On Wednesday 10 September, the change of command ceremony took place. Automated Information Systems DepartmentRe.S.I.A.) between Colonel Massimiliano Andreola, outgoing Commander, and the Colonel Claudio Enrico Maria Passalacqua, incoming Commander. The event, presided over by Commander of the 3a Air Force Logistics Command Division, Brigadier General Pietro Spagnoli, took place in the presence of military and civilian authorities, and industry representatives.
In his welcome speech the Colonel Andreola He emotionally revisited his nearly two years in command, going as far as to define the moment of departure as a true “emotional earthquake”. After thanking General Spagnoli, the authorities and guests who attended, he addressed the personnel of the Department, highlighting “the human worth of each of the men and women of Re.S.I.A. who, often away from the spotlight, have worked with tireless enthusiasm, an extraordinary sense of duty, dedication and professionalism, and represent the true backbone of the Department.”. The outgoing Commander then highlighted the staff's capability“for having dared, successfully facing the many challenges that have arisen over time and transforming difficulties into opportunities”highlighting how the attitude towards change and innovation are fundamental for facing future challenges and how teamwork is crucial for the success of the Department. Colonel Andreola finally concluded his speech by thanking his family for their closeness and constant support, and wished Colonel Passalacqua every success for the upcoming challenges.
Following this, he took the floor Colonel Passalacqua who, during his inauguration speech, after expressing his deep gratitude to the Armed Forces leadership for the trust placed in him, assured his utmost commitment to “to tackle this new and challenging role as effectively as possible”He highlighted the fundamental role played by the Department in actively contributing to the defence of critical infrastructure and the safeguarding of the country's information assets, stressing that “Cyber vigilance and resilience are now an integral part of our mission. In this regard, the Automated Information Systems Department is not just a technical entity, but a bastion of knowledge, innovation, and security, whose work impacts all of the Armed Force's operational capabilities across the board.”After wishing Col. Andreola the best of luck in his next assignment, he concluded his speech by addressing the unit's staff, a team made up of extraordinary professionals.“called to face hybrid threats, technological complexities, new operational domains, with competence, expertise and advanced tools”..., asking for their participation, ideas, and proactive spirit to build the Department's future together.
Finally, in his speech, the Commander of the 3a Division of the Logistic Command of the Italian Air Force, Brigadier General Pietro Spagnoli, he highlighted the importance of the moment as “ensures, through the rotation of commanders, continuous improvement, change and openness to new stimuli”, highlighting that the main players and the differentiating elements are represented by the staff.“the essence of this peculiar and unique Department”He then highlighted the numerous and significant achievements of Re.S.I.A., expressing great satisfaction for the brilliant results obtained by Colonel Andreola during his command. Addressing Colonel Passalacqua, he then extended a warm welcome, recalling that “Command is not an honour to receive, but a responsibility to be earned every day.”and formulating a “All the best, aeronaut, for the noble and challenging task that awaits you.”.
The Automated Information Systems Department, established in 1988, operates under the 3rd Division of the Logistic Command with the mission to design, implement, and maintain IT automation services and systems for functional areas, as well as to promote innovation through research and experimentation of new technologies in the IT sector. The Department, the main IT and cyber hub of the Air Force, plays a key role in the constant digital transformation process, while simultaneously ensuring a Cyber Security framework for the Italian Air Force's IT infrastructure.
