Wednesday 10th September, in the presence of Air Division General Marco Lant, Commander of the Combat Forces, took place at the airfield “Pagliano and Gori” in Aviano, the handover ceremony between the Colonel Salvatore La Luce, outgoing Commander, and the Colonel Giuseppe Gatto, Incoming Commander. Numerous civil and military authorities from the region attended the Ceremony.
Colonel La Luce, in his farewell address, highlighted the synergy and practical cooperation with both the 31st Fighter Wing of USAFE, which, with all the civil and military institutions present in the territory, demonstrated in particular during the numerous events that have characterised your period of Command: “[...] every result achieved has been the fruit of collaborative and team work between different agencies, national and otherwise, between different branches within the airport command, between different people who have discussed and pooled together skills and resources with the firm intention of achieving common objectives belonging to a higher level [...]”.
In particular, he thanked all the staff of the “Pagliano and Gori”: “[…] what I am proud of today at the end of my command I truly owe to you and to your passion and professionalism
that you show every day and for your ability to follow me on this adventure of ours together [...]”.
Colonel, before relinquishing command the baton was handed over by the Col. Beau E. Diers, Commander of the 31st Fighter Wing, the ‘Meritorious Service Medal’as recognition for the commitment shown during his tenure.
Colonel Le Luce is preparing to take up a role at the Air Force Staff in Rome.
In his inaugural address, Colonel Gatto, the incoming Commander, after greeting the authorities present and the personnel of the 31st Fighter Wing The American thanked the Senior Commands for the trust placed in him by assigning him the prestigious post of Commander of the ‘Pagliano and Gori’ Airport in Aviano, “[…] located in an area that contributed substantially to the events of our Homeland during the Great War […]”. and speaking to the staff of the “Pagliano and Gori”: “Firstly, my thanks for the reception I received during my handover period; I immediately appreciated the helpfulness and the patience shown is a symptom of enthusiasm, dedication, efficiency and the ability to make concrete and tangible the commitment undertaken in Aviano by Italy, and in particular by the Air Force […]”. On greeting Colonel La Luce, he thanked him: “[…] for having handed me a legacy that honours such a commitment and allows me to operate in the spirit of substantial continuity. […]”.
The Commander of the Combat Forces, General D.A. Lant, in his speech, highlighted the peculiarity of the Department, defining it: “[...] an absolute peculiarity of the Armed Force... which in the last two years has demonstrated unparalleled operational readiness, reactivity and professionalism in the complex and delicate support provided to the 31st Fighter Wing, maintaining Host Base responsibilities and ensuring the training and operational activities of other American units stationed at this airport [...]” and turning to the staff: “[...] you have been, and you are, the undisputed protagonists of these successes”.
General D.A. Lant then thanked Colonel La Luce for the work carried out. “[...] your command action has been a beacon for the entire Department. Your ability to understand the mechanics of the Airport Command and to delve into complex dynamics indicates a highly adaptive and resilient command style [...]”.
To Colonel Gatto, with the most sincere wishes for good work, he confirmed unconditional trust “[...] Your dedication, preparation, and passion are well-known and appreciated. I am certain that the valuable and varied wealth of experience you bring with you will be the key to successfully facing the new challenges that await you at the helm of the Aviano Airport Command. […]”and concluding: “[...]"My thoughts also go out to those who, silently but with unwavering strength, support us every day: our families and all those who are close to us. They are the natural extension of the Department, a true lifeline and a safe haven where we can recharge our batteries […]”.
Aviano Air Base is an Air Force airfield named after “Pagliano e Gori”, heroic aviators from the First World War. The installation is under Italian command and hosts an important USAF Wing: the 31st Fighter Wing. The mission assigned to the Aviano Airport Command is to guarantee national sovereignty, oversee the application of bilateral agreements relating to the US presence, support deployed Wings, supervise flight and operational activity, and ensure the defence of the Base.
