The 1st Air Force Engineers Department of Villafranca di Verona hosted the change of command ceremony between Colonel Stefano Gioia and Colonel Maurizio Verde.
Thursday 22 September, at the 1st Air Force Engineer Regiment of Villafranca in Verona, The ceremony of handover between Colonel Stefano Gioia and Colonel Maurizio Verde took place.
The handover was presided over by the Head of the Infrastructure Service of the Logistic Command, Brigadier General Mario Sciandra.
The event, held in the presence of the Director General of Public Works and State Property, Major General Giancarlo Gambardella, was also attended by the Commander of the 3rd Wing, Colonel Paolo Tamburro, and the Commanders and representatives of the bodies co-located on the Villafranca airport grounds and the Verona territory.
In his farewell speech, Colonel Gioia thanked the military authorities present and those who, three years prior, had asked him if he was available to become Commander of the 1st Engineering Regiment, thereby giving him the opportunity to have a unique professional and human experience.
Continuing his speech, Col. Gioia did not wish to mention the numerous activities carried out, which have “great and profound appreciation from the Armed Forces leadership for the work of the Department and of the subordinate 27th Field Engineer Group”, but expressed his gratitude to all the staff for the commitment, dedication, professionalism and collaboration shown.“You are an extraordinary department, what you have achieved is right before your eyes, every single day. I am sincerely proud of you.
Subsequently, Colonel Verde, in his speech, thanked the Superior Authorities for the trust shown in entrusting him with the role, and Colonel Gioia and the previous Commanders present at the ceremony.“for having placed the Department in a position of absolute excellence within the Italian Armed Forces”.
Addressing the staff, he outlined the imminent challenges facing the Department, aimed at ensuring maximum infrastructural logistical support for the operational bodies of the Air Force. “In a successful organisation, how can the 1st Engineer Department be considered? Radical changes from the past are not necessary, but rather continuous adjustments to transformations and evolutions that, even in the future, will allow the infrastructural component, most engaged on the “front line”, to carry out its technical-administrative functions competently, effectively and rapidly, and to support the Bodies and Departments so that they can express their operational capabilities, which are also our operational capabilities. He finally stressed the importance of valuing staff and protecting their safety in the workplace.
Brigadier General Sciandra then took the floor, thanking Colonel Gioia for the enthusiasm and composure he managed to combine with his undisputed professionalism, and for succeeding, despite the difficulties linked to the pandemic situation, in ensuring the “infrastructure objectives of the Armed Force, masterfully placing them in the reality of the Department”.
Addressing Colonel Verde, he highlighted the formidable challenges that await him in the near future as head of the 1st Engineer Regiment for the implementation of “The ”Blue Airports Project", which in practical terms will translate into better support for operations; increased energy and structural resilience; improved staff well-being; and a focus on environmental protection.
Finally, General Sciandra addressed the department's personnel, asking them to ensure maximum support for the incoming Commander. “so that together you can continue to demonstrate the levels of excellence you have accustomed us to.”.
The 1st Air Force Engineers Department is under the command of the Infrastructure Service of the AM Logistic Command. and in some aspects also depends on the Directorate of Works and State Property of Segredifesa. The Department handles studies, investigations, designs, tenders and the execution of works necessary to ensure the functionality of operational infrastructure for the Air Force, both within its area of responsibility (Northern Italy) and outside national borders. The works are carried out through contracts with external companies or directly managed; in the latter case, with the military and civilian personnel of the subordinate 27th Field Engineering Group. The Department also ensures second-level maintenance of on-site and off-site Power Generator Groups and the training and instruction of technical personnel. In addition to the aforementioned Field Engineering Group, the 1st Engineering Department is responsible for the Detached Technical Services for Infrastructure (SS.TT.DD.II.) in Cameri (101st), Ghedi (102nd), Istrana (108th) and Poggio Renatico (113th) and their respective Off-Site Works Sections in Parma, Piacenza, Aviano and Cervia.
