Colonel Maurizio De Angelis takes over from Colonel Michele Ciuffreda as Commander. On Friday 14th September, the change of command ceremony took place for the Experimental and Air-to-Ground Standardisation Department (RSSTA), moving from the outgoing Commander, Colonel Michele Ciuffreda, to Colonel Maurizio De Angelis. The ceremony, presided over by the Commander of the Salto di Quirra Joint Range (PISQ), Air Brigadier General Giorgio Francesco Russo, was attended by numerous military, civilian, and religious authorities. Colonel Ciuffreda, in his farewell speech, expressed his gratitude for the support received during his command. ”After two eventful years, I am deeply grateful to the men and women of the RSSTA, to all those who, with their wealth of skills and professionalism, have ensured the full operational capability of the base, capable of supporting important joint and inter-agency activities.” Colonel De Angelis, in his inaugural speech, said he was honoured to have received the task of leading such an important Department, which is a cornerstone for the Armed Forces“ training objectives. He continued by saying: ”I am returning to Sardinia, to Decimomannu airbase, bringing with me indelible and exciting memories. I am linked to this land, captivated by its beauty and the incomparable hospitality I have always received in Sardinia." General of Air Brigade Giorgio Francesco Russo, Commander of the Salto di Quirra Joint Experimental Range, then spoke, thanking the Authorities and distinguished guests for their presence at the ceremony. He subsequently expressed his sincere appreciation for Colonel Ciuffreda's work. Addressing the new Commander, Colonel De Angelis, he wished him good luck and confirmed his full confidence, aware that he will be able to fulfil the prestigious role with the utmost commitment.
Decimomannu Airport, home to the Air Combat and Air-to-Ground Gunnery Experimental and Standardisation Unit (R.S.S.T.A.), is a training unit that provides technical and logistical support to all flying units of the Air Force, joint forces and international forces. The Base is located in Sardinia, approximately 20 km from the city of Cagliari, and thanks to favourable climatic conditions, the availability of extensive airspace, as well as the presence of important logistical infrastructure, it is considered an ideal location for air training. It can accommodate numerous aerotactic, transport aircraft and helicopters simultaneously, with runways and parking aprons suitable for even the largest inline aircraft.
The R.S.S.T.A. also guarantees important services that also benefit the local community: the observation and forecasting weather service, the radar approach control of civil and military air traffic operating in the central-south area of Sardinia, and the search and rescue provided by the 80th CSAR equipped with HH-212 helicopters.
