Change of command at the 9th Wing “F.Baracca” in Grazzanise

On Wednesday, July 27, at the Grazzanise (CE) military airport, home to the 9th “F. Baracca” Air Force Squadron, the handover ceremony took place between the outgoing commander, Colonel Andrea Nanni and the incoming Commander, the Colonel Massimo Luigi Valente.

The ceremony, presided over by Commander of the 1st Air Brigade Special Operations, Brigadier General Riccardo Rinaldi It took place in front of the richly decorated 9th Air Wing War Flag and with the participation of a representative delegation of personnel and local civil, military and religious authorities, in compliance with the requirements dictated by the current emergency situation.

Colonel NANNI, after two intense years in command of the 9th Squadron, characterized by from the arrival of the HH-101A helicopter and from many other activities related to the construction of the new airport infrastructure to accommodate the new weapon system, He thanked the authorities who intervened for the closeness, esteem and affection always shown towards the Department of “Cavallino Rampante”. During his speech, the Colonel Nanni He highlighted how all the set goals were achieved thanks to the commendable commitment of all the staff, addressing the women and men of the 9th Squadron with heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the work carried out.“When I arrived here I had the conviction (and I still have it) that to operate well one must work on 3 main pillars: flexibility, determination and awareness: in the first two fields I didn’t have to teach you anything because nothing beats you on these aspects; so my work was simple, I only worked on awareness, that is simply involving you in what I had in mind. Solving problems, facing obstacles, exploring the unexplored, always succeeding in what you do, having the courage to take on new adventures no matter how difficult, facing the opponent always no matter how strong they are: this is the daily bread, this is the terrain of action that is most congenial to you; you did it excellently.”.

After the handover, the incoming Commander, Colonel Valente, In his speech, after thanking the guests and the authorities, his predecessor for the work carried out at the Headquarter, addressing the personnel of the 9th Wing, he had the opportunity to emphasize: “In your faces and in the way you are and work, I find a part of myself. I find that model of rectitude, dedication, and passion that our older colleagues taught me almost 23 years ago, when I was a young lieutenant making my first steps. Just as I did throughout my aeronautical career, it is to this model that I will continue to be inspired as your Commander: rectitude, dedication, and passion, in the wake of the consolidated traditions of the 9th Squadron. I am embarking, with you, on this new and exciting experience along the path of transforming the Department and the base into the 4th generation. In doing so, we will continue to operate safely to ensure the country the level of operational capability that has always distinguished us.“.

In the closing remarks of the ceremony, the Brigadier General Rinaldi, After paying a respectful salute to the 9th Fighter Wing War Flag, he thanked Colonel Nanni for the work done: “Andrea, I don’t think there’s a better word to describe your work than: bravo! The Department has seen numerous, important and substantial transformations in recent years, which required a heavy effort, but it’s especially the results that speak for you. The formation of the special operations flight crews and the recognition your department received following the Aquila Omnia operation are just some concrete testimonies of your excellent work. As Commander, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to have you under my command.”“. He then continued by wishing Colonel Valente the best of luck: “Massimo, today a new page in the history of the 9th Squadron opens and it is up to you to continue writing it; I am sure you will make an important contribution.”.