys back to normalcy. It is all of our jobs to help them recover from their injuries, visible or
not.
Heroism.
We must never forget the heroism of those who ran towards the danger in these incidents, exhibiting the finest
warrior ethos and quick decision-making that doubtless saved many lives. On Tuesday, I traveled to Naval
Air Station Pensacola to meet with the patrol officers and Naval Security Force personnel, who were the first
responders on the scene and confronted the shooter, along with heroic civilian officers from the Escambia County
Sheriffs Office. I learned about countless acts of heroism from the first responders, and many of the victims
themselves which will come to light as the facts of these tragedies are revealed. I assure you that we will all be
proud of these heroes and what they did in moments of terror and extreme danger.
Resolve.
Even as we grieve together as a community, we must stand united in
our resolve that these attacks will not deter us from fulfilling our sacred “We must
obligations to protect and defend our fellow citizens. The facilities at
Little Creek, Pearl Harbor, and Pensacola remain fully operational and understand, and
mission-focused. Around the world, our people still maintain the watch
in protection of our nation, securing the sea lanes, and responding stand in grief,
wherever there is need alongside our allies and partners. From these
incidents, we must take renewed purpose, learning where we can to
alongside the
ensure greater protection of our assets, information, infrastructure, and families of those
most importantly, our precious people. It is my expectation that each
of our facilities will review physical security and emergency response who lost their lives
procedures to minimize the risk of a recurrence. And it is my expectation
that all of our people military, civilian, and contractor be provided with the
in these tragic
training, information, and motivation to maintain the vigilance we must incidents.”
all have to spot the warning signs that are often precursors to tragedies
such as these.
The events at Pensacola, Pearl Harbor, and Little Creek were very different, but each represented an attack on
our naval family and our ideals. These incidents will not hold us back but will serve as a constant reminder of our
common responsibilities to each other and the nation we so proudly serve.
I have never been more honored to serve at your side than I have over the past two weeks, as I witnessed how
senseless tragedies have elevated within us the values that define our force and unite us all.12 The Signature
Making the Wheels on
the Bus Go Round
From the Student Transportation Office to a potential residence. If you live pick up or drop off location must
Personnel Like many services offered further from the school, anticipate be coordinated with the office and
at NAS Sigonella, transportation that your child will probably have an your child’s teacher 24 hours in
for the DoDEA Elementary and earlier pick up time and longer bus advance. Students must ride the bus
Middle/High Schools is provided ride to make sure they arrive on time. at least three times a week in order to
via a vetted contracted service. The Bus crews consists of a driver and maintain routine riding privileges. In
vendor is charged with providing a safety aide. Safety aides keep track the case that your child does not meet
safe transportation to and from the of student riders and ensure the this criteria, they may be considered
school for students residing within safety of your children by enforcing for as-needed transportation
a defined transportation radius. transportation policies and rules. They privileges. Please contact the
Like all contracts, there are stringent make sure that children are buckled office to make arrangements.
requirements that must be adhered up, remain seated, follow directions When situations occasionally arise
to. Bus routes, bus stops, and pick from the crew, and treat everyone on that warrant parent notifications,
up/drop off times are dependent on the bus with respect. Disciplinary please remember that it takes time
number of student riders, distance to issues are coordinated with the school to first verify which students are on
the school, road conditions, and safety principals for further action and may the bus at a specific time and then
considerations. All efforts are made to result in the loss of riding privileges. contact each affected parent or
maximize route efficiency and ensure Seating arrangements are used to guardian individually. The process
that students arrive at school and at ensure that students get off the bus can be further delayed by not having
home safely. Bus stops are a major at the allotted time for each grade. the right contact information on file
factor in establishing the bus route. This means that your child may not for your child. Please help us help
They are often located near your home, always be able to sit with their friends you by ensuring we have the most up
but there may be situations where a or siblings, but it does ensure a safe to date information for your child. If
consolidated bus stop is used to ensure handoff of your child to their teacher. the bus is running late or appears to
the student’s safety and transportation All student riders must have a valid have missed a stop, rest assured that
efficiency. Routes are subject to bus pass that designates their bus the office is working hard to resolve
change to accommodate our transient stop and pick up/drop off times. the issue and get the word out.
community. Before signing any Parents or guardians must show a We are here for you! Contact us
lease, it’s highly recommended that valid ID card to pick up children by calling 095-56-3244/3247
you visit the Student Transportation under the age of 10. Requests for or www.dodea.edu/SigonellaES/
Office to understand bus service temporary changes in your child’s transportation.cfm.December 20, 2019 13
"ICE" cont’d from Page 3 pest control vendor. For any future included a quick turnaround at
rodents definitely do not belong concerns, please continue to work Sigonella, but an unannounced
in our building and especially in with your RA, Housing, and chain of crew change extended the planned
barracks rooms. We do have an command to solve barracks issues. ground time from two to four hours.
active pest-control contract that For more information on the pest This change should have been
provides routine inspections in control contract specifically, feel free coordinated and communicated by air
barracks common spaces and to reach out to Lt. Aaron Thompson, carrier representatives with terminal
treatment if they are discovered. Asst. Public Works Officer, at Aaron. staff. Although the air carrier did
We expect to increase our annual Thompson@eu.navy.mil or DSN not provide our staff with timely
budget for more comprehensive 624-5444 / COMM 095-86-5444. information, we, as the air terminal
pest control in future contracts. Comment Regarding operator, are ultimately responsible
In the meantime, we recommend AMC Flights: for ensuring that passengers are
the following preventative measures My family flew in to visit and we were kept up to date with changes as
that barracks residents can take to all looking forward to Oktoberfest. they occur. Please feel free to reach
make their residences less attractive But when my husband went to buy out with any further questions or
for pests. Take active steps to remove tickets they said it is only 18 and up, concerns to Air Terminal Director,
food sources, water, and items that so my 16 and 17 year-old nephews Richard Brown, at richard.brown2@
provide shelter for rodents. Store couldn’t go. We are not drinkers but eu.navy.mil or 335-193-8767.
we like German music and food.
food in airtight containers. Clean
up spilled food right away and wash Response: Bravo Zulu
dishes and cooking utensils soon We are sorry to hear of your Security:
after use. Make sure your garbage troubling travel experience while Thank you to the military police on
can has a tight-fitting lid and that departing from NAS Sigonella. NAS Sigonella. I was lost on NAS I,
you aren’t overflowing common We always strive to meet your looking for the hospital, and a young
area trashcans. Alert Public Works expectations and regret for the MA walked me all the way there. With
if you see any that trash cans that delay in processing as well as his help, I was able to make it to the
need attention. And finally, remove the lack of communication. We clinic to pick up a prescription for
clutter that could provide shelter for conducted a thorough review of my daughter. His extreme hospitality
rodents and pests. Being proactive the specifics of your flight and and kindness is what you expect from
towards pest control can go a long determined that a significant a service member. Unfortunately I
way towards preventing infestations. breakdown in communication don’t know his name because his
We appreciate all barracks residents occurred between the contracted air vest was covering it up, but I want
taking these steps while we look to carrier and air terminal personnel. to express my gratitude anyways.
amplify future contracts with our The aircraft itinerary originally
"ITALIAN NEWS" cont’d from Page 10
Another delicacy “torrone” is torrone. The wedding guests, who
chosen as a setting by Shakespeare nougat made with sugar, honey, hailed from across Europe, were
for his tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” almonds, and hazelnuts. Tradition so impressed by the savory taste of
Yet another tradition says pandoro holds that it was first prepared for the torrone that they praised its delicacy
was first prepared in Venice in the wedding reception of the Duke of as they traveled back to their homes,
16th century, when the maritime Milan, Francesco Sforza, and Bianca earning it a worldwide reputation.
republic was wealthy and powerful. Maria Visconti that took place in Today, torrone has many different
Chronicles of the time indicate Cremona in 1441. The nougat was flavors. The traditional hard white
that pandoro was presented at the molded into the shape of the 13th one includes almonds or hazelnuts,
tables of the Venetian aristocrats. century Torrione tower, which still but it can be enriched with liqueurs
Today, pandoro is enriched with flanks Cremona’s cathedral, because like rum, Gran Marnier, and Strega,
fruit cream filling and frosting such it was included in bride’s dowry. or chocolate and is sometimes frosted
as lemon or orange and chocolate. Thus, the dessert was given the name with lemon, pistachio or orange icings.Ring in the New Year at Jox Pub!
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www.navymwrsigonella.comYou can also read
