The “Dual Use” characteristics of the 3rd Air Wing were illustrated on Wednesday, June 20th, when the Prefect of Verona, Dr. Salvatore Mulas, and other local civil and military authorities visited the 3rd Air Wing in Villafranca di Verona (VR). After customary formalities, the Wing Commander, Colonel Pietro Spagnoli, held an informative briefing on the activities carried out by the Wing in the field of Projection Logistics, for which the 3rd Air Wing represents a unique feature within the Armed Forces. The Prefectural Authority and the other guests present were briefed on the capabilities that the 3rd Air Wing expresses daily, in Operational Theatres both national and international, in the context of “Joint & Combined” operations. Colonel Spagnoli outlined the organization and activities of the Department, placing particular emphasis on military operational capabilities that are best suited to dual use, that is, to possible deployment in both the military and civilian dimensions. In detail, some of the main activities carried out by the Air Wing within the framework of the national response to populations affected by emergencies in the event of natural disasters were described, from the establishment of ’Helicopter Landing Zones (HAL)“ complete with essential services for their operation (air traffic information services, firefighting, fuel supply, the construction and management of operational rooms of ”Command and Control (C2)“), to the various ”Real Life Support (RLS)“ capabilities provided (for example, in Amatrice following the 2016 earthquake).
