Location
U.S. Naval Air Station Sigonella is located in eastern Sicily. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and covers 10,000 square miles. You can hike up to Mt. Etna’s active crater in the summer and ski its snowy slopes in the winter. You can sunbathe on the island’s beaches, or explore its beautiful underwater world by scuba diving. Plays and operas are often performed outdoors during the summer in the ruins of many of the island’s magnificent, ancient Greek theaters. Whatever your interests, this is a great place. The base operator’s phone number is 011-39-095-1110 or DSN 314-624-1110.
History
NAS Sigonella is divided into two bases, NAS I and NAS II. Most operational work is performed at NAS II. Once a scarcely populated area, a construction boom made NAS II the center of base operations by the late 1970’s. Approximately 20 minutes apart, NAS I was the site of the original U.S. Naval Base, but as more functions migrated to NAS II, NAS I became known as one of the best personnel support facilities in the Mediterranean.
Mission
The primary mission of NAS Sigonella is to provide consolidated operational, command and control, administrative, logistical and advanced logistical support to U.S. and other NATO forces. NAS Sigonella supports a rotation of various squadrons and multi-service, multi-national transient aircraft. The Augusta Bay Port Facility provides fuel, and supplies to SIXTH Fleet combat and logistics support ships. The Telecommunications Facility and Pachino Target Range also provide support to the fleet. Additionally, this station is the routing point for transiting military personnel and cargo movements through out Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.
Population Served
While Sigonella is a Navy base, active duty as well as reserve personnel from all services are represented here including Marines, Army, and Air Force, with their families. In addition to hospital and school personnel, there is the added population of DOD civilians, non appropriated fund employees and contractors, both American as well as Italian.
Base Transportation
There is limited free bus service between NAS I and NAS II. In addition, there are some buses available to government family housing units outside the base. Shuttle Bus schedules are available at the Facilities Support Center, or call 314-624-5488. Taxis are available at the front gate of each base, but tend to be expensive.
It is a good idea to ship your POV far enough out or pick up a small vehicle when you arrive. Gas coupons are based on the size of the engine. Be aware that American cars have become stuck in the smaller streets of some towns. Be aware that driving is hard on cars, as most of the towns are on top of very steep mountains. If your car is new, talk with your sponsor about driving in Sicily.
Sponsorship
Incoming personnel are encouraged to visit the Official Sigonella web site for access to the most current guidelines for sponsorship concerns. As with any overseas assignment, sponsorship is essential. Once you receive hard copy of your orders you may request assistance through our website . A sponsor will be assigned to provide assistance during your transfer process and arrival period. Sponsors are carefully assigned to make your transition as easy, painless and pleasant as possible.
If you arrive at Catania’s Fontonarossa Airport via commercial airline be sure that your sponsor knows the time and place of your arrival. Your command may send transportation for you but unplanned arrivals may require taxi fare or an extended wait at Fontanarossa. Communication with your sponsor is important. Your sponsor will provide you with information about living in Sicily such as climate, culture, language, driving. The more you know about your new duty station and host country, the better prepared you will be.
Arrival and Check-In Requirements
If you arrive at Catania’s Fontonarossa Airport via commercial airline be sure that your sponsor knows the time and place of your arrival. Your command may send transportation for you but unplanned arrivals may require taxi fare or an extended wait at Fontanarossa.
Should you need to take a taxi to Sigonella, here is what we say use for local address — when asking a cab driver to drive us to “Sigonella”, he will always ask NAS I or NAS II. The cost one way for one person is ususally $30 -$45 euro. More persons and baggage, pets, etc, may cost you more. Please make sure you try to contact your sponsor or command before taking a Taxi.
Most incoming personnel will arrive at NAS II via military contract flights and may be met by their sponsor. PSD will also be there to collect your records and 4 copies of your orders. Base INDOC begins at 12:30 p.m. every other Friday at Building 319, NAS I, housed in the Fleet and Family Support Center. The INDOC coordinator can be reached at DSN 314-624-4231.
For mail enroute, communicate with your sponsor for a good address. Those who do not have a sponsor may send mail to General Delivery. General Delivery mail will go to NAS I Post Office, open Tuesday thru Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm. Address mail as follows:
(Name)
General Delivery
(Due to Arrive Date:)
PSC 824
FPO AE 09631-0129
Temporary Lodging
It is important to work with your sponsor in setting up temporary lodging for your arrival in Sigonella. All single and unaccompanied personnel are required to check with the barracks for availability prior to making arrangements at the Navy Lodge or one of the approved Tenporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) locations on th economy. The Central Billeting Office can be reached 24 Hours a day at DSN 314-624-2927/6832. For accompanied personnel there are several TLA options in the area and your sponsor will be able to assist you with making reservations prior to your arrival. However, you are required to check availability at your Navy Lodge before going “out of town”.
The Navy Lodge is located on NAS I and is within walking distance of the Navy Exchange/Commissary, DoDDS School, Base Indoctrination classroom, Housing Office, MWR Complex as well as many other facilities. The Navy Lodge currently has pet rooms available, but they must be reserved prior to your arrival. Pets may not weigh more than 50 lbs. each, no more than two, must have own kennel(s) and have updated shots. Please make sure your sponsor is aware that you will need a pet room while staying at Navy Lodge. If there are no pet rooms available at the time of your arrival you will have to work with your sponsor to make reservations at one of the TLAs.
Each command has a TLA coordinator that is required to ensure you receive the appropriate information about authorized TLA facilities, numbers of days authorized, and the processes for obtaining reimbursement. Do not make arrangements to move into a TLA until you have talked to your command representative. If you do not properly plan your TLA, you may end up paying out of pocket with out reimbursement. TLA is a reimbursable expense so plan ahead.
Relocation Assistance
Each new arrival will have to go through a mandatory newcomer workshop called Indoctrination/Intercultural Relations (INDOC/ICR) which spans two weeks. In INDOC/ICR, you will be introduced to essential commands, installation policy, community resources, and other opportunities. Following the INDOC portion, you are required to attend ICR which is a intercultural workshop for living in Italy.
Relocation operates the Loan Locker from which Hospitality Kits may be signed out. Hospitality Kits contain dinnerware, cookware, flatware, cooking utensils, coffee maker, toaster and other basic kitchen items. Irons and Ironing Boards are also available. We do not carry linens and bedding items. It is strongly encouraged that families send these items in their express shipment.
The Relocation Program is found in the FFSC offices located in the Hoffpauir Administrative Building, on NAS 1. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m.until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is 011-39-095-56-4291 or DSN 314-624-4291.
Sponsors and service members or their spouses may sign out a hospitality kit on a first come first serve basis at the Fleet and Family Support Center.
Critical Installation Information
Foreign Currency
The Euro may be purchased at the Community Bank on NAS I or II. You may also purchase up to E2500 at the Navy Exchange. It is recommended in your Welcome Aboard Packet that you bring some Euro with you. Talk with your sponsor. The ratio of $ to E is about S10 for E7.
Visa Requirements
According to Italian Immigration policy, family members of military and civilian personnel are required to obtain a VISA from the Italian Consulate/Embassy. For Family members there is a cost involved. Family members must have the ” visto per motivi di famiglia” to be granted entry into Italy. Airline personnel will not permit family members to board the flights without a VISA stamped in the passport. Be sure to check with your local PSD and NLSO for more information.
Italian Consulate/Embassy addresses in the United States are:
Consulate/Embassy U.S. Addresses
Italian Consulate
690 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10020
212-737-9100
Italian Consulate
2590 Webster Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
415-931-4924
Italian Embassy
1601 Fuller Street
Washington, DC 20009
202-328-5500
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Italy and United States requires all civilians who have reached their 14th birthday, and all minors (regardless of age) accompanying the U.S Armed Forces in Italy or employed by the U.S. Government to apply for a Sojourn Permit within eight days of their arrival. All children, regardless of time in country must have applied for a Sojourn upon reaching their 14 birthday. Family members who are Italian citizens are exempt from these rules.
The following documents are needed to apply for a Sojourn Permit:
Military Family Members
Military personnel need to obtain prior to leaving for Sicily four (5) Sojourn Permit (passport size) photographs for each family member required to have a Sojourn Permit. NAS Sigonella no longer has a photo lab. Photos can also be purchased at the NEX for $8 per set.
U.S. “No-Fee”/Official Passport or foreign passport (issued by a nation other than the United States) (with Italian Visa, if applicable)
Copy of sponsor’s PCS orders
Command sponsorship letter (if applicable)
Copy of sponsor’s “Page 2” from service record
Copy of DoD Identification Card
Service members who marry after they have received PCS orders must apply for command sponsorship for their family member(s). Family member(s) must apply for a “No-Fee”/official passport (U.S. citizens), and contact the nearest Italian Consulate of that city, state, to obtain an Italian Visa prior to arrival in Italy. Non U.S. citizens must apply for an Italian Visa with the nearest Italian Consulate in their area (if an Italian Consulate is not in your area, you must obtain one from the country closest to you that has an Italian Consulate).
DoD Employees and Family Members
DOD Employees need to obtain prior to leaving for Sicily four (5) Sojourn Permit (passport size) photographs for each family member required to have a Sojourn Permit. NAS Sigonella no longer has a photo lab. Photos can also be purchased at the NEX for $8 per set.
U.S. “No-Fee”/official passport or foreign passport (with Italian Visa, if Applicable). Contract Employees will use a U.S Tourist passport with a “SOFA” Stamp instead of an official passport.
Copy of sponsor’s travel orders for family members
Copy of Return Transportation Agreement
Copy of DoD Identification Card
Personnel expecting to travel in Europe are highly encouraged to obtain an International Driver’s License. This must be obtained before leaving the United States, as it must come from the country that issued the state’s driving license. One source is online at AAA.
US Naval Air Station Sigonella
Strada Statale 417 Catania – Gela
Sigonella, Italy 95030
Phone 011-39-095-56-4291
Phone (DSN) 314-624-4291
Fax 011-39-095-56-4294
Fax (DSN) 314-624-4294