Significant figures for the personnel of the Grosseto Flight Unit in anticipation of a possible deployment within the NRF. Following the successful outcome of the NATO assessment in June 2009, and in anticipation of a future actual deployment of the Wing’s assets within the NRF (NATO Response Force), these figures are the key indicator of a performance standard that has now been firmly established at a remarkably high level. All of this is, of course, the result of demanding teamwork involving all components of the Flight Unit, from the 904th GEA (Aircraft Efficiency Group), which ensures the efficiency of the EF-2000 weapon system, to the Operations Office, which coordinates all flight activities—both training and those relating to the Airspace Surveillance Service— right through to the Flight Groups (IX and 20th) which, with the contribution of their pilots and each in accordance with their specific remit (one operational and the other training-focused), complete the effort of the entire Wing in achieving such significant figures. “In the third week of January, the 4th Wing demonstrated unprecedented operational and training capabilities. The number of sorties flown, adherence to schedules and the efficiency of the aircraft have enabled pilots to be trained to a standard of absolute excellence,” stated Major Andrea Truppo, Head of Operations. Major Marco Bertoli, Commander of the 9th Group, concurred, emphasising the “concurrent effort in terms of QRA – Quick Reaction Alert – and training activities”. Colonel Achille Cazzaniga, Commander of the Wing, who said he was “impressed by the motivation and unconditional commitment shown by all personnel, within a context of full and genuine shared values and objectives, in ensuring an increased volume of activity alongside all Airspace Surveillance operations”. The 4th Wing, together with the 36th Wing at Gioia del Colle (BA)—also equipped with Eurofighter jets—and the 5th Wing at Cervia (RA) and the 37th Wing at Trapani, equipped with F-16 jets, is one of the units contributing to the National Airspace Surveillance Service, thereby ensuring the defence of Italian airspace 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, and is the unit where the transition of pilots assigned to the Eurofighter fleet takes place.
