The mission of the Air Riflemen in the entire Afghan operational theater began on August 31, 2005
The “Air Gunners” unit of the Air Force was created with the task of ensuring the protection of the airfields of the Armed Forces within the national territory and guaranteeing the safety and protection of personnel, aircraft and materials, as well as installations and infrastructure within military bases during deployments outside national borders.
Deployed in Afghanistan at the Forward Support Base (FSB) of the military airport “Camp Arena” in Herat, the men and women of the 16th and 9th Squadrons guarantee, together with the personnel of the Army, security within the perimeter of the Base (Force Protection). In particular, the “Air Gunners” have been tasked with reconnaissance, internal and external patrolling of the airport, escorting the personnel of the FSB Task Forces, assisting the population, and not least, supporting the crews of the tactical transport aircraft of the Joint Air Task Force (JATF) of the Italian Air Force.
With the introduction in operational theatre of the STRIX-C remote-control mini systems, the “Air Rangers” have recently expanded the spectrum of missions assigned with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaisance (ISR) capabilities in support of external patrolling. These capabilities were tested with full success, notably during the recent visit of Prime Minister Letta to the Italian contingent in Afghanistan. On that occasion, the “Air Rangers” together with the other Force Protection assets ensured the smooth conduct of the visit in total safety by integrating various defense systems, such as ground patrols, STRIX-C aircraft, and, through the coordination of a “FAC” (Forward Air Controller) asset, other aircraft assets.
A continuous effort inserted in a difficult international context, where the professionalism and the sacrifices of the Air Force personnel have always been recognized by the commanders and the gratitude of the men and women of the multinational military contingent that have succeeded each other over the years.
