Saturday 16th April saw the handover at the helm of the Task Force Air in Gjakova/Djakovica (Kosovo). The ceremony was presided over by the Commander of the Italian Military Contingent in Kosovo, Colonel Carlo Emiliani, and was attended by the highest civil and religious authorities of the city of Gjacova/Djakovica, as well as a considerable representation of Italian and foreign military personnel present in Kosovo. During his speech, Colonel Baldasso highlighted the importance of the Italian component of KFOR, particularly praising the commitment, professionalism and versatility shown by the personnel during his period of command in maintaining the efficiency and full operational readiness of the TFA in Djakovica. Furthermore, he added that the AMIKo Airport is a reality that, for over two decades, has contributed to the revival and stabilisation of this part of the Balkans. Colonel Massucci confirmed that the AMIKo Airport is an important reality fully integrated into providing support for both the Multinational Battle Group West and KFOR components, highlighting that the presence of the Italian Air Force was established to support the air operations of numerous operational units, both national and NATO; all in perfect harmony with the local authorities and population. The Task Force Air, established on 1st October 2008, traces its origins back to the 1st Autonomous Operational Unit (ROA), set up in Gjakova/Djakovica on 1st January 2000, and supports the NATO forces present in the operational theatre participating in Operation ‘Joint Enterprise’, with an average of around 500 flights a year.
