The handover between Col. Chianese and Col. Trozzi was attended by Air Force General Tiziano Tosi. Colonel Ludovico Chianese, who has commanded the Wing since October 2010, in his address to the Authorities present, wanted to look back at his two years in command of the Romagna entity. With the structure of the new 15th Wing, the personnel, primarily transferred from the 5th Wing, the Rimini Airport Detachment, and the flight groups of Pratica di Mare, found themselves managing the transition from the F-16 flight group to four flight units located in Trapani, Brindisi, and Pratica di Mare (RM), as well as Cervia, and an Aircrew Training Centre and a Liaison Squadron. Colonel Chianese then recalled the commitments the Wing faces daily, including the management of air traffic services at Rimini civilian airport, exercises, and actual rescue operations for the transport of seriously injured individuals, as in the case of the “Costa Concordia” shipwreck off the coast of Giglio, the floods in Liguria, and last winter's snowfalls in Emilia and Marche, and the recent earthquake in the Region. Last, but by no means least, are the activities related to “the acquisition of different maintenance philosophies following the phase-in of the new HH-139 helicopter and the start of the still ongoing phase-out of the HH-3F” “The Flock – the outgoing Commander recalled –He was also involved in ensuring the necessary search and rescue cover for national and allied crews during Operation “Unified Protector".”Finally, Colonel Chianese wished to recall the incident that occurred on June 12th to Marshal Alessandro Musacchio: “Keeping the bow steady in this rough sea isn't always easy, especially when fate has ripped a dear colleague from our team. The tragic accident that befell Marshal Alessandro Musacchio has saddened and stunned us all. But then, men and women of the 15th Wing, as you always have, you picked yourselves up and started running again with that Romagnol spirit and Italian heart.”The outgoing Commander therefore wished the best for the prestigious and delicate role to his colleague and friend Franco Trozzi. Colonel Ludovico Chianese will take up the position of Head of the J7 Division at the Joint Operational Command (COI) Staff in Rome. The incoming Commander, Colonel Franco Trozzi, took the floor, thanking General Tosi for granting him command of the 15th Wing. Colonel Trozzi then addressed the Wing's personnel: “We have great commitments, new challenges and significant changes ahead. Resources are not what they used to be, but there is one resource that, precisely by reducing its numbers, determines a significant increase in its importance and, above all, in the quality it must necessarily express. And that resource is you.” “As your Commander – added – I feel a moral obligation to look after this precious asset, with care, with commitment and above all by example”Air Brigade General Stefano Fort, during his speech, recalled the efforts made over these two years: “Thenot only for the logistical aspects connected with the repositioning to the Cervia airbase, but also for the complex training aspects connected with maintaining crew qualifications on current aircraft and the introduction into service of the brand-new HH-139″. General Tosi conveyed the greetings of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Giuseppe Bernardis, to the two Commanders:“The presence of all the assembled civil and military authorities is testament to the Stormo's integration with the local area, especially considering that it is relatively young here in Cervia.”... Addressing the Department and Colonel Chianese, General Tosi added:“I wanted to be here today to tell you well done in person. I am proud of the excellent work you have done and the results you have achieved. You guaranteed me SAR coverage during the operations in Libya and you did it with equipment that wasn't state-of-the-art, putting all your professionalism into it..Colonel Trozzi has been assured of his personal availability during the period of command he is about to undertake and has been wished good luck: ”Many former Unit commanders are present here, and they will be your stern and impartial judges. You are not here by chance, but because you have been chosen. In your work, use the common sense of the paterfamilias, the same that you use at home, and your men will follow you..Colonel Franco Trozzi takes command of the 15th Wing after serving for approximately two years at Air Squad Command. Previously, he was primarily employed in flying units belonging to the 15th Wing, such as the 82nd Centre in Trapani, the 85th Group, and the 81st Crew Training Centre in Pratica di Mare. He served a three-year assignment within the Air Rescue Service of the Italian Military Mission in Malta and commanded the Air Task Force of ”AMIKo’ Airport in Djakovica, Kosovo, in addition to participating in Peace missions in the former Yugoslavia, Albania, and Iraq. As a military pilot, he has over 3,500 flight hours to his credit on SF-260, MB-339A, NH-500, HH-3F, and HH-212 aircraft. Cervia Airport is the headquarters of the 15th Wing Command, which, with its SAR Groups/Centres also located at Pratica di Mare (RM), Brindisi, and Trapani airports, ensures 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the search and rescue of flight crews of military aircraft in distress. The Wing also contributes to public utility activities such as the search for missing persons at sea or in mountains, urgent medical transport of critically ill patients, and the rescue of severely injured individuals. Since its establishment to date, the 15th Wing has saved approximately 7,000 lives in danger.
