Colonel Dario Bovino receives the baton from Colonel Luigi Barbagallo to lead the CSSAM of Vigna di Valle.
Wednesday 18th September, at the evocative setting of the Badoni Hangar of the Italian Air Force Historical Museum (MUSAM), on the ancient seaplane base of Vigna di Valle, the Change of Command ceremony took place. Air Force Historical and Sports Centre between the outgoing Commander, Colonel Luigi Barbagallo and the incoming one, Colonel Dario Bovino. The event took place in the presence of Commander of the Air Force Command (COMAER), Air Squad General Giandomenico Taricco, and civil, military and religious authorities of the district.
In his concluding speech, the Colonel Barbagallo He wished to thank all those who collaborated with him during these two and a half years of command: the superior authorities for the trust placed in him, both for the recently concluded assignment and for the one he will be taking up at the General Office of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the local institutions, always collaborative, and the staff of the CSSAM:“It was an exciting and unforgettable experience [...], I had the opportunity to work with an extraordinary team, made up of exceptional people, driven by passion, dedication, and professionalism. [...] What will remain most imprinted on me are not the numbers, the reports, or the statistics. It's the faces, the smiles, the handshakes, the words of encouragement during challenging times, and the camaraderie we shared.”.
At the conclusion of the farewell speech, the Colonel Barbagallo extended a due congratulations to the new Commander for the challenging path that awaits him and his new personnel:“History and sport, as well as military life, teach us that change is inevitable, but it is also what allows us to grow. Our future, like our past, is in the hands of those who have the courage to look ahead, always keeping a careful eye on the lessons of the past. Dear Dario, I am more than certain you will know how to guide the men and women of Vigna di Valle with the professional value and skills that have always distinguished you.”.
On their part, the Colonel Beef, In his inaugural address, he wished to thank the Superior Authorities for the trust placed in him, and his predecessor for the work carried out so far, highlighting his intention to continue with what has been done: “I am aware of the expectations of the Armed Forces' top brass concerning Vigna di Valle, for its mission as custodian of the Air Force's history and values, and for the significance, even at a social level, of military sport. Taking command of the oldest aeronautical settlement, a protagonist in the early 1900s of the birth of aviation, and today possessing immense strategic value in explaining who we are, what we do, and above all, how we do it, fills me with strong emotions, some healthy trepidation, but great energy. [...] We have the privilege of working in a unique site, both for the beauty of the nature in which it is immersed and for the presence of two extraordinary assets, the Museum and the Sports Centre, which, used synergistically, offer great opportunities. It is also unique in being a military base permanently open to the public. Let us all feel proud and honoured to be able to showcase what the Armed Forces have done and continue to do for our beloved Italy, for over 100 years, being among the few in the world to boast this achievement.”.
Then, addressing the CSSAM staff to describe his modus operandi, the Colonel Beef He took the figure of as an example Luigi Bourlot, to whom the Vigna di Valle base is dedicated: “How to do our duty: by working in silence, in service to the Institutions and the community, honouring our oath, with inner satisfaction for what we do and without seeking individual prominence. Characteristics embodied by Captain Bourlot, […]. “In his high capability, there was no shadow of presumption; he gave more than duty required, more than was necessary, so simply, modestly, almost apologising for not giving even more”. To those who, from today, will be my collaborators, I say that we have a great responsibility. We have the honour of serving in this place where the Spirit of Bourlot hovers, which must be a source of daily inspiration.”.
The new Commander then alluded to the immediate future and synergy with local institutions: “The ambition is to make the Vigna di Valle site function as a sort of Cultural laboratory, available to citizens, tourists, large businesses, and especially young people, where they can spend time, perhaps on weekends or during school breaks, having experiences that blend History, Technology, Sport, and the local area. […] But we want to be even more open to the public. We are at your disposal to design activities together, to expand synergies, and to co-participate in events that take place on the Lake.”.
It Commander of COMAER, Air Force General Giandomenico Taricco, after thanking Colonel Barbagallo for the work done, and the local communities and authorities for their constant and active collaboration which has always linked them to the Blue Force, he wanted to give an account of Colonel Barbagallo's work, starting with the great redevelopment and enhancement of the Historical Museum on the occasion of the Armed Force's Centenary. “The result is plain to see, primarily evidenced by the extremely high ratings given directly by museum visitors on various tourism platforms. Another significant achievement was the restoration and handover of the Weber AVII to the Ethiopian government, which provided the opportunity to host the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, and Ethiopian authorities here in Vigna di Valle. A great achievement resulting from teamwork and the high professionalism of the Vigna di Valle staff.”.
And speaking of teamwork, addressing Colonel Bovino, he said: “You will be able to take the baton and proceed with a new phase. Just as was done with the Museum, the Italian Air Force Sports Centre will also undergo a process of enhancement and investment, to put the Sports Group in the best possible position to continue operating and winning. To the athletes I say: the Italian Air Force has chosen you and supports you: wear our sky-blue jersey with pride. After the Paris Olympics, which brought us two silvers and a bronze, we are already starting to think about the next event, four years from now at the Los Angeles Olympics.”.
The old “Luigi Bourlot” seaplane base of Vigna di Valle is where aviation began in ItalyFrom 1908 onwards, the first military airships, and then seaplanes, flew from here. The base was also home to the first air rescue unit and, for over twenty years, to the Air Force Personnel Selection Centre. In the 1960s, the base was redeveloped and transformed into the Air Force Sports Centre and the Historical Aircraft Collection Centre, which officially became the Armed Forces Historical Museum in 1977.
Today, the CSSAM in Vigna di Valle is tasked with overseeing the activities of its two entities: the A.M. Sports Centre works for the protection of national sporting heritage, and thanks to the contribution of its technical and specialist staff, it conducts careful research for the best talents, contributing to the technical-theoretical development of sporting dynamics. The top-level athletes participate in the most important national and international competitions. MUSAM, This is the acronym chosen by the new Historical Museum of the Italian Air Force, which was completely renovated and expanded in 2023 after two years of work, and has the task of to disseminate the air force's culture, history, and traditions through the aircraft and artefacts on display, but also with numerous initiatives. It is visited annually by approximately 100,000 people.
In addition to its institutional duties, the CSSAM also provides logistical support to SICRAL (Italian System for Reserved Communications and Alerts), an important tri-service telecommunications centre, and the C.T.M. – Technical Centre for Meteorology.
