Colonel Ferramondo takes over from Colonel Levante On Wednesday, 12 September, the change of command ceremony took place at the “U.Niutta” Airport Command in Naples Capodichino between the outgoing Commander, Colonel Luigi Levante, and the incoming Commander, Colonel Stefano Ferramondo, who comes from the Italian Military Aeronautical Representation in Washington D.C. (USA).
The handover ceremony, attended by numerous military and civilian authorities, personnel from U.S. Naval Support Activity, the Banner of the City of Naples and the Standards of local Veterans' and Service Associations, was presided over by Air Division General Gianpaolo Miniscalco – Commander of Support and Special Forces.
Colonel Luigi Levante, in his address, as well as thanking all the personnel of the Airport Command, expressed his gratitude to the ecclesiastical authorities and civil and military institutions for the reciprocal relations maintained. Deeply moved, Colonel Levante wished to highlight the enhancement activities underway at the Airport site, which is distinguished by immense historical value towards which the Neapolitan citizenry holds great affection. His clear intention was to value the Unit as a resource serving the Armed Forces, the Institutions, and for the development of local Civil Society. The consolidation and increase of the 'Strade Sicure' (Safe Roads) initiative, renewed synergies with the Authorities and operators of the Civil Airport, Conferences, School Visits, and Cultural Activities, are some of the results achieved that tangibly make the personnel of Capodichino proud.
Colonel Stefano Ferramondo, in turn, after paying tribute to the memory of those who, operating under the emblem of this Unit, sacrificed their lives, thanked the Armed Forces“ leadership for the privilege and trust granted to him in entrusting him with the command of the Capodichino Airport Command. He asked his men and women to form a ”team" and to make the challenges that the Unit will face less difficult.
General Gianpaolo Miniscalco, in thanking Colonel Levante for the results achieved, emphasised the importance of all the staff, both men and women, who, by working quietly with dedication and a sense of responsibility to achieve the set objectives, have ensured continuity in the fulfilment of institutional duties, carrying out in a commendable manner the mission that sees the Air Force as an Armed Force serving the country. Well done. The highest authority also extended sincere best wishes to Colonel Ferramondo to continue along the path of success already charted, courageously and with an innovative spirit taking on the challenges facing the entire defence sector, whilst ensuring the standards of excellence of which the Capodichino Airport Command has always provided a clear example.In conclusion, General Miniscalco addressed those present: “Stand united behind the Commander, the Airport Command, and the splendid people and territory of Naples, rich in history and artistic and cultural treasures – a heritage the whole world envies us for! Always be proud of the wonderful work you carry out for the Armed Forces, for Italy and on the international stage; never forget that you are a fundamental part of the organisation, nor that you must work in perfect unison, as a “Great Team”, in the direction indicated by the higher authorities, so that you may continue to achieve and surpass, with merit and honour, all the successes you so richly deserve.” The Capodichino Airport Command, originally designed and built to become the headquarters of the Air Force Academy, later serving as the operational base for the 4th Wing and the 4th Interceptor Air Brigade, as well as the 86th Anti-Submarine Group, now provides logistical support to various units stationed there (the 5th Aircraft Maintenance Group, the Naples Regional Technical Office of the Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments for Airworthiness, the 6th Flight Unit of the State Police, the Air Section of the Guardia di Finanza, and the canine units of the State Police and the Guardia di Finanza), as well as to the US Naval Support Activity and various US Commands housed on the airfield’s military premises, in respect of which it ensures the exercise of national sovereignty, oversees the implementation of bilateral agreements relating to the presence of US units stationed or redeployed at the airport, supervising their flight and operational activities, and acts as a liaison with national authorities at local level.
Furthermore, within the scope of community services, it provides 24-hour, 365-day-a-year flight line support for military and state flights, as well as for air ambulance transport of organs and patients requiring urgent care, often in imminent danger of life.
Currently, Capodichino Airport is under the command of the Air Squad Command, which is based in Rome, via the Support and Special Forces Command.
