Monday, July 27, 2026, the Colonel Andrea Placenti he took over from Colonel Massimo Maieron in the guide of the Capodichino Airport Command (NA). The ceremony, a fundamental moment in the life of the Department, was presided over by the Commander of the Mobility and Support Forces (CFMS) Air Vice-Marshal Alessandro De Lorenzo, This is a testament to the deep bond and the constant attention of the top leadership of the Armed Forces towards the Neapolitan military airport and its personnel.
It Colonel Maieron, In his farewell speech, he outlined a passionate assessment of his two years in command, listing the significant numbers that characterized the Department’s activities: including 1,000 support flights for medical evacuations, 600 support flights for forest fire missions (AIB), and the hosting of 800 delegates for G7-related summits. Summarizing his journey, the Colonel stated: “There is a time for everything, and today, the link that brings together sensations and feelings has as its common denominator the pride in what the Airport Command has done, in what we have done in these two years of Command.”.
Finally, the Colonel recalled the impressive infrastructure redevelopment work carried out and the commitment made to the city community, especially for the schools, with the aim of combating school drop-out rates and guiding young people towards healthy values and awareness of institutions.
To take over the baton, the Colonel Placenti that, in taking command, he expressed deep gratitude to the top echelons of the Air Force, describing the new assignment as an honor but, above all, a commitment to the Armed Forces and to a remarkable city like Naples.
The new Commander wanted to highlight the wealth of expertise that operates daily within the airport base, greeting the personnel of the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Group, the Technical Technical Office, the Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza, the State Police, the Fire Department, Canadair, 118 and the United States Navy.
By asking their staff for the courage of truth and an absolute intellectual loyalty, the Colonel Placenti he encapsulated the vision of his impending mission in a fundamental concept: “Serve not to occupy a position. Not to exercise authority. Not to receive recognition. Serve so that someone can do their job better. To put our skills at the disposal of others”. He then concluded by highlighting the essence of their daily mission: “Doing our duty well, a duty in which there is no choice, so that someone else can do their duty well. For me, this means serving to serve.”.
In his welcome address, the General De Lorenzo, Before closing his remarks, he first addressed Colonel Maieron, thanking him for the excellent work carried out leading the Airport Command: “IIn a constantly changing context, which has made achieving the goals more difficult – said – You have highlighted your leadership qualities and your ability to adapt to ensure the continuous operation and functionality of the Department. CThanks for the work done and best of luck with your new assignment.”.
Colonel Andrea Placenti, on the other hand, offered his best wishes for a fruitful and serene work: “The Armed Forces – he added – he recognized in you the necessary skills and competencies and entrusted you with a Great responsibility. I guarantee my personal support and that of the entire CFMS team to help you work in peace, aspiring to ever more ambitious goals. Good work.”.
It General De Lorenzo, Finally, he addressed the staff of the Capodichino Airport Command, the most important resource that a Commander has at their disposal, highlighting how the results achieved and unanimously recognized are predominantly the result of their work, of which they should be proud and proud. He congratulated the women and men of the Department, fully aware of the price of these results, the sacrifice they entail, and the constantly changing context in which they are often called upon to carry out their respective work, with a sense of responsibility and a spirit of initiative to achieve the goal. “I urge you to continue with unwavering commitment to pursuing excellence in everything you do” – he concluded – e I ask you to assure Colonel Placenti of the same passion, the same commitment and the same determination that you have assured Colonel Maieron.”.
The ceremony concluded in a climate of strong emotion, renewing the deep aeronautical values and confirming the Capodichino Airport Command as an essential element for the safety, rescue and vital support of the entire national system.
It Capodichino Airport Command (NA), It was designed and built at the time to become the headquarters of the Air Academy, then the operational base of the 4th Air Wing and the 4th Fighter Wing.a Aerobrigata Intercettori, as well as the 86th Anti-Bombs Group, provides today logistical support to several units located there (5th Aircraft Maintenance Group, Technical Office of Naples of the Directorate of Aeronautical Armament for Aeronavigability, 6th Flight Department of the State Police, Aerial Section of the Guardia di Finanza, Police and Guardia di Finanza canine units), as well as the U.S. Naval Support Activity and various U.S. Commands hosted on the military base of the airport, for which it guarantees the exercise of national sovereignty, oversees the implementation of bilateral agreements regarding the presence of U.S. units stationed or deployed at the airport, supervising their flight and operational activity, and serves as a liaison with national authorities at the local level.
As part of its services to the community, it also provides 24-hour flight line support, 365 days a year, for military and state flights, as well as for air transport of organs and patients in need of urgent care, often in imminent life-threatening situation (IPV).
It provides support for the educational activities carried out by the School of Specialists of the Italian Air Force in Caserta.
Capodichino Airport is under the control of the Air Force Command through the Command of the Forces for Mobility and Support.
