On Monday 18 April, Admiral Binelli Mantelli, during his transit through Afghanistan, visited the Air Task Force. After a brief welcome address, the Commander of the ATF, Colonel Claudio Icardi, explained the mission, activities and capabilities of the Unit, which ensures the flow of personnel and materials to and from the Operational Theatres, as well as the evacuation of wounded or sick personnel from the Theatre to Italy, through the use of C-130J aircraft. Admiral Binelli Mantelli visited the Unit's sections, focusing on the tasks of the Joint Multimodal Operations Unit (JMOU), the joint unit that manages the transit of materials, vehicles and personnel from Italy to the Operational Theatre. The JMOU's activity, known as ‘multimodal transport’ (sea-land-air), is carried out in the UAE through both the Port of Jebel Ali (Dubai) and local cargo airports. Throughout 2010, 57,000 passengers and a total of 9,000 tonnes were managed. Particular appreciation was also extended to the Flying Group, which operates and maintains the self-protected C-130 J aircraft, which have flown approximately 3,000 hours per year (800 flights), equivalent to one third of the overall activity of the 46th Air Brigade in Pisa. The visit concluded with the exchange of crests and Admiral Binelli Mantelli signing the Book of Honour. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the effective and professional support work carried out daily by the ATF and its personnel for the Operational Theatres.
