On Thursday 23 January, the solemn ceremony took place at the hangar of the 16th Field Engineer Group of Bari Palese, Handover of command of the 3rd Engineering Department of the Italian Air Force. The event was attended by Brigadier General Stefano Cimichella, Head of the 1st Department of the Air Force Logistics Command's Infrastructure Service, as well as numerous military and civilian authorities.
It Colonel Antonio Giura, after a little over three years of intense and fruitful work, has handed over command to Colonel Andrea Emiliozzi. In his farewell speech, Colonel Giura expressed profound gratitude to the Department's personnel, highlighting the commitment and professionalism demonstrated in carrying out tasks that were often complex and sensitive. He also underscored the importance of the work done by the Department in the sector of infrastructure and projection logistics, recognising the fundamental role of this unit within the Air Force.
It Colonel Emiliozzi, In his inauguration speech, he thanked the leadership for the trust placed in him and expressed his firm intention to continue the work begun by his predecessor, valuing the department's precious human and professional heritage. The new Commander stressed the importance of facing future challenges with determination and team spirit.
It General Cimichella, in his speech, praised the work carried out by Colonel Giura, highlighting the excellence of the results achieved during his tenure, particularly during important events such as the G7 in Fasano. Addressing Colonel Emiliozzi, he expressed full confidence in his abilities, stressing the importance of maintaining high staff morale and valuing the professionalism present in the Department.
The 3rd Air Force Engineers Department, awarded with honours, such as Bronze Medal for Aeronautical Merit e “ICARO 2018” Medal of Merit”, It finalises studies, designs, tenders and works execution necessary to ensure the availability and efficiency of infrastructures used by the Air Force and NATO. Through the employed 16th Field Engineer Group and the Detached Technical Services for Infrastructures, it oversees the construction and extraordinary maintenance of all airport infrastructures and technological systems, both through contractors and with its own personnel and equipment, in support of the flight units of the Air Force in Southern Italy, including Sicily. Furthermore, in a joint forces context, it contributes, with its own personnel and equipment, to the establishment of mobile operational infrastructure support components, both nationally and abroad, in compliance with commitments arising from international agreements, also providing support to Civil Protection in the event of natural disasters, where required.
