SIGONELLA RECYCLES MOORE NAMED NJROTC REGION CO OF THE YEAR VP-40 BEGINS DEPLOYMENT - DVIDS
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Vol. 38 No. 11 June 4, 2021
SIGONELLA
RECYCLES
MOORE NAMED NJROTC
REGION CO OF THE YEAR
VP-40 BEGINS
DEPLOYMENT
2 The Signature
Direct Line
Tom Kubalewski II, Director, MWR Sigonella
H ere at MWR Sigonella, we
have been eager and excited
to restore MWR services to the
will only be open three days per week
(MWF) from 0530-1300. The Family
Fitness center will remain open only
community as the COVID-19 for people accompanied by children,
situation improves and the Navy M-F 0930-1730. The NAS II Fitness
and Italian restrictions ease. Center hours will remain the same.
Unfortunately, although we are now The decision to maintain the regular
allowed to expand our programming, hours of operation of the NAS II gym
severe staffing shortages are limiting was made because as the “Hub of the
what we can provide, and we have had Med” we have a constant influx of
to make some very difficult choices. deployed service members onboard
To put it simply, we cannot maintain NAS II. At the same time, we have
our services without the support of decided not to re-open the NAS II
our NAS Sigonella community. pool which will allow us to utilize our
MWR encompasses many facilities lifeguards in the gym and still be able
and programs that people rely on for to operate the NAS 1 pool for summer
childcare, health, and leisure. Our lap swim, recreational swim and swim
Child and Youth Programs (CYP) here lessons to better serve our families.
at NAS Sigonella include the Child We know this will not be a popular additional sports for the remainder of
Development Center (CDC), School decision within our community, but the summer and next school year.
Age Care (SAC), Youth Complex on I would like to remind you that this We continue to try to provide more
Marinai and our Youth Sports and decision is only temporary as we work offerings when we can, especially
Fitness program. Outside of CYP, on creative ideas that may allow us after the difficulties of this year.
MWR operates two fitness centers, to restore some of the hours in the MWR tours, trips, and classes have
two outdoor aquatics facilities, short term. Ultimately, the long term restarted, and we are bringing back
an adult sports program, a movie solution hinges on hiring additional our popular Bingo. You can go to the
theater, bowling center, two different employees from the community. movies, you can go bowling, you can
pubs, the Library, the Liberty Center, High-quality, reliable childcare rent outdoor recreational equipment,
the Auto Skills Center, and the is also important to the success of you can go to the library, and Jox
Community Recreation program our mission, and Child and Youth Pub is expanding their hours as the
which encompasses a variety of rental Programs (CYP) is committed Italian decree allows. We are also very
equipment, facility reservations, and to providing this service to the excited for our popular Red, White
off base trips and tours. community. Unfortunately, the and BOOM event, which will be held
All of these programs and facilities CDC and SAC are currently severely on Friday, July 2.
are staffed by Sigonella community understaffed and CNIC requires However, as we go through the
members and American citizens several COVID-19 mitigation summer, all of these programs and
through NAF (non-appropriated measures including smaller groups facilities are dependent on appropriate
funds), as well as by a devoted local of children and increased time spent staffing levels. The bottom line is that
national workforce. on cleaning and sanitation. These if we cannot hire more people it may
Across the board, we are far below circumstances mean that we are result in an additional strain on MWR
staffing levels (for our US staff) that currently unable to offer spots to Sigonella services.
allow us to maintain the existing hours more families, stay open for longer If you or someone you know is
of operation to the extent that we hours, provide our usual summer interested in learning more about how
would like to and that the community camp offerings, or offer services to apply for a job with MWR, please
expects. As a result, we have had like drop-in hours or INDOC care. visit https://www.navymwrsigonella.
many long discussions about what to The staffing levels also mean we are com/job-opportunities or stop by
prioritize with the limited staffing that unable to reopen the Youth Complex the NAF Personnel Office which is
we have. at this time. located in the Commons building
Based on these discussions, we We were able to offer a three week (157) across from Midtown, where all
arrived at the hard decision that as soccer program in June and are doing the job descriptions and paperwork
of June 7, the NAS I Fitness Center everything we can to try and offer required are available in hard copy.
June 4, 2021 3
Interactive Customer Evaluation THE SIGNATURE
U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION
Comments Regarding NEX Products: factors result in the inability to offer more SIGONELLA
We have received multiple comments spots to families, stay open for longer
regarding product availability at the NEX hours, or offer expanded services such
Sigonella. as drop-in hours or INDOC care. CYP is Commanding Officer
currently hiring for many positions at both Capt. Kevin Pickard
Response: the CDC and SAC, including part time,
Thank you for taking the time to share full time, and flex. If you’re interested Executive Officer
your comments. The NEX takes pride in in learning more about working at a Cmdr. Ronald Cappellini
providing all customers with the essential rewarding job, gaining skills you can use
day to day items they require and is at other CDCs at other bases, and filling Command Master Chief
constantly looking to update inventory to this vital need for our community, please CMDCM Anna Wood
meet the changing needs of our customers. visit https://www.navymwrsigonella.
Unfortunately, the pandemic resulted in com/job-opportunities or stop by the
more than 250 manufacturing companies NAF Personnel Office, which is located in EDITORIAL
cutting their productions by more than the Commons building (157) across from Public Affairs Officer
50% during the past year, which strained Midtown. If you have further questions or Lt. Karl Schonberg
the industry worldwide. concerns, please contact Adam D’Amico, karl.schonberg@eu.navy.mil
Navy Exchange Sigonella has been CYP Director, at adam.damico@eu.navy.
working diligently with other companies mil. Assistant Public Affairs Officer
to fill this gap. We want to remind Comment Regarding Rotator Bookings: Megan Mills
megan.mills@eu.navy.mil
patrons that online ordering is available I learned tonight people have been
at mynavyexchange.com with an average calling directly to book their flights as Public Affairs Leading Petty Officer
wait time of three to four days depending soon as they have orders. No intervening MC1 Kegan Kay
on the size and weight of the product. kegan.kay@eu.navy.mil
travel clerk. No transfer package. No
If the item is not available on the NEX transfer date. No travel waiver when they
website, please feel free to reach out to were needed. Just orders and a phone call. Community Relations Officer
the NEX manager, Teresa Goley, with any It was not common knowledge enough Dott. Alberto Lunetta
specific items you require or are looking alberto.lunetta.it@eu.navy.mil
for me and my family who are stuck flying
for to place a special order. commercial and selling our pets. Pets that
Comment Regarding CDC Hours came here on the rotator. Those of us PAO Staff Writers \ Photographers
The Child Development Center on base following the rules cannot get a break.
MC2 Joshua Coté
has required children 2 and over to wear Response: joshua.m.cote@eu.navy.mil
masks. That’s good they are following Thank you for raising this issue to our MCSN Triniti Lersch
guidelines but why are they not open attention. After further review, it is true triniti.lersch@eu.navy.mil
regular hours? I pay full price for less hours that non-Navy service components and
of operation. Many of my co-workers and DoD civilians had an advantage when CONTACT US
I start work earlier which makes it difficult it came to booking transportation on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily
to adjust times with mission requirements. the rotator. Due to their service-branch thesig@eu.navy.mil
The school on base is on regular hours, DSN 624-5440; 095-86-5440
transfer process, non-Navy personnel PSC 812 Box 7, FPO, AE 09627-0001
why is our Child Development Center not were not required to submit transfer/
on board? Thank you. separation packages through PSD for
Response: review and processing. Rather, they only
Thank you for sharing your concerns. needed to submit their orders without an This newspaper is an authorized publication
for members of the military services
High-quality, reliable child care is approved transfer package to book spots overseas. Contents of The Signature are not
important to the success of our mission, on the rotator. necessarily the official views of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Government, the Department of
and Child and Youth Programs (CYP) is To make transportation booking fair Defense (DoD), or the U.S. Navy.
committed to providing this service to (first come first served) across the board,
the community. Unfortunately, both the PSD Sigonella changed the process for Editorial submissions are welcomed from
Child Development Center (CDC) and Navy personnel. Navy personnel were all Naval Air Station Sigonella departments,
School Age Care (SAC) are currently required to wait until their PCS transfer divisions and tenant commands. Editorial
submissions should be sent to the Public
understaffed. Simultaneously, the CNIC package was fully vetted and approved Affairs Office via thesig@eu.navy.mil. All
COVID-19 mitigation measures require prior to booking a spot on the rotator. articles submitted by non-staff members will
smaller groups of children and increased CPPAs will now submit two separate be considered contributing writers.
time invested in cleaning and sanitization
of CDC facilities. These contributing "ICE" cont’d on Page 11
4 The Signature
Name: Aldrin Navarrete
Command: NAS Sigonella
Department: Emergency Management
By MC2 Josh Coté, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
T he Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) plays an important role in
keeping service members and their families safe here. The
Management Team to help people that live out in the economy
if something happens. When we have heavy volcanic ash fall
in the towns up on the mountain, we need to find out if those
EOC is prepared for any number of disasters and contingency people living out there need our help with getting food, water
operations that could happen while stationed here in Sigonella. or other needs.”
At the EOC, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) (ABH) Along with keeping up with his daily work routine, Navarrete
2nd Class Aldrin Navarrete from San Diego, stands out for the also holds a number of collateral duties. He is the building
hard work he has been putting in. manager for his department, admin coordinator, and the
Navarrete has already been made the Department Leading department training coordinator.
Petty Officer, a position usually reserved for first class petty People join the military different reasons, some to get out of
officers. their hometown or to serve their country, but for others it can
“Petty Officer Navarrete is a rock star,” said Emergency be more than that.
Management Leading Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate “I joined the Navy at first get my American citizenship. It is
(Equipment) David Hooker. “In the absence of senior leadership easier to do through the military,” said Navarrete. “Also I like
in the emergency management department, Navarette stepped to travel. I did a lot of traveling when I first joined the Navy. “
up as the departmental lead petty officer to lead through the Navarrete joined the Navy not too long after moving to San
COVID-19 mitigation, vaccine deliveries, and the emergency Diego. He chose the Navy over the other branches of the military
operations center.” due to a family history of also being in the Navy. He has been
As an ABH, Navarrete does different work on shore duty in for about eight years, and has since acquired his citizenship.
than he is used to at sea. Aboard ships, ABHs are charged with Prior to coming to Sigonella, he was stationed aboard USS
directing and parking aircraft as well as the daunting task of George Washington (CVN 73) and the USS Ronald Reagan
connecting them to the aircraft carrier catapults which launch (CVN 76).
them into flight. When it comes to be stationed here in sunny Sigonella,
Here at NAS Sigonella, Navarrete starts his day by finalizing people find enjoyment in many different ways but for Navarette,
the list of people requesting access to base; which he then it’s the Sicilian pistachios that light him up.
coordinates with the base executive officer to get those people “My favorite part about Sicily is anything pistachio,” said
the approval they need. Navarrete. “They use it on everything: pasta, pizza, cheese,
In the EOC, though, Navarrete must be prepared for anything. and any type of cold cuts with pistachio, I get that. I knew what
“My favorite part about my job is helping people,” said pistachios were, but I did not know anything about it being a
Navarrete. “We get activated on a weekly basis here. We are cream in pasta or a topping on pizza. America needs to catch
actually activated right now. We coordinate with the Incident up on this!”
June 4, 2021 5
Eliza Moore Named Region
NJROTC CO Of the Year
By NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
I n another history-making turn for the Sigonella High
School (SHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training
Corp (NJROTC) program, senior Eliza Moore was named
are.”
In addition to her many extracurricular activities, Moore
maintained an excellent academic record; she was the
Commanding Officer of the Year for the Italy, Spain, and the salutatorian of the SHS class of 2021.
Northeastern United States region. Reflecting on the difficulties of the past fifteen months,
Earlier this year, Moore led the Sigonella NJROTC team Moore said, “This year was definitely challenging; it required
that competed in and won the 2021 National Academic a lot of thinking outside of the box. Being able to lean on each
Championship for the first time in the school’s history. other and support one another was a vital part of this year. It
“This young lady is just plain incredible!” said Senior was the only thing that kind of made all the changes and ups
Chief Victor Martinez, Naval Science teacher at SHS. “There and downs bearable.”
is simply no task you can assign her that she can’t get done In June, Moore’s father retired after 24 years in the Air Force
and get done to a new standard.” just two days before her graduation. Though she attended as
Moore moved to Sigonella the summer before her first a family member, the NJROTC cadets she commanded were
year in high school, and she quickly began excelling both a part of his retirement ceremony.
academically and in her extracurricular activities, including “It was a touching moment,” Moore said. “It’s the end of an
the NJROTC program. era for our family.”
“I actually hadn’t heard too much about it before my This fall, Moore will be attending Duke University on a full
freshman year, but my dad had done ROTC in college and he scholarship, and many of her SHS teachers believe she will
loved it, and he thought I’d really enjoy it, so I figured I’d give continue to make history.
it a shot,” said Moore. “I didn’t know if I would keep doing it
after my first year, but I really learned to love it.”
“I like the structure behind ROTC,” she continued. “I like
the ability to move through the ranks and get promoted and
earn ribbons. I love the camaraderie; I met a lot of my closest
friends through ROTC.”
As the CO of the SHS NJROTC program, Moore not only
led the team to the academic championship and through an
impressive Annual Military Inspection, but also guided the
program through a period of upheaval.
According to the award citation, “Eliza Moore ensured
that the daily routine and training of the Navy JROTC unit
were running at full speed ahead during the unannounced
retirement and absence of the Senior Naval Science Instructor
and the transition period of the acting Senior Naval Science
Instructor.”
In addition to being a leader in NJROTC, Moore spent
her time at SHS joining the National Honors Society, the
Italian Club, and Model United Nations, and the Keystone
Club. She served as the student body’s vice president and
the president of the Student to Student program, received
the Principal’s Award for Academic Excellence, earned the
Coach’s Most Improved Player Awards in volleyball, soccer,
and wrestling, and won first place at the National Junior
Science and Humanity Symposium.
As one might expect, Moore has honed her leadership skills
through both NJROTC and her other activities.
“For me, being a good leader means being a good listener,”
said Moore. “One of the biggest things I do as a leader in
any of the organizations I’m a part of is just always ask for
constant critiques or criticism or areas for improvement. I
find the more I listen to what those I’m leading want and the
more I listen to their ideas, the more successful we usually
6 The Signature
Trash Talk: Recycling on Base
Story by Megan Mills, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs, Graphics by MCI Kegan Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
H ow do you reduce a base’s trash output from 45
tons to 1.5? The short answer: recycle everything
you can.
posted on your fridge or somewhere handy for everyone
in your household.
For those in Marinai and anyone who throws things
Italy has strict laws about recycling and general refuse, away on NAS I or NAS II, here are a few important things
and entities like NAS Sigonella are required to strive for to remember:
a 60% recycling rate. Unfortunately, throughout the - In Marinai, remember to dispose all food waste in the
past year, the collective recycling rate on Marinai, NAS separate organic bins. This includes vegetable scraps,
I, and NAS II has significantly dropped. Furthermore, fruit peels, coffee grounds, and leftovers of any kind.
it is more costly to send our waste to a landfill than to These leftovers can be bagged and thrown into the bin.
recycling plants. This option is not yet available on NAS I or NAS II.
For those of us used to trash and recycling in the - If your plastic item has a recycling symbol on it, it can
United States, the transition to European-style waste be recycled.
management may be a bit of a surprise; in addition - Rinse and dry anything that has come in contact with
to the legal requirements, there are more bins and food to ensure there are no remnants before placing it
different rules for us to wrap our heads around! Even in the bins.
though it takes a bit more time and work, recycling - Glass and aluminum are grouped together for
everything we can is good not only for the base, but also recycling on base.
the environment. - Squash it! Break down your cardboard boxes, stomp
Each town in Sicily has a different schedule and set your soda cans, and squeeze the air out of your plastic
of rules for recycling. In the past, those living on the water bottles to make more room in the bins for others
economy may occasionally have missed a general refuse to recycle.
pickup and brought their trash to base. However, this is Get your kids involved. Get your office involved. If we
no longer allowed, so we encourage everyone to make work together, Team Sigonella can definitely make a
sure you have the most updated schedule and rules difference!
June 4, 2021 7
8 The Signature
Ancient Greek Drama Festival
Returns to Siracusa
By Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
A merican writer and philosopher Ralph Waldo
Emerson wrote, “The beautiful fables of the Greeks,
being proper creations of the imagination and not of the
from the Greek word “tragoidia,” or goat-song, because
goats were sacred to Dionysus and the chorus wore
goatskins. Surprsingly in today’s day and age, goats were
fancy, are universal verities.” These timeless dramas, which given as awards for the best performances.
consist of a brilliant mixture of ancient myths, complicated Over the years, these performances developed a more
tragic stories, religious rituals, and lyric poetry, are still serious form. Instead of gaiety and burlesque, the plays
relevant in our modern times. focused on the relationship between man and the gods.
Now, what could be more fascinating than watching an These dramas attempted to answer questions about
ancient Greek drama in its original setting? There is a the nature of man, his position in the universe, and his
place in Sicily where you can actually do that. A place that relationship with the supernatural powers governing his
will make you travel back in time. A place where spectators life. These tragic plays were basically aimed at expressing
from all eras have been moved by the predicaments of man’s feelings towards the uncontrollable external forces
human life. This place is the magnificent Siracusa Greek ruling his destiny despite his will.
theater. The Greek Theater of Siracusa is the oldest and largest
After being closed for a year due to the restrictions of the in Sicily. The landmark of the city, it has a capacity of about
COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the INDA Ancient 15,000 spectators and still boasts amazing sound quality.
Greek Drama Festival are preparing the 56th edition of It was built in the 5th century BCE, expanded in the 3rd
the Stagione del Teatro Greco. This cultural event, which century BCE, and renovated again in the Roman period.
is held at the Siracusa Greek Theater, boasts a world- It was the venue of performances by the most important
renowned tradition dating back to 1914. playwrights of the time such as Aeschylus, Sophocles and
This year, the festival will run from July 3 to August 22 Euripides, Aristophanes etc. The theater was also used as
featuring three plays: “The Choephori/Eumenides” by a place of worship and hosted large popular assemblies, as
Aeschylus, “The Bacchantes” by Euripides, and “The well as public trials.
Clouds” by Aristophanes. Almost forgotten and abandoned in the Middle Ages and
In ancient Greece, the first “Tragedies” were actually in the following centuries, the theater suffered structural
satiric myths that were sung and danced by a chorus during damage over the years.
the festival held in honor of Dionysus, the God of wine. Since 2005, the theater it is part of the UNESCO World
According to some historians, the word “tragedy” derives Heritage list for being “the finest example of outstanding
architectural creation spanning several cultural aspects
(Greek, Roman and Baroque).”
For more information and performances’ schedules,
visit www.indafondazione.org
Tickets can be purchased at https://indafondazione.
vivaticket.it
The Choephori/Eumenides by Aeschylus
July 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
The Bacchantes By Euripides
July 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30
August 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 , 16 , 18 , 20
The Ancient Greek Drama Festival returns to Siracusa after pandemic canceled the 2020 edition The Clouds, comedy by Aristophanes
canceled last year. It will run from July 3 through August 21 with limited outdoor audiences at
the breathtaking Siracusa Greek Theater dating back to the 5th century BC. (Photo by https:// August 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21
it.wikiquote.org/)
"Italian News" cont’d on Page 11
June 4, 2021 9
To Roth or Not to Roth
By MC1 Kegan Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
I t’s time for the second installment of our financial competency
series to help everyone gain a better understanding and control
of their financial situation.
entire portfolio and get the best expected return for the amount of
expected risk that is appropriate for you.
Lifecycle Funds are broken up based on the contributor’s
Last time we covered planning for retirement, we focused on the potential retirement date. The current available LFs are L Income,
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) for service members. In this issue, we are L 2025, L 2030, L 2035, 2040, L 2045, L 2050, L 2055, L
going to discuss two different types of accounts you can put your 2060, L 2065.
retirement contributions in: Traditional TSP and Roth TSP. Basically, the further out your potential retirement date is, the
The first thing to understand when choosing between Traditional riskier the Lifecycle Fund portfolio will be. When you have more
TSP or Roth TSP is that there is no right or wrong decision—it is a years until you plan to remove funds from TSP, the Lifecycle Fund
personal choice. No one but you can decide which one account (or will invest more of your money in the C, S and I Funds for the
both) to put your contributions toward. potential higher returns while maintaining time to recover if there
The main difference between Traditional and Roth is all about are losses. The closer you get to your retirement date, the safer the
taxes. In the Traditional TSP, you make your contributions before fund becomes by moving more of your contribution into the G and
taxes are taken out, which means you’ll pay taxes when you withdraw F Funds so there is less risk of losing your retirement savings by the
your money. In the Roth TSP, you pay the taxes up front when you time you are ready to withdraw.
contribute, so during retirement, you’ll receive qualified Roth Once again, the best choice of investment all comes down to
distributions tax-free. personal choice and how much you are willing to risk. Only you can
To put it simply – with Traditional you pay taxes later, and with make this choice!
Roth you’ll pay taxes now. Remember, the only way to manage your choice of Fund and
However, there are some important details and exceptions to be contribution is to access your TSP account. From there you’ll
aware of. The TSP website, tsp.gov, provides a caveat regarding be able to choose and determine the percentage amount of your
Roth contributions: “Roth earnings become tax-free when 5 years contribution go into which fund(s).
have passed since January 1 of the year you made your first Roth If you have questions regarding TSP or other financial concerns,
contribution and you have reached age 59½, have a permanent please reach out to your command financial specialist or to Fleet and
disability, or have died.” Family Support Center to speak to a personal financial manager to
For service members deployed to tax-free zones, contributions assist you.
during this time are treated differently. Traditional contributions
go in tax-free but all of the growth will be taxed. Roth contributions
go in tax-free and the growth will never be taxed. It’s also important
TSP Funds
The G Fund is a Government Securities Investment Fund,
to note that if you are enrolled in the Blended Retirement System, which are specially issued to the TSP. In this fund, money
the matching contributions from the government will always go into from contributions cannot be lost and has a consistent but
Traditional TSP whether or not you put your contributions into
G
low investment return. The risk with this fund is that money
invested into it may not grow to meet your projected retirement
Roth. needs or outpace inflation.
Keep in mind IRS has set annual limits for all retirement accounts If you haven’t looked at your TSP account since boot camp
including TSP, so for details about the annual limit, special limits or or have never looked at your TSP, then your contributions are
probably going to the G Fund.
additional limits for combat zones, please visit the TSP.gov
As a reminder from the previous article, to manage your The F Fund is a Fixed Income Index Investment Fund, which
means government, corporate and asset-backed bonds. This
F
contribution amount and account type, use your MyPay account. fund may earn higher returns than money market funds over
Now, let’s move on to where your contributions within those long term with low risk. The risk with this fund is that bond
accounts are invested. TSP contributions are invested in either prices fall when interest rates rise and the bonds can be repaid
early, reducing your returns.
stock funds or lifecycle funds.
When it comes to investing, there is always some risk involved, The C Fund is a Common Stock Index Investment Fund,
C
which are stocks of large and medium-sized U.S. companies.
and that is no different when investing in stock funds through Investing the C Fund has a potential for high investment returns
TSP. The difference comes down to the amount of risk you are over the long term but the risks are based on stock market
comfortable with. performance and therefore could potentially be very volatile.
TSP offers five different stock funds. From least to most risky, The S Fund is a Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment
S
they are: G Fund, F Fund, C Fund, S Fund and I Fund. Fund, which are stocks of small to medium-sized U.S.
Companies. Like the C Fund, the S Fund has the potential
When it comes to investing money, it’s often true that the “bigger for high investment returns over the long term, but it too is
the risk, bigger the reward,” as Greyson Chance said. At the same dependent upon stock market performance.
time, it’s also true that “the higher the climb, the harder the fall.” The I Fund is an International Stock Index Investment Fund,
This is where the Lifecycle Funds come into play. A TSP Lifecycle
I
which are International stocks from more than 20 developed
Fund is a diversified mix of the five core funds we just went over. The countries. Once again, like the C and S Funds, the I Fund has
potential for high investment returns over long term but is
purpose of the ten available lifecycle funds are to let you invest your based on stock market performance so it can be volatile.
10 The Signature
Keflavik, Iceland - A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from VP-40 conducted exercise detachments out of Keflavik, Iceland and Rota, Spain in addition to supporting operational missions out of Sigonella, Sicily
under Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet and Task Force 67. Photo By: AME2 Carter Burlison
VP-40 Begins Deployment to Sixth Fleet
By Lt. j.g. Patrick Kaczka, VP-40 Public Affairs
T he “Laging Handa” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 has
started their deployment to the U.S. Sixth Fleet areas
of responsibility (AOR) in support of maritime security
Along with VP-4 and VP-9, VP-40 crews completed
multiple detachments to the North Pacific, executing
operational tasking and holding the Pacific Northwest
operations and of NATO Allies and partners, April, 28, Homeland Defense ready for nearly two months. Upon
2021. the conclusion of those operations, VP-40 again detached
“Laging Handa”- the squadron motto that is Tagalog for crews, aircraft and maintainers to Marine Corps Air Station
“Always Ready” – is alive and at the core of every service Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii to stand the watch for the Pacific
member assigned to the “Fighting Marlins” of Patrol Homeland Defense ready. While there, crews conducted
Squadron 40 (VP-40). multiple training and operational Anti-Submarine
The Fighting Marlins began a landmark deployment in Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare missions in support of
April 2021, tactically operating the P-8A Poseidon maritime Commander Third Fleet, and Search and Rescue missions
patrol aircraft for the first time in squadron history, and also in support of United States Coast Guard District 14.
supporting U.S. Sixth Fleet for the first time in decades. These detachments, along with coordinated and individual
Additionally, it is a landmark deployment for the Maritime training exercises at home in Whidbey Island, continued to
Patrol and Reconnaissance Community, as it marks the hone the Fighting Marlins’ agility and tactical acumen as the
culmination of the active duty transition of all 12 squadrons squadron geared up for deployment.
from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon. Since arriving in theater in April of 2021, VP-40
The Fighting Marlins were the last active duty Maritime conducted exercise detachments out of Keflavik, Iceland
Patrol and Reconnaissance Force squadron to undergo and Rota, Spain in addition to supporting operational
aircraft transition, a process that started in Jacksonville, missions out of Sigonella, Sicily under Commander, U.S.
Florida with VP-16 in 2012 and concluded in Whidbey Sixth Fleet and Task Force 67.
Island, Washington with VP-40. VP-40’s transformation Much more lies ahead, and the Marlins are excited to take
to P-8A began in November 2019 under the instruction of on the challenges of operating in a dynamic environment.
VP-30 in Jacksonville, Florida and consisted of extensive “Laging Handa,” as stated boldly at the top of the squadron
ground and flight instruction, testing, and evaluation for logo, signifies the resilient, agile, and lethal mindset that
combat air crews and maintenance personnel. enables VP-40 Sailors to be “Always Ready” and prepared
In May 2020, the Fighting Marlins completed a uniquely to support combat missions worldwide.
challenging transition, one that saw normal travel and VP-40 is concurrently serving under CTF 67 performing
operations halted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, then maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions throughout
began the task of building and training 12 combat-ready Central and South American, European, and African
aircrews, ready to surge worldwide at a moment’s notice. theaters. The P-8A Poseidon provides the fleet with essential
This display of turning adversity into opportunity set the information from operations supporting both peace and
tone for VP-40’s preparation for deployment to the Sixth conflict.
Fleet AOR the following year. Within a month of completing U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet,
transition, United States Pacific Command called for P-8A headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum
operations in Alaska and the Fighting Marlins answered the of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied
call, sending all of their formed and qualified P-8A crews and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national
while still building additional crews in Whidbey. interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.June 4, 2021 11
"ICE" cont’d from Page 3
transactions in TOPS for processing
transfers (PCS). One transaction will Bravo Zulu in proving information when I called to
inquire about what was needed to do you
contain all documentation required for BZ to MWR register in to get shipping documentation
transportation booking, and the other will WOW WOW WOW!!!!! Superb job by for my vehicles.
contain all other documents required for Miss McKinsey and Miss Jessica. WOD
transfer/separation. PSD Transfer Clerks on the Water was a perfect event that BZ to Housing
will thoroughly review submissions, these two ladies hosted! Professional A special thank you to Luana Amordeluso,
and if all documentation is accurate Helpful and Motivating. Three words our housing counselor! She is clear and
and complete, they will forward the to describe how today went, along with concise with her communication skills.
transportation transaction immediately Perfect Planning and Flawless Execution! We are moving from one house on the
to NAVPTO for booking. This change I have been here just under a year, and if economy to another and she has been
will allow the transfer packages to be MWR host events like this often, without fantastic. We have been here for 12 years
reviewed and approved separately from a doubt I’ll be there!!!! Thank you and our housing department is better
the rotator booking process. sooooooooo much!!!!!!!!! than ever. Thank you for making what we
This change in our process ensures thought would be a difficult process go
that all personnel on NAS Sigonella, BZ to MVRO smoothly. Luana, we appreciate you.
whether Navy or otherwise, have the Mr. Balboa assisted me today with the
same opportunity when it comes to shipping paperwork for my motorcycle. BZ to PSD
booking transportation on the Rotator He was very courteous, astute and knew Ms. Young was so cheerful and helpful.
for themselves and their pets. We his job very well. I am very impressed with Even through difficulties with the
appreciate your comment which allowed the service I received today. I would also software, she kept a positive attitude.
us to rectify the disparity. like to add that Sgt Ross was very helpful Great service!You can also read
