Celebration of the tenth anniversary of the establishment of the Otranto Air Force Detachment
Friday 1 July 2022, The Otranto Aeronautical Detachment celebrated 10 years since its formation. For the occasion, Lieutenant Colonel Bruno Centonze, CCommander of the Detachment, presided over the general flag-raising ceremony, which was attended by all military and civilian personnel on duty, former Commanders, the standard and members of the Air Force Association, retired personnel and a military representation from the 136th Remote Radar Squadron A.M. of Otranto; the latter, together with the Aeronautical Detachment, was established following the issue of the Directive Circular that on July 1st, 2012, ordered the closure of 32° Gr.R.A.M. “Volpe”.
During his speech, Lt Col Centonze thanked the assembled staff for their loyalty to the Unit and the Salento region, which is always strong in the personnel who have served at the Otranto base.
Within the framework of the anniversary, the Unveiling ceremony of aircraft drift MB-339 which has found its place again in Piazzale Bandiera, following the restyling work carried out at 10th Aircraft Maintenance Unit of Galatina (LE).
Lieutenant Colonel Bruno Centonze and the President of the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks, 1st Lieutenant Sperti Carlo, discovered the aircraft replica which represents, ideologically, the indispensable link between the past and the present of the Idruntino unit. On the rear side of the tail, the past history of the organisation is evident with the logo of the 55th anniversary of the birth of the A.M. Radar Group, while on the front side the symbols linked to the new badge of the Unit are clearly identifiable: the Torre del Serpe, a symbol of the city, the first dawn in Italy, with the sun emerging from the sea and the Fox which has always been a reminder of the Air Force in “terra d’Otranto”.
Beyond the logo of the Centenary of the Italian Air Force. a commemorative plaque has been placed for the event which reads “On the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Department. To the commitment and passion of those who contributed to the establishment and prestige of the Otranto Aeronautical Detachment. Love for one's work allows one to achieve unexpected goals. Otranto 01.07.2012 – 01.07.2022“.
The Aviation Detachment was founded on 1 July 2012 Following the reorganisation measures adopted by the Italian Air Force. It is a newly established entity resulting from the reorganisation of the 32nd Radar Group into the 136th Remote Radar Squadron.
Today, in light of the new organisational structure of the Armed Forces, the Air Detachment reports to the Command of the Air Force Schools/3rd Air Region.
The mission assigned to Otranto Air Detachment This is to provide for the competences relating to the management of organisations that, within the Defence Administration, carry out social protection activities for members of the Armed Forces and their families and, at the same time, ensure logistical and administrative support to 136th Remote Radar Squadron of Otranto.
