Pearls of the Mediterranean: Sigonella, Sicily

All Hands, May, 2004 by Craig Coleman

At Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily, everything old is new again. The "Hub of the Med," divided into a services and quality of life base (NAS I) and an operational base (NAS II), is in the midst of a $750 million recapilalization project that is making Sigonella all even better place to live and work.

NAS Sigonella seems to be erecting new buildings as quickly as the orange groves that surround the base sprout new trees. The centerpiece of the ongoing construction is the Navy Exchange/DECA commissary and food court. Completed in 2001, the 1,500 square meter facility makes it possible to stock a greater variety of products and foods.

The new dining facility-club offers patrons new lunchtime and after-work entertainment options, while the new administration building relocates previously scattered customer service offices in a building. A new chapel and community building improve worship opportunity and provide a new place for professional and social organization meetings. A new kindergarten was added to the Department of Defense Dependent School (DODDS), and more than 500 new housing units opened recently near NAS II.

"There is construction all over the place," said Thea Burke. Senior Chief Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW) Jim Burke, Thea and their two sons arrived 18 months ago, just after the opening of the exchange/ commissary complex. "There is transformation going on all the time. The facilities at the school are improving; the roads are constantly being upgraded," added the senior chief.

The final phase of the recapitalization project is a $26 million Morale, Welfare and Recreation complex. The facilities, scheduled for completion in 2005, include a multiplex cinema, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a 10-lane bowling center, a video arcade and more.

But base facilities are only part of the story of a tour at Sigonella. The Mediterranean architecture of NAS I and NAS II, with its red the roofs and pastel walls, is in harmony with the environment and suggests the island's history. You can find everything here, from Baroque opera houses to discotheques, from olive groves to water parks. With 1,000 miles of beaches and a 5,000 ft. volcano--Mt. Etna--looming in the background, Sigonella is a base with sunbathing and skiing nearby, modern amenities and ancient artifacts, plus mild weather and friendly people.

"The spice of life is diversity, and here there's a lot of spice," said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (NAC) 1st Class Scott Williams, who's been stationed at NAS Sigonella for three years.

As rewarding as a tour in Sicily can be, it's not without challenges. The first hurdle usually faced by Sailors and their families is the language barrier. But like most barriers, it can be overcome with effort and the proper attitude.

"If you're willing to make mistakes and not get frustrated, they will embrace you as one of their own," said Thea, who does a lot of produce shopping in the local Italian markets. "You have to be willing to make mistakes (with the language). You've got to get up and try again, otherwise you'll find yourself locked in your house-and think of what you'll have missed."

The key to enjoying a tour in Sicily, as anywhere, is the ability to adapt to the environment. "You can't really imagine what it's going to be like before you're here, because it's so different," said Thea.

"We came here to adapt ourselves, to the Italian culture and lifestyle and to enjoy Sicily for what it has to offer," added Jim. "I would tell any Sailor, single or married, get a tour in overseas. It's just so rewarding."

Coleman is n journalist who is assigned to the public affairs office NAS Sigonella, Sicily.