Colonel Pilot Massimiliano Pomiato succeeds Colonel Pilot Antonio Vergallo.
On Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Antonio Ramirez military airport in Gioia del Colle (BA), the baton was passed between Colonel Pilot Antonio Vergallo, Commander in Residence, and Colonel Pilot Massimiliano Pomiato, Deputy Commander.
The ceremony, which was presided over by the Commander of the Milan Combat Force Command, Air Division General Luigi Del Bene, took place in the presence of the military, civilian and religious authorities of the territory.
The change of command was preceded by the replacement of the flag of the War Flag, which was then handed over to Colonel Pomiato by Colonel Vergallo after the ritual formula was pronounced.
Colonel Vergallo, in his farewell speech, extended his greetings to all the military and civilian personnel of the Department, emphasizing the importance of the achievements achieved in a two-year period of intense operational activity at home and abroad. This was his thought:“The culmination of a great professional experience spent in a glorious Department, rich in history, traditions, and with the most decorated War Flag in the Air Force. The value, the outstanding military virtues, the commendable spirit of sacrifice of the personnel, and the exemplary efficiency that have always distinguished this Department have enabled extraordinary results to be achieved in the various international operational contexts. Concluding, he then added: ”I extend a heartfelt thanks to all the personnel of this glorious Department for how they have operated and continue to do so in support of a reality that is constantly at the service of the country.““.
Subsequently, Colonel Pomiato took the floor, thanking the higher authorities for the trust placed in him in assigning the prestigious assignment, and highlighting the significance of the role played by each member of the Stormo as custodians of the values represented by the War Flag.
The ceremony concluded with the intervention of Air Division General Luigi Del Bene, who, after addressing a respectful greeting to the multi-decorated War Flag of the 36th Fighter Wing and offering a moving thought to the fallen who honored it with their extreme sacrifice in the service of the homeland, emphasized that “The continuity of the Department’s mission, both in national and complex, dynamic and challenging external scenarios, requires an effort to always be ready and trained to the best of our abilities. You have done excellently in NATO, as well as in the coalition context in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, in the major international exercises and in the numerous national activities, among which I mention the recently concluded “Typhoon Flag” that marked the first Force Integration Training of a long series. The high standards achieved must be maintained as consistent with the DNA of the 36th Fighter Wing.“. Regarding the actions of Colonel Vergallo, the General pointed out: “To Antonio, whom I know from his time at the Academy and from the flight schools, I say bravo! You have managed to create stability in the work environment despite many difficulties, even during the acute phase of the pandemic. You believed in your people, gave them responsibility, and created opportunities for professional and personal growth.“Finally, addressing Colonel Pomiato, whom he warmly welcomed in the 36th Fighter Wing, he concluded as follows: “I am certain that thanks to your skills and motivation, which I know you possess, you will be able to enthusiastically take on the challenges of your new assignment and bring the 36th Fighter Wing to even greater success. You possess great potential, and this is the opportunity the Armed Forces are giving you, placing the utmost trust in you. Please know that I and my Command are ready to support you whenever it becomes necessary.“.
The 36th “Caccia” Squadron of Gioia del Colle is under the command of the Combat Forces Command (CFC) of Milan, whose assigned mission is to acquire and maintain the operational readiness of all air defense and attack and reconnaissance organizations, ensuring the operational efficiency of weapons systems, equipment, and materials, as well as the training of personnel and the constant updating and optimization of operational procedures, in compliance with the guidelines of the SS.AA. The CFC is under the command of the Air Squadrons Command, which exercises the responsibilities in terms of training, preparing and operational deployment of its own units, so that they acquire and maintain the planned levels of operational readiness. The 36th “Caccia” Squadron is one of the 5 squadrons of the Air Force that ensure national air defense and NATO Quick Reaction Alert service.
