It took place on Monday, 10 November, at “E. Comani” Airport, the headquarters of 70° Stormo “G. C. Graziani” of Latina, the inauguration ceremony for the new airport entrance, in the presence of Commander of Air Force Schools/3rd Air Region, Air Force General Francesco Vestito, by civil, military and religious authorities.
The ceremony represented a moment of strong symbolic and institutional value, testifying to the constant commitment of the Air Force in the process of infrastructural modernisation, aimed at improving the functionality, safety, and efficiency of workspaces, with particular attention to the environmental impact and the quality of life of personnel.
In his speech, the General Francesco Vestito, after recalling the Air Brigadier General Simone Mettini and the’Trainee Pilot Lorenzo Nucheli, who recently lost their lives during a training mission, wishing the newly installed success in their work Commander of the 70th Wing, highlighted the symbolic and human value of the work, placing it within the broader evolutionary path of the Armed Force: “This new entrance represents not only an infrastructural work but is the concrete symbol of a path of renewal and growth that embraces people, values, and skills. The 70th Wing is a place where the dream of flight becomes reality thanks to the daily commitment of instructors, technicians, and young students who choose to serve the country with professionalism and passion. Continuing his address, General Vestito remarked how innovation and tradition represent the fundamental pairing of the Italian Air Force's identity, an armed force capable of renewing itself without ever losing its connection to its history: “Every step towards innovation must be founded on the solid roots of history and tradition: this is the essence of our Air Force, capable of looking to the future without forgetting the value of those who came before us.”
Next, the new Commander of the 70th Wing, Colonel Pilot Ambrogio Zanette, who has been in command of the Wing since 8 October. In his speech, Commander Zanette expressed his gratitude to the authorities and to all those who took part in the ceremony, and stressed how the new entrance represents not only a modern and functional infrastructure, but also a concrete sign of the attention and care that the Armed Force dedicates to its personnel: ’This is a place not only for military personnel and visitors, but above all for those who choose flight as their calling and profession, ready to test themselves and serve the country with dedication, pushing their limits.”
A significant part of the speech highlighted the deep connection between the Department and the local community: “This entrance is the calling card of the 70th Wing, but it is also a clear sign of our openness and the strong bond that unites us to the region, to the community that hosts us and supports us with esteem and trust.”
Commander Zanette then expressed his sincere thanks also to all those who contributed to the completion of the work, in particular the 8th Field Engineering Group of the 2nd Air Force Engineering Department, the Directorate General of Works and State Property (GENIODIFE), and the Infrastructure Service, for the expertise, coordination, and support provided throughout the entire construction process.
He concluded his speech by highlighting how the new entrance is the result of a collective effort based on planning, vision, and team spirit, a project that enhances the tradition of the Italian Air Force and projects the 70th Wing towards the future challenges of training. A final thought was dedicated to the men and women of the 70th Wing, recognised as the true engine of excellence, professionalism, and dedication in service to the country.
It 70th Wing it is subordinate to the Italian Air Force Schools Command and 3a The Air Region is based in Bari, and for over sixty years it has fulfilled its institutional duties of selecting and training future military pilots for the Air Force, other Armed Forces, and State Armed Corps, as well as cadets from other nations. The Pontine Flying School has issued, to date, beyond 15,000 pilot licences, making a total of approximately 500,000 flight hours.
