Tuesday, April 28th, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, Air Force Corps General Antonio Conserva, he went on an official visit to 9th Wing “Francesco Baracca” of Grazzanise. The event marked an important moment for institutional dialogue regarding the operational capabilities and infrastructural development of the Department.
Received by the Wing Commander, Colonel Davide Verdolini, General Conserva also presided over the inauguration of the new building of the 21st Flying Group Command. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the Commander of the 1st BAOS, Air Brigadier General Diego Sismondini, and the Commander of the 2nd Air Force Engineering Department, Colonel Andrea Boccassino.
The new infrastructure has been designed to optimise the working conditions for personnel and enhance the Group's logistical effectiveness. During the ceremony, the Chief of SMA reiterated how adapting the facilities is an essential enabling factor for guaranteeing the Armed Force's operational readiness.
Subsequently, General Conserva visited the logistic and operational areas of the Wing, meeting with aircrew, specialists and support technicians. During the update briefing, Colonel Verdolini outlined the current training programmes and future capability developments of the Department, with particular reference to Aerial Support for Special Operations (ASSO), to Personnel Recovery and activities of Slow Mover Interceptor.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force therefore expressed appreciation for the professionalism shown by the men and women of the Department, underlining the strategic importance of the Department: «The 9th Wing's role is today more than ever peculiar and complex, a specific characteristic that requires the utmost attention in the process of acquiring and maintaining operational qualifications and capabilities. However, this excellence is not the result of individuals, but is based on the support of all the units within the Wing: our elite operational capability is only possible thanks to those who continue to operate daily at home to guarantee the logistical and operational effort necessary to support our every mission. The future of the Armed Force – he concluded – inevitably goes through a strategy of targeted investments, starting first and foremost with human capital and a rigorous training and selection process.»
The 9th Wing, equipped with assets HH-101A and integrated by the operators S.T.O.S. (Special Operations Tactical Support) ensures the conduct of Special Air Operations and search and recovery in hostile territories. The Department also guarantees emergency medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and contributes to the security of overseas deployments and the protection of major national events.
On the staff of the 1st Special Operations Air Brigade, the Wing reports to Air Squadron Command-1st Air Region in Milan.
