Colonel Antonino Monaco succeeded Colonel Luca Bianciardi. In his farewell address to the staff, Colonel Bianciardi, with a sense of deep emotion at the conclusion of a brief but intense period of command, made it clear that “The Air Task Force represents a successful model of the inter-service military instrument, where the assets of different knowledge and skills are effectively integrated.. The TFA – the outgoing Commander added – Thanks to the planned infrastructure interventions, it has also increased the reception capacities for transit personnel, reducing their time of stay. All the departments of the Department, – concluded Colonel Bianciardi –They have contributed in synergy to achieving the assigned objectives, combining operationality and safety while achieving levels of excellence in the support activities for operations in Afghanistan”. In taking up his duties, Colonel Monaco pointed out that “the TFA to be a special strategic Department, unique in that it constitutes an ideal gateway for the Afghan theater calling on the personnel of the Defense and the entire system of the country to operate. “The professionalism, commitment, timing, and even the daily smile of the men and women of TFA –the incoming Commander added – they contribute to creating an environment of indispensable efficiency in the activities carried out by everyone away from home. The challenges that await the Department, "In conclusion," concluded Colonel Monaco – They will only be brilliantly overcome if we continue to operate within the path already traced, as a united team, with unity of purpose, never forgetting how important it is to bring those operational and human capabilities that have always positively distinguished the “peace soldier” of Italy to foreign lands.”. At the conclusion of the Ceremony, General of the Air Division Caputo, delivering the greeting of the COI Commander, General of the Corps of the Army Marco Bertolini, expressed his utmost appreciation to Colonel Bianciardi for the professionalism, passion and spirit of service with which he succeeded in completing the assigned mission. In this regard, he highlighted the significant contribution made in the implementation of infrastructure works aimed at ensuring a more comfortable transit for our military and providing healthcare facilities more suited to the needs of medical evacuations. Wishing Colonel Monaco good work, General Caputo finally expressed his satisfaction with the important and intense activity of the TFA, which will represent a new challenge for the new Commander. The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Giorgio Starace, and the Military Attaché for Defense, Colonel Francesco Tinagli.
