On Nov. 6 NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer, Capt. Chris Dennis, hosted nearly 75 local civic and elected leaders during a first-of-its kind "Reverse COMREL." The concept behind the day's event was simple: NASSIG wanted to say thank you to Sicilian leaders.

From beach and park cleanups to historical site preservation to language and cultural exchanges with local students, business in Fiscal Year 2015 (FY-15) was certainly brisk for NAS Sigonella's community relations (COMREL) team and the more than 3,000 volunteers who helped complete its record 207 COMREL projects and engagements.

Though novel in execution, the concept behind the day's event was simple: NASSIG wanted to say thank you to Sicilian leaders who put their trust in us, allowing Sig's Citizens partnership opportunities in local communities.

The day included a welcome reception and base briefing at the Duomo Conference Center, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force static displays, a K-9 Military Working Dog demonstration, a tour of Sigonella's U.S. Air Force Remotely Piloted Aircraft Predator squadron, and finished with an American-style outdoor barbecue lunch at the Ristorante Bella Etna gazebo. Throughout the day Dr. Alberto Lunetta, NAS Sigonella's Community Relations Director, and other Italian base employees helped with translation.

"Our base community relations program, though abundant with generous and spirited volunteers would be much less impactful if not for all the Sicilian civic leaders who host our COMREL efforts," said Dennis. "Their faith in our character, intentions and ability is what allows us the opportunities to work in our neighboring communities, to give back, and to build lasting friendships. COMRELs at their core are about friendship and they do so much good for everyone involved; Reverse COMREL is simply us saying thank you for being friends."

Those feelings were reciprocated by NASSIG's invited guests. After finishing a plateful of hamburgers, hot dogs and potato salad, Fabio Cantarella, Deputy Mayor of Mascalucia, commented on his excitement in getting the chance to see the workplace of those who regularly reach out to local neighborhoods and municipalities.

"I appreciate the initiative because it allowed us to learn more about the service members and civilians of the Sigonella base with whom we have carried out many community relations activities in Mascalucia," Cantarella said. "This is certainly the highest model of integration between the Italian and American peoples here."

Dr. Maria Paola Iaquinta, principal of Catania's I.C. Cesare Battisti School, echoed the deputy mayor's sentiments. "It was a beautiful and instructive experience," Iaquinta said. "The Sigonella community showed to be grateful and appreciative of the partnership with my school. We believe that these NAS Sigonella COMRELs are a great way to create civic consciousness and pursue the common good."

To volunteer or learn more about the NAS Sigonella Community Relations program, contact Dr. Lunetta at 624-5229 (095-86-5229) or e-mail him at: Alberto.Lunetta.IT@eu.navy.mil.



For more news from Naval Air Station Sigonella, visit http://www.navy.mil/.