The ceremony of handover between Gen. D.A. Giancotti and Gen. D.A. Baldi was attended by Gen. S.A. Girardi, Commander of Air Force Schools/3rd Air Force Region.
General Baldi, who is leaving his command after four years, emphasised in his speech the strategic importance of training future Air Force Officers, servicemen and women who are capable of operating with competence, passion, and a sense of ethics, and who are up to the tasks and challenges of a modern Armed Force capable of projecting itself effectively in various national and international contexts. He also recalled the lines of action of his work, sincerely thanking everyone who supported him in his command. Particular mention was made of the Puteolano area, where the Academy has been based since 1962, and the Neapolitan area, which hosted the 90th Anniversary of the Air Force and the oath and christening of the ‘Pegaso V’ Course in the splendid setting of Piazza del Plebiscito. He addressed the cadets and course participants, the very purpose of the Air Force's highest training institute, with the concluding part of his speech: “Be consistent with yourselves and faithful to the oath you have taken, always keeping your back straight even in the most difficult and extreme conditions. Embrace change as an opportunity, and enrich your skill level daily, so that it is always adequate for the role you are to undertake. Commit yourselves to acting daily, in all your choices of service and in life, with loyalty, courage, solidarity and a spirit of sacrifice.”.
General Giancotti, the 38th Commander of the Air Force Academy, highlighted in his inaugural speech that, on a personal level, today is a moment he experiences with great intensity, due to the extraordinary fascination of being able to contribute to the building of strategic value for the Air Force, the Armed Forces, and our country: its leadership.
The ceremony concluded with a speech by the Commander of the Air Force Schools/3rd Air Region, Air Chief Marshal Franco Girardi, who praised the outgoing Commander for the work done and wished the incoming Commander good luck in this new prestigious and delicate role.
General Fernando Giancotti, born in Rome, graduated from the Italian Air Force Academy's ‘Sparviero III’ course. He has held numerous positions, including Commander of the 36th Fighter Wing in Gioia del Colle, Head of the 1st Planning and Personnel Department of the Air Force Staff, and subsequently Defence, Navy, and Air Attaché at the Italian Embassy in Berlin.
