Colonel Giovanni Lodato takes over from Colonel Paolo Rubino to lead the 2nd Wing of Rivolto.
On the morning of Tuesday 25 June, at the airport premises of Facing (UD), seat of 2nd Wing of the Air Force, the change of command ceremony for the Department took place between the Colonel Paolo Rubino, outgoing Commander, and the Colonel Giovanni Lodato, Incoming Commander.
The ceremony was presided over by Commander of the 1st Air Region and the Milan Combat Forces Command, Air Marshal Luigi Del Bene, and saw the participation of numerous civil and military authorities from Udine and its province, as well as a significant representation of the Unit's personnel.
In fact, the symbolic handover of the War Ensign of the Department, decorated with Silver Medal for Military Valour and of Bronze Medal for Civil Valour, between Colonel Rubino and Colonel Lodato.
It Colonel Ruby, in his farewell speech, thanked all the representatives of the local Institutions with these words: “One of the most exciting experiences in this assignment lies in the special relationship created with various institutions and the population; in this incredibly dense fabric of relationships, the special ingredient is Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region that always manages to pleasantly surprise you with the unmistakable warm embrace of its wonderful people.”He then thought of all the families of the 2nd Wing: “In these long months of command, compatibly with the numerous commitments and the available resources, I have tried to correctly prioritise the presence of personnel with their families and at work; I must recognise that the understanding, patience, and sharing that your families have been able to guarantee have played a fundamental role.”Finally, he dedicated his greatest thanks to the staff of the Department, considering them the true protagonists of the event:“It is thanks to you, men and women of the 2nd Wing, that it has been possible to face every situation, supported by the invaluable experience and precious competence that has always distinguished you.”.
In his inaugural speech, the Colonel Praised, with great pride and emotion, thanked the Superior Authorities for the trust placed in him by putting him at the head of such a prestigious Unit as the 2nd Wing, which boasts a rich history of tradition and honour. These were his words: “The Wing's mission today fits into the broader national Integrated Air and Missile Defence mission, which in today's international instability represents a fundamental piece of the security of the community and the territory. This is a demanding task that requires dedication, preparation and sacrifice, but I am convinced that, with the commitment and professionalism that distinguish the Wing's formation, we will be able to face and overcome every obstacle.”. In conclusion, he added: “The 2nd Wing has always distinguished itself through its ability to adapt and react promptly to every situation, and I am certain it will continue to do so, upholding the honour of the Wing.”.
It General of Good, concluding the proceedings, he first addressed Colonel Rubino, thanking him for the excellent work carried out at the head of the Department, and then wished Colonel Lodato sincere good luck for the delicate role he has taken on: “Worth highlighting is the robust planning and preparation carried out with the utmost expertise by Colonel Rubino and his team, as a prerequisite for the significant increase in capabilities that will involve the Department in the coming years.”Continuing, he then added: “Today we witnessed a typical paradigm in our organisation, which I refer to as “continuity through alternation”. We are therefore celebrating the alternation of two men with their families, meaning two Officers and two Commanders, and at the same time, we are reinforcing the functional continuity of this Department which, first and foremost, contributes to the constant defence of airspace, but which is also centred on the most famous symbol that carries the image of the Air Force and of Italy as a whole throughout the world.”To conclude, he wished to offer a thought to the staff of the Department: “To you all, I say: well done! It is a privilege to have you in my employ. The Armed Force is proud of the work you have done. Other challenges, other commitments await you and, respecting the work of the Branch Chiefs, of those who support you and of those who sacrifice their time for the collective interest, do not stop!”.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional signing of the Guestbook and exchange Crest.
The 2nd Wing, which is under the command of the Combat Forces Command of Milan, is the Body identified by the Armed Force to perform the function of the Missile Hub of the Air Defence of the Italian Air Force nationally and NATO. In addition to its primary mission, which is to guarantee, with qualified operators, the effectiveness and operational availability of the MAADS system (Medium Advanced Air Defence System), the Wing is called upon to carry out other collateral activities, such as ensuring the smooth running of airport services for 313th Aerobatic Training Group “Frecce Tricolori”, support flights for the benefit of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Transplant Centre and the aerotactic departments redeploying to the airport, as well as providing logistical support for the HEMS baseHelicopter Emergency Medical Serviceof FVG Air Rescue.
