The exhibition route has been inaugurated, which, through thematic panels and graphic displays, describes the history and evolution of the Air Force from its establishment to the present day.
On Friday, 15 September, at the splendid setting of the Church of San Francesco in Udine, the 2nd Wing inaugurated the exhibition “One Hundred Years of the Air Force. The history, capabilities and traditions of the Air Force in its first 100 years”.
In the presence of numerous civil and military authorities, including the centenarian patriot Paola Del Din, the Commander of the 2nd Wing, Colonel Paolo Rubino, opened an exhibition pathway which, through thematic panels and graphic displays, describes the history and evolution of the Air Force from its establishment to the present day.
In addition, the Udine exhibition is enhanced by a display of historical uniforms and equipment, an ejector seat G-91 and from the aircraft mock-up F-104 originating from the Cameri Airfield Command; it is further enhanced by numerous scale model aircraft, various flight simulator stations, and the new and technologically advanced goggles Oculus supplied to the National Aerobatic Team, thanks to which visitors will be able to experience the sensation and emotions of being a Frecce Tricolori pilot.
Strongly desired by the 2nd Wing and sponsored by the Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Municipality of Udine, the additional stage to the travelling exhibition The Armed Forces were also realised thanks to the valuable collaboration of the Programme Office “Committee for the Centenary of the Air Force” and the Civic Museums of Udine. This is a testament to the deep ties between the Friuli unit and the region, tangible proof of the synergy between the 2nd Wing and local institutions, involved in ever more numerous and diverse activities with the main objective of being useful to the country and close to the community.
Commander Rubino, during his speech, in addition to thanking the many authorities present, wished to emphasise the historic “brotherly relationship” which unites the Air Force with the Friuli region; these are his words: “The Centenary year is an opportunity to reflect on our century of history, looking at the past in a modern way, and also considering the challenges that lie ahead. I have been in Friuli Venezia Giulia for about a year, and in studying its history, I learned that the region had over a hundred airfields, from Aviano to Campoformido and Aiello; associated with these airfields are historical figures, true heroes, driven by great values, the same ones that drive us today.”.
The President of the Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Mauro Bordin, was also present at the event. In his speech, he highlighted that “The Air Force has made history for our Italy: over the decades it has changed, it has grown, it has evolved, and the technology that accompanies it has also changed extraordinarily. However, unchanged always remain that spirit of service and that will to represent the Institutions with pride and a sense of belonging that constitute a determining part of those who wear the uniform of this Corps.”. He then concluded “A splendid and worthwhile exhibition, which allows citizens of our region to fully understand a wonderful and almost unattainable world. At the same time, it fosters that sense of admiration and respect that is due towards the Air Force and, in general, towards institutions.”.
The exhibition, housed at the Church of San Francesco in Udine, will be open daily with free admission until 15th October 2023, between the hours of 09:30-12:30 and 15:30-19:00.
It 2nd Wing is the body identified by the Armed Force to carry out the Function of Missile Base of the Air Force Air Defence at a national and NATO level. In addition to its primary mission, which is to ensure, with qualified operators, the effectiveness and operational availability of the system provided, the Wing is called upon to carry out other collateral activities, such as ensuring the smooth running of airport services for the 313th Aerobatic Training Group “Frecce Tricolori”, of the support flights of the Regional Transplant Centre of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and the Aerotactic Departments re-deploying to the Base, as well as providing the necessary logistical support to the HEMS baseHelicopter Emergency Medical Serviceof the FVG Air Rescue.
