Colonel Vivolo has taken over command of the 32nd Wing from Colonel Massarotto.
On Thursday 27 July 2023, the change of command ceremony for the 32nd Wing took place at the “Luigi Rovelli” military airport in Amendola, between Colonel Roberto Massarotto (outgoing Commander) and Colonel Antonio Vivolo (incoming Commander).
At the event, presided over by Air Division General Luigi Del Bene, Commander of the Combat Forces and Deputy Commander of the 1st Region, the highest civilian, religious and military authorities of the territory were present.
Particularly significant and evocative was the moment the War Flag of the 32nd Wing, decorated with the Silver Medal of Military Valour and the Italian Military Order, was passed from Colonel Massarotto to Colonel Vivolo, who, together with the pronouncement of the customary formula, effectively sealed the assumption of the prestigious role and the change at the helm of the Apulian Wing.
Colonel Massarotto, who is leaving the command of the 32nd Wing after just over two years to take up another prestigious appointment at the Air Force Staff, briefly reviewed his time at Amendola in his farewell speech, mentioning some key milestones from his taking command to recent international operations and exercises at home and abroad. At the end, addressing all those present “[…] A territory I had never visited and which I have come to know, appreciate, and love. […] A land that, as I recently had occasion to state, makes itself loved. A land that, among its excellences, knows it can boast “Amendola”.
Lastly, and not by chance, I wanted to mention the personnel of the 32nd Wing. You have been the true architects of the Wing's successes over these years. Much has been asked of you, I have asked much of you, but you have never disappointed me, doing a great job for which I am deeply grateful. […] The constant work that each of you has put in every day, with courage and a spirit of sacrifice, constitutes the foundation that enables the Wing to achieve its assigned objectives against all odds.
I was able to rely on a team of deeply motivated men and women, bound by the values and traditions of the Armed Force and the 32nd Wing.
For everything you have done, I can only say: Thank you! I will always carry you in my heart.. […]
In his inaugural speech, Colonel Vivolo, while highlighting the role and importance that the 32nd Wing holds both nationally and internationally, expressed his profound gratitude to the Superior Authorities for the trust placed in him by assigning him the prestigious role, and addressing the personnel [...] I ask all of you to support me as Commander. “COMMANDER” derives from the Latin “CUMANDARE”, “To go together”, precisely “To entrust”. I will reciprocate with equal commitment, spirit of sacrifice and with equal passion to guide, support and motivate you daily. I ask you again: continue to strive for excellence, first and foremost in yourselves and then in the people around you. To excel means to surpass everyone else, to stand out for your qualities! Regardless of your role in the Wing, whether you are on the front line or working in the smallest support unit, aim to distinguish yourselves by the quality of your work. These will be the fundamental values that will inspire my Command action, as anticipated earlier, in the name of the utmost continuity of those who preceded me. For this reason, it will be easy to stay on the path laid out and to navigate daily […].
The Commander of the Combat Forces, in his address, highlighted the achievements of the Department under the leadership of Colonel Massarotto, recognising the complexity and quality of the work carried out: “[…] you have managed to create stability in the working environment in the face of many difficulties, you have believed in your people, you have empowered them and you have generated opportunities for professional and human growth. As Commander, I believe you have excellently fulfilled your role with pride, rigour, but also with balance and humility, through effective and inclusive action, in successfully seeking the completion of the many tasks and objectives entrusted to you. Competence and courage must characterise the actions of those who lead, but I would add that above all, what is needed is “HEART”. Because that's what makes the difference in the most difficult moments” [...].
To Colonel Vivolo, with the sincerest wishes for a successful job, he has finally confirmed his unconditional trust, aware that he will carry out the delicate assignment with maximum commitment and great foresight, relying on the indispensable support of all the personnel of the 32nd Wing.
General D.A. Del Bene then addressed the Wing's personnel“[…] to you, men and women of the 32nd Wing […] I address a thought of sincere gratitude: you have dedicated yourselves, at home and abroad, to fulfilling the arduous tasks assigned to you, always acting with enthusiasm, generosity, and great professionalism. Carrying forward the tradition of excellence of this glorious Unit. Well Done. It is a privilege to have you under my command […].
The 32nd Wing, based at Amendola (Foggia), is one of the Italian Air Force's flying units, dependent on the Air Squad Command in Rome, via the Combat Forces Command (CFC) in Milan. The CFC exercises responsibilities regarding the training, preparation, and operational readiness of its units, so that they may acquire and maintain the expected levels of operational readiness.
The 32nd Wing at Amendola, using F35 aircraft, along with the 4 operational Wings equipped with Eurofighter aircraft (4th Wing Grosseto, 36th Wing Gioia del Colle, 51st Wing Istrana, and 37th Wing Trapani), guarantees Air Defence through immediate take-off (Scramble) activities.
The 32nd Wing is the first unit in Europe to operate the F-35A aircraft. Since March 2018, it has been integrated into the National Air Defence system, contributing to the defence of Italian skies with specific operational capabilities and cutting-edge technology. Since 2019, it has participated in NATO Air Policing operations outside national borders. Since February 2020, the 32nd Wing has been the only unit in the European landscape to jointly employ both the F-35A (CTOL) and F-35B (STOVL), contributing, with the 5th-generation aircraft, to the Armed Force's Air Expeditionary capability. Since January 2022, it has also provided QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) services for the defence of the Atlantic Alliance's airspace.
Furthermore, by employing MQ9-A Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, the Department conducts Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance operations, both national and coalition. Finally, through MB-339 aircraft, the 32nd Wing completes the training of RPAS pilots to maintain an adequate operational level on conventionally piloted aircraft.
