Thursday 15 April, the handover ceremony with General Inspector Pasquazzi, in the presence of the Logistics Commander, Air Marshal Marani.
General Pasquazzi is leaving his post after approximately one year due to reaching the age limit. In his farewell speech, General Pasquazzi wished to express some reflections and guidance resulting from his extensive experience in the Air Force. “...Firstly, I believe it is fundamental to remember the dignity inherent in the figure of the Medical Officer, and the Air Force Medical Officer in particular. This role encompasses multiple activities and skills aimed at human well-being, which is the constant focus of professional commitment, and at the same time contributes fully and seamlessly to the optimal functioning of the Armed Force's organisational system...”, he then addressed his personnel saying “...I now wish to express my profound gratitude to all my collaborators who, in their various areas of expertise, have managed to create the necessary synergies, have provided indispensable support to my work, and have practically formed a team that at the various levels of the organisation has consistently pursued institutional objectives with a spirit of service...”; finally, a thought for his successor: “In the past, we collaborated together in complete harmony, particularly in laying the foundations that have enabled the Flight Test Centre's Medical Department to achieve its current levels of excellence; everyone here knows your professional worth and your management skills; the staff of the Health Service will undoubtedly provide you with all the support and expertise necessary to carry out your institutional duties, confident that you will earn their unconditional respect.
General Tomao said he has taken on ”the prestigious role of Head of the Health Service of the Logistic Command, well aware of the responsibility this entails and of the particular commitment required to operate effectively in such a delicate task”. After thanking General Pasquazzi, he emphasised, “...the drive towards the future, towards innovation, has been the key to understanding my commitment which, not by chance, has developed, in a decisive part, in the research and experimental sector. Tradition and innovation, the former a solid basis for the momentum of the latter, are the guiding principles to which I intend to inspire my actions. And they are, I believe, the best path to success, as exemplarily demonstrated by Aeronautical Medicine, born from the insights of our Founders of the last century and today projected towards goals that, it can be confidently said, extend to the space sector. In this vision, my opinion is that investment in young people, in new energies that can bring enthusiasm and renewed commitment to the vital organism of the Armed Force, is crucial. With this spirit, we can face the evolution of the times, the new needs and the transformations that affect the military instrument and, therefore, also the reality of the Armed Force and its health organisation”.
General Marani, speaking at the conclusion of the ceremony, thanked General Pasquazzi for his service and for the long period he had spent wearing the blue uniform. He then highlighted the importance of the role played by the Medical Corps in ensuring the continued performance and physical and mental well-being of Armed Forces personnel, a role which is becoming increasingly significant given the evolution of aviation and the Air Force. Finally, General Marani extended a warm welcome to General Tomao, wishing him every success in his new role. General Tomao, born in Piglio (Frosinone) in 1953, graduated in Medicine and Surgery in 1979 from the University of Rome and subsequently obtained specialist qualifications in ’Cardiovascular Diseases“ and ”Occupational Medicine“. Having attended the Reserve Officers” Course of the Air Force Medical Corps, he was initially posted to the Headquarters of the 2nd Air Region in Rome. From 1982 to 1984, he served as Wing Medical Officer for the 15th SAR (Search and Rescue) Wing. From 1985 to 2001, he was at the ‘Aldo di Loreto’ Institute of Forensic Medicine in Rome, where he held the posts of Head of the Cardiac – Respiratory Tests, Head of the Cardiology Department, Head of the Occupational Medicine Department, Head of the General Medicine Department and Head of the Professional Aeromedical Centre. Assigned in 2001 to the Experimental Flight Centre at Pratica di Mare (Rome), he first took up the post of Head of the Coordination, Studies and Technical Verification Office within the Aerospace Medicine Department and subsequently that of Head of Department. In 2007, he was transferred to the Defence General Staff, where he held the post of Deputy Head of the General Office for Military Health. General Tomao has been awarded the Gold Cross for Length of Service, the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Officer class), the “Cifra d’Onore” badge from the Presidency of the Republic, the NATO Medal for the former Yugoslavia and the NATO Kosovo Medal.
