The Air Force participated in the EATC-led exercise with the KC-767-A tanker of the 14th Stormo
The 8th edition of the International Air Show took place last October 27 in Lanzarote Air Base, Spain.’European Air Refuelling Training (EART 2022), led by EATC Command (European Air Transport Command – European Command for Air Transport) based in Eindhoven (Netherlands).
Hosted by the Spanish Air Force, the training took place at the Gando air base in Gran Canaria (Spain). Italy participated in the training event with the Boeing KC767-A aircraft of the 14th Squadron of Pratica di Mare, Australia and the MCCE (Movement Coordination Centre Europe – Coordination and Movement Center of Europe) with staff mentor (i.e., dedicated to controlling and verifying the achievement of the prescribed level of training), France and Canada with their own crews and personnel mentor.
The purpose of the exercise, led by Head of Functional Division Colonel Salvatore Melillo of the EATC was the one who trained on procedures of date of meeting (area of airspace where refueling aircraft meet at a defined time) in “multi tanker formation“ (flight training of multiple refueling aircraft) and on evasion maneuvers from threats. This has allowed the participating crews to operate in training scenarios different from usual, increasing the level of standardization and interoperability of flight procedures.
On October 25, during the Media – Day event, which saw the participation of Deputy Commander by EATC, Brigadier General Paul Desair, The press present was briefed on the activity of the exercise, offering a 360-degree view of the operations and activities carried out (from planning to execution) during a flight refueling mission.
The EATC command, of which the Air Force has been an integral part since 2014, thanks to the aircraft Boing KC767-A del 14th Wing of Pratica di Mare and the C-130J and C27J aircraft of 46th Air Brigade Pisa can rely on multiple aircraft of various nationalities equipped with a flight refueling system.
It 14th Wing, based at the “Mario de Bernardi” military airport in Pratica di Mare, it is subordinate to the Command of the Mobility and Support Forces of Rome. The Stormo conducts airspace surveillance missions with Gulfstream G-550 CAEW aircraft, radio measurements and tactical transport, also for the Civil Protection Department, with P-180 Avanti I and II aircraft, and in-flight refueling, strategic transport and bio-containment transport with KC-767A aircraft. The CFMS is one of the Intermediate Commands that depend on the Air Squad Command and exercises the powers in the field of training, preparation and operational deployment of its own Departments, so that they acquire and maintain the required levels of operational readiness.
