Handover between Colonel Iadicicco and Colonel Tortorella. The ceremony took place inside the hangar of the 31st Wing, where the efficiency of the Airbus 319 CJ, Falcon 900 EX, Falcon 900 EASy, Falcon 50, and VH 139 aircraft assigned to the Department is ensured.
After highlighting the considerable number of operational achievements accomplished daily by the 31st Wing, Colonel Iadicicco, addressing his personnel during his farewell speech, proudly stated that he had “the unique privilege of leading the best youth that our country can offer.
Colonel Tortorella, during his speech, emphasised the intention to continue “the extraordinary work” carried out to date by his “distinguished predecessors” and stated he was aware that, in order to face the numerous challenges awaiting the 31st Wing, his men and women will need to “promptly adapt to changes and manage priorities in full adherence to the guidelines of superior authorities within a specific financial context”. He therefore took on the responsibility of leading the “teamwork” necessary to tackle these challenges.
The Air Squad Commander, General Tosi, finally took the floor. He thanked Colonel Iadicicco for the excellent work done during his two-year command and for the professionalism with which he managed changing operational circumstances, always ensuring his personnel could operate in maximum safety. He then congratulated Colonel Tortorella, expressing his certainty in his abilities for this important role of responsibility. He concluded his speech by highlighting the importance of family in supporting the mission of all members of the Armed Forces.
In his previous assignment, Colonel Alessandro Tortorella was employed at the Office for State, Government, and Humanitarian Flights of the Prime Minister's Office. He carried out operational duties from 1994 to 1997 as a Squadron Pilot at the 46th Air Brigade in Pisa. From 1997 to 1998, he was a Company Officer at the Air Force Academy in Pozzuoli. From 1998, he held various positions at the 31st Wing in Ciampino, where he completed the majority of his 5900 flying hours. From 2007 to 2010, he alternately held the positions of Flight Group Commander and Chief of Operations Officer of the 31st Wing. In 2012, he attended the 121st Senior Course at the Nato Defence College in Rome.
