Colonel Paolo Tamburro hands over command to Colonel Francesco Russo.
Took place on Tuesday, 16th July at the 3rd Wing of the Italian Air Force, in the presence of the Brigadier General Francesco De Simone, Head of the Support Service, the historic handover of command from the outgoing Commander, Colonel Paolo Tamburro and the successor, Colonel Francesco Russo. Among those present at the event were the Prefect of Verona, Dr Demetrio Martino, and various civil, military, and religious authorities from the Scaliger province.
As is tradition, representatives of the Veterans and Military Associations, the Gonfalons of the Province of Verona, the City of Villafranca, and the Municipality of Sommacampagna, as well as the Gonfalon of the City of Verona decorated with a Gold Medal for Military Valour, were in attendance.
“Allow me first of all to honour the War Flag of the 3rd Wing, keeper of our history and of the values it represents.”the words of Colonel Tamburro In his farewell speech, in which he thanked the department staff for facing every challenge with professionalism and pride during his two years of command, with the wish to continue to always be of support to the community.“To the women and men of the 3rd Wing, I say thank you for the trust, loyalty, selflessness, and unquestionable professionalism you have consistently shown me. You have confirmed to me that you are a unique entity in Italy; your dedication and love for the 3rd Wing can be felt in every corner of the unit.”.
Addressing the representatives of the local communities, he continued: “My recognition goes to the mayors for the excellent work you do every day; the dedication you put into your role is something we share greatly. In these years I have been able to admire your work and that of your tireless administrations, and your presence today testifies to the team spirit that unites us and which I hope will grow ever stronger over time.”.
It Colonel Russo, who then took the floor, thanked the outgoing Commander and said he was honoured to take command of a Wing that has made history for the Italian Air Force: “We are absolute protagonists in projection logistics, both domestically and abroad, actively engaged in the countless operational scenarios where our Armed Force is present, supporting the maintenance of security at home and internationally. To be of service to the country is a creed, it is a faith, and it is our creed and our faith!”.
He finally spoke General De Simone: “If this Department enjoys great appreciation from the Armed Forces leadership, the credit is, without a doubt, yours; for you who are always ready to intervene, even at short notice, bringing your expertise wherever it is required, honouring the capability brand that now distinguishes the select few.”.
It 3rd Wing, Entity dependent on the Support Services Department Logistics Command of the Air ForceIt represents, in Italy and abroad, an agile and cohesive team, focused on the logistical support of multi-domain operations of the aerospace component, ready to face and win the challenges of the future. Its activity is decisive in the establishment of initial deployments with field equipment in support of the civilian population in the event of disasters, as well as for deployment in foreign theatres such as the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Eritrea, Lithuania, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania.
