51st Wing: Change of command

Thursday 27 June, at the “Vittorio Bragadin” military airport, home of 51st Fighter Wing, Istrana, the handover ceremony took place between Colonel Pilot Emanuele Chiadroni (Outgoing Commander) and the Colonel Pilot Fabio De Luca (Incoming commander).

Adorned by the presence of a vast audience of local civil, military, and institutional authorities and by some decorated Colours Gold Medal for Military Valour, including the Flag of the city of Treviso and the Gonfalons of the city of Vittorio Veneto, the University of Padua and the city of Bassano del Grappa, which with their presence once again bore witness to the solid proximity to the Air Force Department based in the Treviso region; the ceremony was presided over by Commander of the 1st Air Division and of the Milan Combat Forces Command, Air Squad General Luigi Del Bene. 

With the unit's personnel in attendance, the change of command was sealed by the symbolic handover of the unit's War Flag between Colonel Chiadroni and Colonel De Luca, decorated with Gold and Silver Medals for Military Valour and of the’The Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

In his farewell speech, the Colonel Chiadroni he addressed the ward staff thus: “To the women and men of the 51st Wing, I say thank you for the trust, loyalty, selflessness, and unquestionable professionalism that you have consistently shown me. The love you have for this Unit can be felt in the air. My gratitude also goes to all the Wing personnel who are engaged in international missions; I am proud and honoured of you, because in every circumstance you have demonstrated commitment, sacrifice, and great competence.”.Continuing, he then added: “When I took command two years ago, I promised you that we would begin working together to convey a clear and compelling vision for the 51st Wing, one that was focused on the mission and on achieving our institutional tasks, and why not, on the growth and improvement of us all, both as military personnel, and as women and men of sound principles! This is how it has been. In acknowledging this, I tell you that I will miss you all.”Concluding his speech, he then remarked: “We threw caution to the wind, sparing no effort, in order to achieve our goals and bring even more glory to our beautiful family! I will carry this difficult but exciting experience with me forever! Long live the 51st Wing.”.

It Colonel De Luca, in his/her inaugural speech, wanted to address “A respectful and moved greeting, to the highly decorated War Flag of the Wing, as well as to the fallen who, in the line of duty, made the ultimate sacrifice. May their example and their values guide us in our daily commitment to the defence of the Fatherland and of free institutions.”Turning then to the civil and military authorities: “You have chosen to further enhance, with your presence, this brief but significant episode in the history of the 51st Wing.”. Finishing his speech, he addressed the staff thus: “During my shadowing period, you welcomed me with genuine affection, demonstrating incredible professionalism on a daily basis. I say this with deep respect: you have always been an absolute benchmark among the glorious Departments of the Air Force, and knowing I can count on your extraordinary qualities will be an even greater incentive for me in facing the challenges that the future holds for us!”.

To close the speeches was the General of Good who first paid a respectful salute to the highly decorated War Flag of the 51st Fighter Wing, directing a moving thought to the fallen who honoured it with their ultimate sacrifice in service of the Homeland, before adding: “The mission continuity that a Department expresses implies a collective effort that you have brilliantly achieved, always proving yourselves ready and exceptionally trained, and successfully meeting the numerous challenges that arose, both operational and during last year's Centenary.”Entering into the specifics of the work carried out by Col. Chiadroni, he underlined: “To Emanuele, I say: Well done! You have managed to create stability in the work environment and you have believed in your people. As Commander, I believe you have excellently interpreted your role with pride, firmness, balance, and humility, acting effectively in successfully seeking the completion of the multiple tasks and objectives assigned. You will face your new assignment enriched by a unique and exciting experience, which you will know how to treasure to support the operational activities of the Armed Forces from the centre.”. Finally, Colonel De Luca offered the following thought: “I am certain that you, Fabio, with the skills, competencies, and motivation which I know, will enthusiastically embrace the challenges of your new role and lead the 51st Wing to ever-greater successes.”. 

The ceremony concluded with the traditional signing of the Guest Book and exchange of crests.

It 51st Wing of Istrana is employed by Combat Forces Command (CFC) In Milan, whose assigned mission is to acquire and maintain the operational readiness of all air defence, attack, and reconnaissance bodies, ensuring the operational efficiency of weapon systems, equipment, and materials, as well as personnel training and the constant updating and optimisation of operational procedures, in compliance with the guidelines of the Air Force Command. The CFC reports to the Air Squadra Command, which exercises the powers regarding the training, preparation, and operational readiness of its Departments, so that they acquire and maintain the expected levels of operational readiness. The 51st Wing, equipped with F2000 aircraft, in addition to supporting surface forces and carrying out attack and reconnaissance operations, is one of the 5 Wings of the Air Force that ensure national air defence and service of Quick Reaction Alert of the NATO.