The ceremony took place in the presence of the Commander of the Schools of the AM/3rd Air Region
The event took place at the Teatro Hall of’Air Force Academy, In the presence of Air Force General Silvano Frigerio, the traditional ceremony of Delivery of the spading tools to 92 Students of the 1st Regular Course.
The welcoming of the civil and military authorities and the families of the young trainees was carried out by Commander of the Air Force Academy, General of the Air Division Luigi Casali: “[…] The delivery of Spadino represents an important handover of responsibilities, traditions, and values that are passed down from generation to generation among the members of the Academy of Aeronautics. It is an exhilarating moment in the life of every student, one that brings feelings of pride for having successfully completed a particularly challenging selection and training process; enthusiasm for the future challenges still to be faced; respect for all of the fellow course members with whom a unique bond is developing that will be strengthened during this journey; colleagues with whom you share not only the difficulties but also the satisfactions and emotions you are experiencing during these first months of the Academy.”At the conclusion of his speech, the General Casali he complimented all the visitors: “Continue on this path with the same determination, willpower and passion, never resting on our laurels; the journey ahead of you is not easy, but it will allow you to experience a unique and exciting experience by exploring new domains using technologically advanced means, always at the service of our country.”.
Subsequently, after the blessing by the Military Chaplain, the students of the 1st Course received the assignment from the Aspirants of the third class (Centauro VI). Spadino, the emblem of the young cadet of the Military Academies, as well as a symbol of the commitment to uphold the ideals of loyalty, courage, and a sense of duty that will accompany them throughout their military life, First as a student at the Academy and then throughout their entire careers.
To witness the strong and unbreakable bond that unites the different generations were present the Air Force General Francesco Vestito, Chief Course of the Eolo IV and Major Annamaria Tribuna, Chief Course of the Eolo V.
During the ceremony, the following were also presented:
• The “Professor Valentino Losito” scholarships, named in memory of the distinguished professor of General Aeronautics at the Air Academy;
• the “Città di Pozzuoli – Aquila d’Oro” award, presented by Mayor Luigi Manzoni and established by the Municipality of Pozzuoli in favor of two frequenters (one of whom is a foreigner) who have distinguished themselves particularly in the study of the sciences of flight;
• the merit badges and the sports merit badges to the Sublieutenants, Aspirants and Cadets who distinguished themselves for commitment, discipline, reliability and results in their studies and in the various sports disciplines.
At the end of the award ceremony, the Commander of the Air Force Schools / 3rd Air Region General Frigerio “The delivery of Spadino symbolizes in a concrete and tangible way access to the first class of the regular courses of the Academy, after passing very selective competitive exams that required motivation, commitment and not inconsiderable sacrifices.”.
Before concluding his remarks“As Commander of the Schools, I am convinced that we must continue with determination to invest in human capital – the only true asset of the effects of Aerospace Power – through its training, in order to develop its skills, critical thinking, analytical ability and leadership, continuously improving the training programs to continue the “flight towards the future”, as the motto of the Centenary of the Italian Air Force that we celebrated throughout the year and that is about to end reads.”.
In the evening, the traditional “Pingue” award ceremony took place, one of the most significant moments for the cadets of the first regular course. With this event, rich in tradition, the “Pingue” course receives an official welcome into the Academy from the senior cadets of the second year and, more generally, from the Air Force.
This ceremony marks the culmination of a process that lasted months of preparation between the Senior Course and the first course, which features its traditional symbols: the rosary, the penguin and the patch.
There was no lack of moments of solidarity: a charity raffle was organized, the proceeds of which were donated to promote the “A gift from heaven for AIRC (Italian Association for Cancer Research), promoted by the Arma Aeronautica Association.
The Air Academy is subordinate to the Command of the Schools of the Air Force/3rd Air Region. It is a military institute of higher education with the task of providing recruitment and training for young people who aspire to become Officers of the Air Force. By attending the Regular Courses at the Academy, one can become Sublieutenants in the Regular Service of the Air Force, in the Normal Navigational Role (pilots) and in the Normal Role of Weapons, the Air Corps, the Corps of Commissariat Aeronautique and the Air Medical Corps. Furthermore, the Institute also offers courses for Officer Trainees (Supplementary Pilots and Fixed-Term Pilots) and Sublieutenants by direct appointment (both in the Normal Role and the Special Role); finally, in the Study Plan of the Academy, courses with a specialized aeronautical focus are provided for foreign personnel and other Armed Forces.
