On Wednesday 7 October 2026, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force Corps General Antonio Conserva, visited the Cadimare base, home to the Logistics Centre for Regional Support and the “Umberto Maddalena” Institute”.
Welcomed by the Commander of the Air Support Logistics Centre and Director of the Institute, Colonel Federico Sacco Maino, General Conserva met with the Prefect of La Spezia, Andrea Cantadori, in a meeting that underscored the close ties and ongoing collaboration with local institutions.
In the presence of the Prefect, the Chief of Staff officially opened, by cutting the ribbon, the recently completed swimming pool on the premises – a new facility designed to expand the Centre’s accommodation capacity, particularly for participants in the CLIMS international youth camps organised annually by the Ministries of Defence of the member countries.
During the visit, following a briefing by Colonel Sacco Maino providing an update on the organisation’s activities, General Conserva toured the base’s facilities, including, in particular, the gym – which has recently been refurbished and fitted with new equipment – and the premises of the “Umberto Maddalena” Institute. In the Baldelli Hall, he met with the base’s military and civilian personnel, answering numerous questions and discussing issues relating to the development of the Armed Forces. During the meeting, the General Store He emphasised the central role of personnel in the Italian Air Force’s development, highlighting the Armed Forces’ constant evolution and their ability to operate effectively in various international contexts: «Human resources are at the heart of the Armed Forces» progress. To continue to excel in the contexts in which we are called upon to operate, we must nurture the professional skills of our personnel, whilst keeping pace with technological innovation and the modernisation of our equipment and tools.’.
The visit continued in the Institute’s facilities dedicated to the cadets and concluded with a group photograph with all the Base staff. To round off the day, General Conserva signed the Book of Honour and exchanged insignia with the Commander of the Organisation.
It Regional Logistics Support Centre and the “Umberto Maddalena” Institute” report to the Commander of the Support and Territorial Unit of the Air Wing Command – 1st Air Region, Milan. The base provides logistical support – including classrooms, accommodation and a canteen – for training and refresher courses organised by the Italian Air Force, other branches of the Armed Forces and various public bodies. The organisation also provides direct assistance to pupils of the National Association for the Children of Air Force Personnel (ONFA), accommodating in Cadimare the children of Air Force personnel who have died or are suffering from serious illness. These young people, aged between 16 and 20, have the opportunity to obtain their upper secondary school leaving certificate, enlist in the military and undertake first-cycle degree programmes.
