The Air Force detachment in Brindisi hosted the European Union multinational exercise
The exercise represents an important training moment in order to test and verify the actual interaction capabilities between the civilian and military components of the European External Action Service (EEAS), which is based in Brussels, through the use of the instruments and procedures available to the European Union for responding to potential international crises and their subsequent management.
In addition to Italy, representatives from the Czech Republic, Ireland, Germany, Bulgaria, Estonia, Austria, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Portugal are participating in the exercise for the command of the EU force.
The contribution offered by the Air Force, through the Brindisi detachment, is one of the contributions that made it possible to carry out the exercise, which, born under the aegis of the European Union, was coordinated and conducted by the Acqui Division, commanded by Brigadier General Roberto D’Alessandro.
The Salento detachment, in the days preceding the event, was transformed by the staff of the Acqui Division into a real training area, equipped with all the necessary services for the management of operations as well as logistical services, through the installation of 10 Argelli metal-structure tents, 8 shelterbags, 2 shower shelters, 40 inflatable tents for accommodation, 6 expandable shelters and 9 inflatable tents for office use.
In addition to providing logistical support for training activities, the Air Force participated in the exercise with personnel from the 2nd Stormo di Rivolto (UD), the 61st Stormo di Galatina (LE), the 3rd Stormo di Villafranca (VR), the Air Force Command of Rome, the 72nd Stormo di Frosinone, the 6th Stormo di Ghedi (BS) and the Combat Forces Command of Milan.
In total, about 300 men and women from the Italian Armed Forces and multinational companies, civil personnel, the Italian Red Cross, the Civil Protection Corps, and an AB-412 helicopter and AB-212 helicopters participated in the event, making it possible to conclude the training activity with a more than positive balance, as stated by the Commander of the Operational Forces of the Central-South Region, General of the Army Vincenzo Lops, during the Media Day held on Wednesday 24 October.
Among the various authorities present at the Vip day, organized the following day, were the Commander of the Inter-Service High-Level Operations Command (COI), General of the Army Marco Bertolini, and Dr. Agostino Miozzo, Director General of the Crisis Management Department in the European External Action Service (SEAE), who thanked the Air Force for the contribution provided.
The Brindisi Detachment, under the command of the Deputy Logistics Commander, provides support for the “peacekeeping” and humanitarian operations of the “United Nations Global Service Center” (UNGSC) and the “World Food Programme” (WFP), ensuring 24/7 air navigation services for civil aviation and assistance to NATO countries’ transit aircraft.
