Tuesday 5 September, at the headquarters of 2nd Air Force Engineer Department, Ciampino, The handover ceremony took place between Lieutenant Colonel Alessandro Vito, outgoing Commander, and Colonel Alessandro Scalcione, incoming Commander.
At the event, chaired by Brigadier General Mario Sciandra, Head of the Infrastructure Service of the Air Force Logistics Command., Military and Civil Authorities, representatives of the Directorate of Works and State Property, and the Infrastructure Service took part.
In his farewell speech, the Colonel Alessandro Vito He thanked the Higher Authorities for the trust placed in him and for the guidance and support received during his tenure. He then commended the personnel of the Department and the detached Technical Services for Infrastructure, whose collective effort made it possible to achieve the numerous objectives of the Armed Force and the success of the Centenary events of the Air Force.
It Colonel Alessandro Scalcione, in his inaugural speech, first highlighted his pride in taking command of a Unit “With a long tradition and prestigious results achieved in the most diverse contexts, in support of the Armed Forces and alongside institutions and civil communities.”.
He highlighted how, upon returning to the Department after his first assignment in 1998, he found the same cohesion, competence and passion in the staff as always.
After thanking his predecessor for the work done, he assured the staff of his close support and guidance towards the objectives set by the Higher Authorities, requesting honest collaboration and a sense of belonging to a Department that everyone looks at with admiration.
In conclusion, the incoming Commander pledged utmost good faith, availability, loyalty and enthusiasm, and thanked his family for their continued support throughout his career.
Brig. Gen. Sciandra, taking the floor, first extended a greeting to all the guests present before addressing the personnel, expressing “certificate of admiration for fully meeting expectations [...] in a situation that is difficult to describe as anything less than challenging”, the situation characterised, especially in the last three years, by a succession of events and problems: the pandemic, lockdown, prophylaxis procedures, needs of smart working, anti-crisis measures, Superbonus etc.
In this scenario, continued Brig. Gen. Sciandra, in which it materialized “the reaction was exemplary and admirable”, creating essential infrastructure for the Nation and the Armed Forces: the Pratica di Mare Vaccine Hub, wards for hospitalisation“COVID” to Celio and to Turin.
The Head of the Infrastructure Service commended Lt Col Vito for his ability to take command and complete, with courage, calm, determination and commendable spirit of service, fundamental works for the AM Centenary; he also outlined the most important challenge in the near future: the multi-year programme called “Blue Airports”, which will allow for better operational support, increased energy and structural resilience, improved staff well-being, decarbonisation and digitalisation.
The speech concluded with a vote of confidence for the new Commander and with a request to all personnel of the Department to provide maximum support, loyalty, availability, and professionalism.
