Colonel Savoldi has taken over from Colonel Cappelli. Colonel Cappelli, in his farewell speech, highlighted the synergy and active collaboration with both the USAF's 31st Fighter Wing and all the civil institutions present in the area, demonstrated during the many events that characterised his period of command. In particular, he thanked all the personnel of “Pagliano e Gori” and the 31st F.W. for their professionalism shown on every occasion, paying respectful tribute to Major Pilot Lucas Gruenther, who recently died in a tragic plane crash.
General Magrassi, during his speech, after thanking the Prefect and the numerous Authorities present, highlighted how Aviano is an admirable example of the great friendship and collaboration existing between Italians and Americans, and, addressing the personnel, he stressed how in recent years “The workload was considerable and allowed for the intensive operational and logistical activities to be carried out.”and how they honoured the mission that the Air Force assigned them,“achieving the stated objectives despite a critical time in terms of personnel, infrastructure, and financial resources”General Magrassi then concluded his speech by thanking Colonel Cappelli for the work done and extending his best wishes to Colonel Savoldi for his new role.
At a ceremony, Colonel Cappelli was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for the commitment, dedication, leadership, and managerial skills shown during his command. This medal was conferred upon him by the new Commander of the 31st Fighter Wing, General Jon Normann, on behalf of the President of the United States of America.
Colonel Cappelli is. Col. Savoldi was born in Alzano Lombardo (BG) in 1962 and joined the Italian Air Force in 1981, attending the “Aquila IV” course at the Italian Air Force Academy. In 1987, he was assigned as a navigator on a Tornado aircraft to the 154th Group of the 6th Wing in Ghedi, becoming the Commander of the same Group in June 2000. Col. Savoldi, in addition to his numerous roles, participated in various air operations from the “Gulf War” to interventions in Bosnia and Kosovo. He comes from “NATO Rapid Deployable Corps” (NRDC-ITA) in Solbiate Olona (VA), where he held the position of “Head of the Air Operation Coordination Centre”. He has over 2,300 flying hours to his name, conducted mainly on the Tornado aircraft. He graduated in Aeronautical Sciences from the University of Naples Federico II in 2003. Colonel Savoldi is married and has two children.
