Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Sigonella is in charge of all postal operations at Naval Air Stations 1 and 2.

Many service members are familiar with the overseas postal process and are excited to hear those three little words, "You've got mail!"

To keep the process running smoothly, there are a few things our service members should remember:

Military Postal System (MPS) is for personal use and the use of sponsored family members only. Use of MPS to conduct business or act on behalf of others not entitled to those privileges is strictly prohibited.

Goods received duty-free and/or tax-free through MPS may not be transferred to any person not authorized to use MPS.

Italian customs officials may conduct random, occasional customs inspections at U.S. military mail facilities. All goods are subject to customs inspection.

Italian Law prohibits the shipment and receipt of certain items through the mail. Below are some of the more common items customs authorities are concerned with and will confiscate and/or destroy.

Prohibited Items:

Hazardous material: A hazardous material is any article or substance capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, or property during transportation. This includes articles such as corrosives, flammable or combustible items, poisons, and radioactive materials.

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and controlled substances: These items include intoxicating liquids and alcohol, tobacco and tobacco products, illegal drugs, and drug paraphernalia.

Weapons: Illegal shipment of weapons, all types of firearms, and their spare parts through the mail will result in the initiation of criminal proceedings and seizures of the illegal items or firearms. These include weapons parts, ammunition, imitation arms, paintball guns, replica weapons, and inert weapons.

Perishable items and foodstuffs: These items include fruits, vegetables, plants and soil, and salted, smoked, dried, or canned meats. Please note that some items, such as olive oil, may be shipped but must be packed in a particular way. Please ask the post office staff for information on shipping such items.

Coffee and spices: These items include roasted or ground coffee, nutmeg, vanilla, salt, mineral salt, and saffron, and saccharin and saccharin products.

Stolen and counterfeit goods: Goods infringing the rights of a trademark holder by displaying a trademark which is either identical to a protected trademark, or by using an identification mark which cannot be distinguished in its essential aspects from such trademark, are prohibited.

Obscene Articles: Items include prints, paintings, cards, films, videotapes, and other articles depicting obscene, nude, or seminude persons - all are prohibited. If the pornographic literature deals with violence, sexual abuse of children, or sexual activities of humans with animals, the possible criminal charges shall increase. The very possession of pornographic literature dealing with sexual abuse of children is prohibited.

MPS privileges can be revoked if these rules are violated.

Any service members or family members who have questions concerning the mailing of postal goods should inquire with the local postal team. The NAVSUP FLC Sigonella point of contact is James McCaffrey, regional postal manager, james.mccaffrey@eu.navy.mil, 624-2545.

NAVSUP FLC Sigonella is one of eight fleet logistics centers under NAVSUP GLS, which provides global logistics, business and support services to fleet, shore and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army and allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support.

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics to a global navy. The command is made up of more than 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, visit http://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news/ or http://www.facebook.com/navsupgls/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/.