Lieutenant Colonel Federico Merola has taken over from Lieutenant Colonel James Kinnear of the Canadian Air Force. The ceremony was presided over by Colonel Arturo Di Martino, current commander of the Operation Wing and the Training Wing, as well as Senior National Representative of the Italian contingent in Geilenkirchen, and by Brigadier General Andrew Mueller of the United States Air Force, current commander of the E3-A Component. Among the military authorities, some of the SNRs (Senior National Representatives), i.e. the most senior officers from all 16 nations present at the component part of the alliance, participated. Colonel Di Martino emphasised the importance of the event, underlining the solemnity of the moment when the Flying Group sees its commander change with a genuine transfer of authority. He then expressed words of great appreciation.“
for the excellent work done”to the outgoing commander, Squadron Leader James Kinnear, who is leaving the Component after two years of commanding the Aircrew Training Squadron before retiring. Colonel Di Martino then expressed personal praise for the entire Canadian contingent, who will be definitively leaving the E-3A Component and the NAEW programme in August. The outgoing commander, Lieutenant Colonel Kinnear, thanked the men and women of the Aircrew Training Squadron on several occasions for “
to have worked, in a magnificent way, in silence and flexibility, commitment and professionalism, ensuring one hundred percent of tasks are completed assigned”Lieutenant Colonel Kinnear then wanted to emphasise how his experience as commander of the Aircrew Training Squadron had been the most fulfilling of his career. Lieutenant Colonel Merola, for his part, said he was proud and honoured to take on the prestigious role of commander,“
to consider oneself ready to face the challenges that it will require and be fortunate because conscious of the value and qualities of ATS personnel”He then called on all the staff of the Aircrew Training Squadron: ”
You men and women From the Aircrew Training Squadron, you can count on me, I will convey your ideas to higher levels I will raise and represent your needs, but I ask that you follow me with commitment, dedication and unwavering loyalty, in the complete fulfilment of the mission that NATO has assigned us”Colonel Merola is no stranger to the E-3A Component. He previously served with the 3rd Squadron in 2011, participating in operations Afghan Assist and Unified Protector. In 2013, he transferred to the’
Aircrew Training Squadron, where he worked as an instructor and assessor. The’
Aircrew Training Squadron, has the task of providing basic and advanced training (combat readiness) for 11 different E-3A (AWACS) aircraft crew positions and upgrading qualifications for Crew Chiefs and instructors. The ATS has a permanent staff of approximately 100 personnel, to whom are temporarily added approximately 100 students sent from the 16 participating nations in the NAEW programme.
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