Various solidarity initiatives were undertaken by the Task Force Air during its deployment for NATO in Lithuania
An intense period of charitable activities for the Task Force Air – 36th Wing which has been ensuring, since 1 August, air space defence operations over the skies of the Baltic Republics under NATO control.
Thanks to the cooperation of all the staff of the Task Force Air – 36th Wing, basically to Šiauliai in Lithuania, On 23 September, the first charity initiative in aid of the local area took place Mallow Association“ which brings together women, men and, above all, Ukrainian children who have had to leave their country devastated by an unjust and protracted war of oppression.
Subsequently, on the 28th of October, a meeting was held at the Šiauliai orphanage with the young residents of the family home. The visit took place on the occasion of the delivery of some gifts requested by the facility itself to support the children with the greatest difficulties. For the children it was a moment of distraction from their routine and an opportunity to satisfy their great curiosity. The youngsters asked questions of the pilots and specialists of the Italian Air Force, who explained the flight helmet used on the aircraft Eurofighter Typhoon.
On Wednesday 30 October, a delegation of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers from the 36th Wing Task Force Air donated medicines and food to a compatriot in difficulty who has been living in Siauliai for several years.
Considering solidarity a key and widely shared element of its mission, the Task Force Air 36th Wing it continued to be active, such as through the support offered to the Šiauliai hospital on 18 November, when medical supplies specifically requested for the management of young patients were delivered.
Another moment dedicated to those most in need was the visit to the paediatric ward of Kaunas hospital on 20 November. On this occasion, the small TFA delegation donated toys and stationery to the children present.
All these activities were also made possible thanks to the recycling of plastic bottles started from the very first day of deployment, which allowed not only for solidarity but also for respecting and safeguarding the environment.
It Colonel Michele Nasto, on various occasions, emphasised that: “Our personnel are here not only to ensure your safety but also to help those in need. The Italian Air Force's commitment to local communities represents a virtuous example of how the Italian Armed Forces play a fundamental role not only in the defence of the country, but also in promoting cooperation through initiatives for the people, of solidarity and support for those most in need. Our mission in this goes far beyond our institutional duty and allows us to return home satisfied at having served our country, but also humanely enriched.”
Italy participates in the missions of Baltic Air Policing of NATO for the defence of the Alliance's borders in the skies over the Baltic states, Iceland, Romania, Bulgaria, Poland, Albania and Montenegro. Since 1 August, the Italian Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoons along with their pilots, technicians and specialists (a total of around 130 personnel from the 36th Wing of Gioia del Colle, 4th Wing of Grosseto, 37th Wing of Trapani and 51st Wing of Istrana, with the contribution of other Armed Force units) have been guaranteeing, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the defence of the airspace of the three Baltic republics. In around four months, the Air Task Force has carried out a total of more than 1,000 flight hours, with 31 Alpha Scrambles (actual Air Defence interventions).
The activities carried out in the Operational Theatre are conducted under the command and control of Joint Operations Command, which is the Defence High Command responsible for the planning, coordination and direction of joint exercises and operations at national and international level.
