Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Alfredo Caccetta hands over the directorship of the Italian Air Force Historical Museum to Lieutenant Colonel Paolo De Vita
Tuesday 19th December, in the charming setting of the newly refurbished MUSAM (Italian Air Force Museum) at Vigna di Valle, the handover of the directorship of the MUSAM took place between the Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Alfredo Caccetta (outgoing) and the Lieutenant Colonel Paolo De Vita (coming in).
The sober ceremony was presided over by Commander of the CSSAM (Centre for Historical and Sports Documentation of the Italian Air Force) of Vigna di Valle, Colonel Luigi Barbagallo, in the presence of a representative of the base's personnel.
In his farewell speech, the Lt Col Caccetta he outlined an account of his work: “Twenty months have passed since I took on the role of Director. A great deal of work and many challenges awaited us, above all opening the Museum within the deadlines set by the Armed Force [...] It was a true feat: an effort that involved the entire Italian Air Force and in particular all the personnel of the Vigna di Valle base, whom I sincerely thank for the dedication they have shown. I address myself in particular to the Museum staff, of whom so much was asked and who gave so much, beyond all expectations [...]. You managed to ensure the achievement of all set objectives, even where many were sceptical, and the result is plain for all to see. It has been a great privilege to be your director, always mindful of the importance of teamwork. I give special thanks to Colonel Luigi Barbagallo, with whom I share a friendship of twenty years. Thanks to the Commander of COMAER (Rome Air Force Command), Lieutenant General Giandomenico Taricco, for the trust placed in me and his continued support, and to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Luca Goretti, for believing in me and for choosing me once again for a new and compelling challenge…”.
And these are the first words as the new director of MUSAM of Lt. Col. Paolo De Vita: “When I got the news that I had been chosen for this prestigious role, a feeling of pride and euphoria washed over me. Flight, aviation and the history of the Air Force have always been my greatest passions. I was about 11 years old when my father first brought me to visit this museum. […] Today, more than 35 years later, I find myself here again, in such different circumstances, but carrying on this dream that started a long time ago, in a child's eyes. […] As often happens in these cases, after the initial phase of euphoria, I began to realise what was happening and also to feel the weight of the heavy responsibility I have been called to assume. By living through these days with you, I have realised the immense work behind all this and that only motivated and skilled professionals like you could have accomplished it. New challenges now await the Museum, with your help, I am sure I will manage to respond with the same competence, professionalism and passion that unites us and, with the proactive contribution of the Armed Force, we will succeed in tackling every issue that arises. I sincerely hope to be able to add value to all the positive things that have already been done in recent years, which has brought a new Museum in the centenary year of the Armed Force. I would like to conclude by thanking the Commander, Colonel Luigi Barbagallo, and General Taricco for the support they will provide me.
It Col. Barbagallo Instead, he made a point of thanking the outgoing Director for the contribution made during the reopening of the MUSAM, while at the same time offering words of encouragement to the incoming one: “About two years have passed since the Chief of Staff gave us this mandate. A period of great intensity, which we have lived through personally and which will stay with us forever… Thank you, Arturo, for what you have managed to give, for your loyalty and the sacrifices you have had to face. But what we have before our eyes, let’s not hide it, is the success of all of us, and I thank you for this. I am glad that the Chief of SMA wanted to recognise the value of your work by providing continuity with your new assignment in Piacenza, where a new Air Force museum complex is being established. The experience you have gained here will certainly be useful to you and we will be on hand to support you. Paolo, best of luck. You are inheriting a constantly evolving situation: there is still a great deal to do and I am certain that your contribution and your previous experience will be of great help to the cause of the Museum.
MUSAM (Historical Museum of the Italian Air Force) has the task of promoting aviation culture, history, and the traditions of the Armed Forces. As part of the celebrations for the Centenary of the establishment of the Air Force, it has been expanded and completely restructured, and can now be visited according to the procedures indicated on the official website.
