The handover ceremony of the Command of the [unit/formation] took place at Ämari Air Base. Task Force Air (TFA) 4th Wing. The Colonel Fabio De Michele He took over from the equal. Gaetano Farina at the helm of the Italian TFA deployed in Estonia within the scope of the NATO mission of enhanced Air Policing “Baltic Eagle III”to support the defence of Baltic airspace.
Presided over for Italy by Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command (COVI), Rear Admiral Giacinto Sciandra, the ceremony also saw the participation of’Ambassador of Italy to Tallinn, Stefano Catani, along with numerous civil and military authorities.
In his address, the Deputy Commander of COVI underscored the role of TFA in the deterrence and protection of the Euro-Atlantic space. He also expressed his appreciation for the work carried out by Colonel Farina, highlighting the team spirit that characterised his tenure, and wished the new Commander a fruitful continuation of the mission.
It Colonel Farina identified the contribution of Italian personnel and the teamwork carried out together with the Estonian Armed Forces to ensure the security of the Baltic sky. He then expressed his heartfelt thanks to Commander of Ämari Base, Colonel Maanus Nigul, for the continued support received during the mission.
It Colonel De Michele He has assured his commitment to continuing the mission, with the aim of consolidating Italy's role in the defence of the eastern flank of the Atlantic Alliance.
The Task Force Air 4th Wing, comprising personnel from the Army and the Air Force, operates in synergy with Estonian forces, employing Eurofighter aircraft and the SAMP/T missile system to ensure protection against air and missile threats. The mission is coordinated by the Joint Operations Command (COVI), which plans and coordinates joint operations at national and international level.
