Last 10 April 2025, Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of the Allied Joint Force Command of Naples (JFC Naples), Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Africa, held a “lecture” for all Academy attendees at the Officers' Club entitled: “Leadership at your level.
The Lecture was introduced by Commander of the Air Force Academy, Aereo Generale di Divisione Luigi Casali, who in presenting the illustrious guest, highlighted his extremely high military profile and his dual role as Commander of the US Navy and NATO.
Admiral Munsch began his speech with a brief overview of the role and importance of leadership in command action at all levels. Drawing on his personal experience as a United States Navy Officer and NATO Commander, he broke down leadership into some fundamental elements, such as trust (Trustthe skillscompetenceand success (Successand underlined how leadership is not just a matter of authority or rank, but is above all responsibility, vision and service. At the end of the speech, there was a question time period, during which the Academy attendees had the opportunity to ask Admiral Munsch questions on various topics.
The visit by the Commander of JFC Naples represented an important opportunity for professional growth for the students of the Air Force Academy, offering them a perspective on leadership based on the real experiences of a long-serving Officer.
Before leaving the Air Force Academy, Admiral Munsch signed the guestbook, received the traditional penguin of the 1st Course as a gift, and underwent the traditional tie-cutting ceremony by the “Nobile Calotta”. The motto that the Admiral had embroidered on his tie was particularly appreciated: “PENGUINS are our FUTURE”, in testimony to the importance of the Institute in training future Commanders.
The Air Force Academy is under the command of the Italian Air Force Schools Command/3rd Air Region. It is a higher education military institute of a university nature, tasked with recruiting and training young people who aspire to become Officers in the Italian Air Force. By attending the Academy's Regular Courses, one can become a Second Lieutenant in the Permanent Active Service of the Air Force, in the normal Navigating Officer branch (pilots) and in the Normal Branch of the Air Force Weapons, Aviation Engineering Corps, Air Force Supply Corps, and Air Force Medical Corps. Courses are also held at the institute for Reserve and Fixed-Term Officer Pilot and Navigator Cadets and directly appointed Second Lieutenants (both Normal and Special Branches); finally, the Academy's Study Plan includes specialised aviation courses for foreign personnel and personnel from other Armed Forces.
