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The cost of living is above the national average for CONUS locations.
The local currency is EURO, the only currency accepted outside the Base. $ are only accepted on NAS1 & NAS 2.
However, while stationed in Sigonella, to compensate the cost of living, all Service members receive COLA (or also known as OCOLA, Overseas Cost of Living Allowances)
Foreign Currency
Euro may be purchased at the Community Bank on NAS I or II. Off base, there are many ATMs ( BANCOMAT) if you need get EURO. You may also purchase up to €2,500 at the Navy Exchange. It is highly suggested to bring some Euro with you, as it is the only currency accepted off base. Talk to your sponsor for more details. The ratio of $ to € changes often, please check online for the latest ongoing exchange rate.
Visa Requirements
According to Italian Immigration policy, family members of military and civilian personnel are required to obtain a MISSION VISA from the Italian Consulate/Embassy before leaving the USA. For Family members, there is a cost involved. Family members must have the "Mission Visa" to be granted entry into Italy. Airline personnel will not permit family members to board the flights without a MISSION VISA stamped in the passport. Be sure to check with your local PSD for more details.
Italian Consulate/Embassy addresses in the United States are:
Italian Consulate690 Park AvenueNew York, NY 10020212-737-9100
Italian Consulate2590 Webster StreetSan Francisco, CA 94115415-931-4924
Italian Embassy1601 Fuller StreetWashington, DC 20009202-328-5500
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Italy and United States requires all civilians (military dependents, DoD Employees and contractors) 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 their age and time in the country must apply for a Sojourn. 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
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
Personnel expecting to travel in Europe are highly encouraged to obtain an International Driver's License, since some countries in Europe, when renting a car, they require International drivers license from non European citizens.
The Euro may be purchased at the Community Bank on NAS 1 or 2. You may also purchase up to Euro 2500 at the Navy Exchange. It is recommended that you bring some Euro with you before arriving to Sigonella.
According to Italian Immigration policy, family members of military and civilian personnel are required to obtain a MISSION VISA from the Italian Consulate/Embassy before leaving the USA. For Family members, there is a cost involved. Family members must have the " Mission Visa" to be granted entry into Italy. Airline personnel will not permit family members to board the flights without a MISSION VISA stamped in the passport. Be sure to check with your local PSD for more details.
The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Italy and the United States requires all civilians 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 in Italy. Family members who are Italian or European citizens are exempt from these rules.
Upon Obtaining Contact with your Sponsor
Upon receipt of orders, please complete the most current DoD Information Assurance Awareness course located on NKO and scan/e-mail your completed certificate to your sponsor as soon as possible. Please do this accordingly as this in an effort to allow pre-screening of One-Net accounts enabling you to receive CAC access in a timely manner upon arrival.
If you or any of your family members utilize a medical specialist or are enrolled in a medical treatment program then please contact Patient Administrator to ensure a smooth transition through your current MTF's Overseas Suitability Screening department. Suitability screenings are due within 30 days of your receipt of orders.
Drinking Ages
Please keep in mind the following restrictions in regards to drinking ages for all personnel assigned to NAS Sigonella according to NASSIGINST 5353.1B of 25 February 2010:
a. Military Members. Active duty members of the regular and reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces or allied armed forces shall not possess, purchase, or consume alcoholic beverages before they have reached their 18th birthday. The only valid proof of age is a U.S. Armed Forces Identification Card. Awareness briefs are provided during the mandatory Base INDOC.
b. Civilian Employees. Members of the civilian component of the U.S. Armed Forces shall not possess, purchase, or consume alcoholic beverages before reaching their 18th birthday. The only valid proof of age is a DD Form 1173 identification card stamped with the words "for overseas use only."
c. Dependent Spouses. Dependent spouses of military and civilian members of the U.S. Armed Forces shall not possess, purchase, or consume alcoholic beverages before reaching their 18th birthday. The only valid proof of age shall be a DD Form 1173 identification card stamped with the letters "DH" or "DW."
d. Other Family Members and Guests. Other family members meeting dependency criterion and guests of military and civilian members of the U.S. Armed Forces shall not be allowed to possess, purchase, or consume alcoholic beverages before reaching their 18th birthday. The only valid proof of age shall be a DD Form 1173 identification card or U.S. or foreign passport.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. In order to place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial directly DSN numbers, but can with commercial number. Example for Sigonella, if you need to call 624-(1234), you replace the 624 with +39-095-56 (1234). When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. To call DSN from the States to Europe, the DSN area code is 314.
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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.
NAS Sigonella is divided into two bases, NAS 1 and NAS 2. Most operational work is performed at NAS 2. Once a scarcely populated area, a construction boom made NAS 2 the center of base operations by the late 1970's. Approximately 20 minutes apart, NAS 1 was the site of the original U.S. Naval Base, but as more functions migrated to NAS 2, NAS 1 became known as one of the best personnel support facilities in the Mediterranean. For more information go to the Sigonella Website.
All the above numbers are to be considered approximately, since they constantly change due to PCS in and out of Sigonella.
297,724 is the population in Catania, which is the second largest city on the island of Sicily after Palermo.
Catania is located 15-20 min. drive from NAS 1 & NAS 2.
More information will be provided during the ICR (Intercultural Relations) portion of INDOC, as well as an area orientation tour of Catania is part of ICR. During your INDOC / ICR you will have 2 Area Orientation field trips, one in Catania and one in Motta S. Anastasia that counts a population of 12,060 , which is the closest town to the base, approx. 10 min drive from NAS 1 and 20 min from NAS 2.
While Sigonella is a Navy base, active duty, as well as reserve personnel from all services, are represented here including Marines, Army, Air Force and NATO, 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.
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, with it's 9 wonderful Provinces such as, Messina, Catania, Siracusa, Ragusa, Enna, Caltanisetta, Agrigento, Palermo and Trapani. Sigonella is located in the province of Catania, 15 minute drive. 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 are, this is a great place. Much more information will be provided once you attend the 3 day mandatory ICR (Intercultural Relations) training that follows INDOC, generally 2 weeks upon arrival in Sigonella. INDOC and ICR class is generally taught at NAS 1 Commons bldg. Compass room or the base Theatre. Your Sponsor must sign you up for Base INDOC prior to your arrival to Sigonella. For more details you can call "Base Education & Training (BETD)" the office in charge of INDOC at +39-095-56-4696.
Your sponsor should pick you up from the airport or arrange for transportation.
Pets
Both the Air Terminal and Catania Airport (Fontanarossa) are very small. You should be able to find your pets when departing the terminal for baggage claim.
USO Facilities
There are no USO facilities at the Catania Airport.
Local Transportation
It is highly recommended that you have your sponsor arrange transportation or contact your command before using local transportation.
Should you need a taxi, you can call or WhatsApp them at :
If you take a taxi at the airport’s taxi stand, be sure to negotiate the fare before you enter the vehicle. The cost should be no more than €50. You will also want to tell the driver to take you to NAS 1 Sigonella or NAS 2 Sigonella.
Driving from Catania Airport in Sicily to NAS 1 and NAS 2
These directions are intended to assist you in finding your way from the Catania Airport in Sicily to Sigonella NAS 1 or NAS 2.
To go to NAS 1, stay on SS-192 (direction Enna).
To go to NAS 2, (directions Gela ) 15-20 minutes on SS 417. You will see the base on your left and the Marinai housing on your right. At the Gate, have your sponsor or someone from your command meet you. Most taxis cannot access the base. Be sure to have your government-issued ID card with you.
If you have internet on your phone, simply by typing Sigonella ( for NAS 2 ) or NAS 1 Sigonella for NAS 1 on Google Maps or other apps, you will be able to get directions.
There is limited free bus service between NAS 1 and NAS 2. 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 special rates.
It is a good idea to ship your POV far enough out or pick up a small vehicle when you arrive. Gas cards are based on the size of the engine. If you decide not to bring your car, you can buy a vehicle through a service member that might be leaving or is simply upgrading. The transfer of the title is quick and it is done at the local MVRO (Motor Vehicle Registration Office) on base at NAS 2. Ask you Sponsor to add you to the local Facebook Group pages, many post their vehicles for sale on those groups. You can also to buy a car out in town from an Italian, however, it takes some effort and time ( approx. 5 days) due to the denationalization process. Fleet & Family Support Center DSN 314-624-4291, Comm. +39-095-56-4291 or MVRO can provide more information and assistance.
Car rental service (Europcar) is available at NAS 2, near the Main Terminal, next to the USO office . Tel +39 095-56-5468
You can also use various car rental websites to pick up a vehicle at the Catania Fontanarossa airport. Keep in mind that many rental companies ask for an international drivers lincene aswell.