The handover of the command to Colonel Paternò was presided over by General Fort “For several years, the Force Protection has consolidated its strategic importance in all operations in which Armed Forces assets are deployed.”The General stated during his speech,“ said General Fort, then addressing the personnel of the 16th Air Wing with the invitation to accept “With courage and innovative spirit, the challenges that the entire Defense sector is facing are being met, ensuring levels of excellence that the Air Force has always demonstrated in the past.“.
Colonel Paternò, in his farewell speech, thanked all the staff of the Stormo for the professionalism demonstrated and the commitment shown, which together have enabled the Department to finalize its activities in order to achieve the objectives set both at the national and international level. A heartfelt “Thanks”It was then addressed to the citizens of Martina Franca, which for over 50 years has been home to the Azzurra team in its territory,“in a reciprocal and happy union of intentions and actions“.
Colonel Paternò will be assigned to the Air Force General Staff in Rome, as part of the 1st Department of Organization and Personnel.
The new commander, for his part, expressed pride and satisfaction at the trust placed in him by the Armed Forces in granting him this prestigious assignment. His thoughts then turned to the families of the military personnel, “for the support they guarantee to us, men in Azzurro. Having your own father or mother away for months is not easy, but it is part of our mission. The Nation requires it in defense of the freedom of peoples and in support of peace. Be always proud of it!”.
The 16th Air Wing “Protection of Forces”, formed on May 25, 2004 at the base in Martina Franca, guarantees security and protection on land for personnel, vehicles and materials, as well as for installations and infrastructure of particular interest to the Armed Forces, both domestically and internationally. Since 2005, the 16th Air Wing has been present in Afghanistan with a unit of Air Riflemen who, in the context of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operation, ensures Force Protection of the Forward Support Base (FSB) in Herat.
In recent years, the Air Rangers have acquired new operational capabilities, including the Forward Air Controller (FAC), which allows for the coordination from the ground of aircraft deployed to support close air support. Furthermore, with the introduction of the STRIX-C mini remote-controlled systems in the operational theater, the Air Rangers have expanded the range of assigned missions, with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaisance (ISR) capabilities to support patrol activities.
Colonel Marradi was born in Rome on October 3, 1967 and attended the “Falco IV” course at the Air Academy. He holds a degree in Aeronautical Sciences and Political Sciences. During his career, he held various positions within the General Security Department (R.G.S.) in Rome and the Special Analysis and Processing Group (Gr.A.E.S.) in Pratica di Mare (Rome). Abroad, he worked in the context of
“Antica Babilonia” missions in Iraq, K-FOR in Kosovo, S-FOR in Bosnia and he was deployed at the Allied Headquarters – air component in Izmir (Turkey).
Colonel Marradi is married and has two children.
