The outgoing Commander thanked all the Wing personnel for their consistent support of the Flying Group. On Friday morning, 29 June, the ceremony for the handover of command of the 208th Flying Group took place within the “Pagano” Hangar of the 72nd Wing, between outgoing Lieutenant Colonel Enrico B. and incoming Major Giovanni S. The event, presided over by Colonel Alfonso Alberino, Commander of the 72nd Wing, was attended by a contingent of the Unit's personnel, Veteran Associations, and former Commanders of the Flying Group.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing Commander, after highlighting the great professionalism and spirit of service of the men of the 208th, thanked all the Wing personnel for the long support provided to the Flying Group.
Colonel Alberino, during his speech, thanked the outgoing Commander for the significant achievements, highlighting the excellent work carried out by the 208th Group and wished the incoming commander continued success in ensuring quality and effectiveness in the Wing's operational and training activities.
The 72nd Wing, the only Flying School in the rotary-wing sector, reporting to the Schools Command/3rd Air Region of Bari, is the Unit that trains helicopter pilots for the Air Force and all other Armed Forces and State Armed Corps.
Furthermore, the Flying School qualifies and licenses helicopter flight instructors and examiners, as well as specialist personnel from the Armed Forces and State Armed Corps. All such courses are also conducted in English and are run for personnel from other countries. The Wing also participates in Air Force operational activities and, upon request, is able to provide support for Civil Protection and SAR (Search and Rescue) operations with its personnel and assets.
