NAVAL SUPPORT ACIVITY NAPLES, Italy —
Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) and Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples Adm. Robert P. Burke along with NAVEUR-NAVAF Fleet Master Chief Derrick Walters performed the first ever virtual “Bravo Strike,” recognizing work performance and Signature Behaviors during a virtual teleconference call, Nov. 4, 2020.
Three individuals were recognized for their command impact including; Electronics Technician 3rd Class Pattric L. Ullom assigned to the USS Porter (DDG 78) in Rota, Spain; Hospitalman Grace L. Council assigned to the U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Sigonella; and Domencio Strano from U.S. Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Italy, Ristorante Bella Etna Galley.
Leadership from across the Sixth Fleet area of operations (AOR) were canvassed to nominate Sailors and civilians who demonstrated Signature Behaviors on a daily basis. Theses 10 Signature Behaviors include: Treat every person with respect, Take responsibility for my actions, Hold others accountable for their actions, Intervene when necessary, Be a leader and encourage leadership in others, Grow personally and professionally every day, Embrace the diversity of ideas, experiences, and backgrounds of individuals, Uphold the highest degree of integrity in professional and personal life, Exercise discipline in conduct and performance, and Contribute to team success through actions and attitudes.
Signature Behaviors were developed in conjunction with the Secretary of the Navy’s 21st Century Sailor initiative as a means to emphasize the positive and honorable behavior that Sailors exhibit on a daily basis. Signature Behaviors are designed to assist Sailors to live out of the Navy’s Core Values, Navy Ethos, Culture of Excellence Core Themes, and Core Attributes in a practical manner.
USS Porter (DDG 78) commanding officer Cmdr. Thomas Ralston nominated Petty Officer Ullom as a Sailor that demonstrates Signature Behaviors on a daily basis.
“In terms of command resiliency, there is no other Sailor onboard who has contributed as much towards the wellbeing of my crew without seeking any personal reward or recognition,” said Ralston. “Petty Officer Ullom shines as a bright light of motivation, perspective and inspiration for Porter’s Sailors of all rates and ranks.”
Ullom recently played a large part in the Porter’s Arctic Circle and Barents Sea operations. He led his exterior communications team in repairing four high-frequency transmitter and receiver radios that helped restore the ship’s strategic long range communication capability.
“His work ethic and commitment to keeping Porter’s equipment in top-shop enabled Porter to utilize her entire communication’s suite during this era of great power competition,” said Ralston.
It isn’t only the active duty Sailors that are demonstrating these Signature Behaviors, but also local nationals who help support the Navy’s mission across the region. Italian national, Mr. Domenico “Mimmo” Strano, NAS Sigonella’s galley manager, was nominated by NAS Sigonella’s commanding officer Capt. Kevin Pickard Jr.
“Strano’s leadership and guidance transformed the “Ristorante Bella Etna” team into one cohesive unit that has set the bar high for consistent quality and fine dining experience,” said Pickard. “He has put a stamp on the continued success of the NAS Sigonella Galley.”
Strano supervises and trains 49 local national food service workers, material handlers and cooks at the NSA Sigonella’s galley that service’s over 1,100 patrons on a daily basis.
“He has been bridging the gap for almost 25 yrs. now and his unswerving dedication is out of the question,” said Pickard.
NAVEUR-NAVAF leadership plans to continue to recognize Sailors and civilians around the AOR that continue to serve as the role models for others and reflect the core values during interactions with fellow shipmates.
NAVEUR-NAVAF, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.