With the “Elettra” exercise, the Armed Force, in addition to the institutional tasks of defence and security of national airspace, has trained to ensure its support to the population in need.
The [...] concluded on Thursday the 28th, at the 114th Remote Radar Squadron of Potenza Picena (MC).’CIS “Elettra” Training Exercise” planned and conducted by 4th Brigade of Telecommunications and Air Defence Systems and Air Traffic Services of Borgo Piave (LT) in order to test the operational procedures and reaction capability of the Brigade and the Air Force Units/Wings involved in the sector of Telecommunications, be it for Overseas Operations (OFCN) or operations Support and relief for the populations hit by natural disasters. Among this year's participants, for the first time, also the Italian Red Cross represented by the Marche Regional Committee and the local committee of Potenza Picena.
Among the Air Force Units involved in the exercise, the Communication Technical Units of Linate (MI) and Bari, together with their affiliated TLC detachments, the Automated Information Systems Unit (RESIA) of Rome, the Command and Control Systems Innovation Management Unit (REGISCC) of Pratica di Mare, the 3rd Wing of Villafranca, the 15th Wing and the 114th Remote Radar Detachment.
The scenario for the exercise, illustrated by Director of the same, Colonel Claudio Enrico Maria Passalacqua, it was generated by a hypothesis of “A catastrophic event which, in addition to causing numerous fatalities, has drastically reduced the operational capacity of civilian facilities. In particular, in such a scenario, air transport capability is compromised, with application to safety protocols for the transport of seriously injured patients to appropriately equipped hospital facilities. In this context, the Armed Force has been tasked with setting up a Main Operating Base (MOB) equipped with helicopters for urgent transport at the Cervia (RA) base, home of the 15th Wing, and a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at the 110th SRR (114th SRR) which will house Italian Red Cross facilities for civilian population assistance.”.
The’Exercise “Elettra”, developed in various phases, was conducted by a Headquarters set up at the site of the 4th Brigade, from which orders were issued to the assets deployed at the 15th Wing and the 114th Remote Radar Squadron of Potenza Picena. Upon receiving the activation order, the Task Units (TUs) promptly deployed and installed their components CIS – Communication and Information System, in order to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC). Subsequently, technical-operational tests and verifications ensured that the same TUs declared full operational status, thus guaranteeing reliable communications without interruption for the regular conduct of operations.
The so-called “LIVEX” phase, or fieldwork, was then characterised by observing the reaction capacity of the organisational units involved when faced with “injections”simulating critical situations that can potentially occur in reality. Air Force personnel therefore supported the setting up of two advanced medical posts and conventional treatment facilities set up by the C.R.I. of Porto Potenza Picena to stabilise patients before transporting them to hospital.
Among the events managed synergistically between A.M. personnel and C.R.I. operators, also: the resuscitation of a person through BLSD manoeuvres (Basic Life Support and Defibrillation) conducted by authorised A.M. personnel, before continuing with the recovery of an injured person from a TBT (Terra-Bordo-Terra) pylon at approximately 30 metres in height, ensuring their anchoring and harnessing, and the vertical descent of the technical stretcher by qualified C.R.I. “SMTS” (Rescue with Special Means and Techniques) operators. Space was also dedicated to a simulated search for missing persons, which saw the C.R.I. dog units., trained to operate with the “scent cone” technique, which is the location of a missing person using the scent the human body leaves in the air, without the need for the dog to sniff any item of clothing. Finally, among the events hypothesised and addressed during the Exercise, an “extrication” operation, a technical term used to describe the action carried out by rescuers to extract and free the driver from a crashed car, with subsequent immobilisation and safe transport of the individual, and an operation of MedEvac (Medical Evacuation) which involved an HH139 helicopter from the 15th Wing, with related Helicopter Rescue personnel and operators from the Italian Red Cross.
It Commander of the 3rd Division of the Logistic Command, Brigadier General Vincenzo Falzarano highlighted how once again “The efficiency, effectiveness and usability of the CIS components by the involved units were confirmed. Furthermore, the participation of the Italian Red Cross for this edition of the “Elettra” exercise allowed for the creation of a realistic logistical-technical-operational context where each actor offered their maximum contribution to train for the dual capability of the Armed Force, which, in addition to the institutional tasks of defending and securing national airspace, provides support to the population in need.”.
The 4th Brigade of Telecommunications and Systems for Air Defence and Air Traffic Control of Borgo Piave, main structure of the 3rd Division of Logistics Command of the Air Force, is responsible for the design, development, installation, and maintenance of telecommunications and electronics systems, radar systems, air traffic and aviation navigation aids, and meteorological support systems, both domestically and in overseas operations. It is also tasked with qualifying and training all personnel assigned to these sectors. Communication Information Systems (CIS), Air Defence, Air Traffic and weather radar systems. The 1st and 2nd Communications Technical Regiments, the Technical Centre for Meteorology, the 134th Remote Radar Centre and 12 Remote Radar Squadrons distributed across the national territory depend on the 4th Brigade.
