Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Brandi Gibson | 250522-N-DY427-5490 SIGONELLA, Italy. (May 21, 2025) Nellie Barone, Ilenya Ilardo, and...... read more read more
SIGONELLA, Italy — U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Sigonella, along with its sister locations, U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit (NMRTU) Bahrain and NMRTC Sigonella Detachment Souda Bay, collaborated on May 21 to honor the heart of its healthcare mission—the civilian workforce—during the annual Civilian Corps Resource Fair.
The command-wide event celebrated the unwavering dedication of more than 120 civilian team members, including Local Nationals (LNs) and General Schedule (GS) employees across three locations. Hosted by the Civilian Corps Board (CCB), the fair provided a vibrant space for connection, professional growth, and appreciation.
“This workforce is the foundation of our continuity and capability,” said Captain TaRail A. Vernon, Commanding Officer of NMRTC Sigonella. “Our civilians hold the institutional knowledge that maintains our stronghold in this area of responsibility. Their expertise allows our warfighters to carry out the mission with confidence and ensures that their families continue receiving the world-class care they deserve.”
Captain Vernon emphasized how the strength and stability of the civilian team directly support the Navy’s strategic aim of readiness and operational success. “We talk often about being operationally ready,” he added, “and it’s important to remember that means not just having the right people in uniform—but having the right civilian professionals alongside them, every step of the way.”
The celebration reflected the “Get Real, Get Better” mindset championed by the Navy Surgeon General—an initiative focused on transparency, learning, and continuous improvement. Since its formation in October 2023, the Civilian Corps Board has led the way in building community, advocating for professional development, and enhancing quality of life for all civilian personnel.
This year’s Civilian Resource Fair featured presentations from a distinguished panel of internal and external guests, including Defense Health Agency (DHA) Human Resources, Workforce Development, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Health & Fitness, and Library Services. These partners provided valuable insight into career advancement, well-being resources, and development opportunities.
“Whether you’ve been here two months or 40 years, you matter to this mission,” said Ms. Carmela Ciancio, Department Head of Quality Management and the first Chairperson of the Civilian Corps Board. “Our goal is to ensure every civilian voice is heard, valued, and empowered.”
The event also highlighted major initiatives led by the CCB, including:
• The creation of USNHSIGINST 12451.2D to guide civilian affairs.
• Expansion of the Civilian Awards Program to recognize contributions at all pay grades.
• Increases in award values for quarterly and annual recognition.
• New communication tools like a Civilian Newsletter and a Suggestion Box.
• Representation of civilian voices at the executive level and on awards boards.
Beyond the Sigonella region, the Civilian Corps is a vital component of Navy Medicine’s enterprise-wide mission. Across the globe, civilian professionals bring continuity, expertise, and innovation to military treatment facilities, ensuring warfighters and their families receive consistent, high-quality care in every theater of operation.
The 2025 Civilian Corps Resource Fair not only spotlighted achievements but also reinforced the enduring role of civilian employees in shaping the future of operational readiness and medical excellence. Bravo Zulu to all who serve—uniformed and civilian alike—on the front lines of Navy Medicine.
U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Sigonella and is sister locations ensure combat readiness by delivering comprehensive medical and dental care to U.S. service members, their families, and other eligible beneficiaries. As a strategic hub within Navy Medicine, NMRTC Sigonella also provides critical support to forward-deployed operational forces with expeditionary medical capabilities, force health protection, and serves as a key readiness enabler in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Aligned with Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL), the command remains mission-focused on sustaining a medically and combat ready force to support global operations and a vital component of these capabilities is its civilian workforce.
This article was written by Lt. Cmdr. Brandi Gibson, with contributions from Nahomi Viscuso.
| Date Taken: | 05.22.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.27.2025 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 498801 |
| Location: | SIGONELLA, IT |
| Web Views: | 104 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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