At Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella.

At Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily, everything antiquated 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 throw out that is making Sigonella all equable better place to live and work.

NAS Sigonella assumes to be erecting new buildings as quickly as the orange copses that surround the base shoot into branches new trees. The centerpiece of the ongoing construction is the Navy Exchange/DECA commissary and nourishment court. Completed in 2001, the 1500 square meter facility makes it possible to stock a greater variety of produces and foods.

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

"There is construction all through the whole extent of the place," said Thea bury Senior Chief Aviation Warfare orders Operator (AW) Jim Burke, Thea and their pair sons arrived 18 months ago, just after the opening of the exchange/ commissary compounded "There is transformation going in succession all the time. The facilities at the educate are improving; the roads are constantly being upgraded," added the senior chief.

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

if it be not that base facilities are only part of the story of a tour at Sigonella. The Mediterranean architecture of NAS I and NAS II, with its r the houses and pastel walls, is in harmony with the environment and recommends the island's history. You can find everything here, from Baroque opera houses to discotheques, from olive thickets to water parks. With 1000 miles of beaches and a 5000 ft volcano--Mt. Etna--looming in the background, Sigonella is a base with sunbathing and skiing nearby, late amenities and ancient artifacts, plus mild weather and friendly people

"The spice of life is diversity, and here there's a hazard of spice," said Aviation Warfare hypothesiss 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 on Sailors and their families is the language barrier. yet like most barriers, it can be conquer with effort and the seemly attitude.

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

The elucidation 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 in the same manner different," said Thea.

"We came here to adapt ourselves, to the Italian civilization and lifestyle and to be delighted with Sicily for what it has to offer" added Jim. "I would relate any Sailor, single or married, finish a tour in overseas. It's just in such a manner rewarding."

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

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