On Tuesday, 18 January, the change of command ceremony took place at the Otranto Air Force Detachment between the outgoing Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Francesco Ferente, and the incoming Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Bruno Centonze.
At the event, presided over by Brigadier General Romeo Paternò, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Schools/3rd Air Region in Bari, which took place in strict adherence to the precautionary measures imposed by the health emergency related to COVID-19, military, civil, and religious authorities from the area participated, including Monsignor Donato Negro, Archbishop of Otranto, and the town's Mayor, Dr. Pierpaolo Cariddi.
Lieutenant Colonel Francesco Ferente has handed over command after a remarkable seven and a half years at the helm of the Department to take up a new role at the 61st Wing in Lecce.
During his speech, Lieutenant Colonel Ferente, while thanking all personnel for their collaboration, the support always provided, and the professionalism consistently shown, emphasised that during his command he “always putting being before appearing, favouring concreteness and above all human relationships […] doing one’s duty, always accompanied by a fair amount of humanity, common sense and politeness […] listening to everyone, in an incessant dialogue to understand problems, seek solutions, understand and correct mistakes, always enthusiastically supporting human beings, the person. This should be the strength of authority that nourishes Institutions ”...".
Lieutenant Colonel Centonze, in turn, in his inaugural address, wished to emphasise how strong and indissoluble his bond is with the land of Otranto, not only because of his Salentinian origins but, above all, due to past professional experiences within the scope of Integrated Air Defence Missiles.
In conclusion of his speech, a fundamental passage was the one addressed to the men and women of the Detachment: “We face great challenges, and we will rise to meet and overcome them, even in this difficult historical moment we are living through.”
General Paternò – thanking Lieutenant Colonel Ferente for having led the Detachment with passionate participation, continued dedication, and firm resolve – remarked:”A change at the head of a Department is a natural event in its life. Indeed, it continues the thread of continuity in sharing the values and ideals that form the foundation upon which our Armed Force is based. At the same time, new life and energy are ensured, stemming from the different experiences of the successive Commanders, thus increasing the professionalism of the personnel and making room for new ideas, which foster the dynamism and growth of the Department which is called upon daily to respond to new challenges.”Finally, he extended his best wishes to Lt. Col. Centonze: “In your command role you will be able to count on the unconditional support of the Schools Command and the backing of the entire Armed Force. I am equally certain that you will be able to rely on the generous and capable participation of all personnel.”.
The Air Detachment was established on 1st July 2012 following the reorganisation measures adopted by the Air Force. It is a newly formed entity stemming 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 Force Detachment reports to the Command of the Air Force Schools/3rd Air Region.
The mission assigned to the Otranto Aeronautical Detachment is to carry out its responsibilities concerning the regulations for the management of organisations that, within the Ministry of Defence, carry out social protection activities for members of the Armed Forces and their families, and at the same time ensure logistical and administrative support for the 136th Remote Radar Squadron of Otranto.
