GENERAL INSPECTOR COMMANDER LANGELLA VISITS 3RD WING

The fact-finding visit was attended, in addition to the Director National Armaments Aeronautics and Airworthiness, by the LB Division Programme Manager of the NATO Support Agency (NSPA).

05/11/2014

Source: 3rd Wing - Villafranca (VR)

Author: Lt Col Alessandro Di Muni

In addition to the National Director of Air Armaments and Airworthiness, the Programme Manager of the LB Division of the NATO Support Agency (NSPA) also attended the familiarisation visit. The 3rd Wing was visited by Chief Inspector General Francesco Langella – Director of ARMAEREO – and Mr. Bulent Tudesc – Nato Support Agency (NSPA) Program Manager. Colonel Massimo Cicerone, Commander of the 3rd Wing, in welcoming his guests, he introduced the day with a briefing on the Operational Capabilities of the 3rd Wing, its “mission” and “vision,” and the connections the Department has with ARMAEREO and NSPA, in implementation of the Air Expeditionary Task Force – Combat Service Support (AETF – CSS) Programme. The peculiarities of the 3rd Wing were illustrated, which, as a “unique entity” within the Italian Air Force, has the task of “ensure the provision of airport logistical capabilities that are autonomous, integrable and scalable, sized to support the Integrated National Force, both within national territory and beyond national borders, in both military operations and exercises“Particular attention was paid to the Wing's “dual” capability to intervene in the event of military operations, international emergencies, and natural disasters or national emergencies. This was followed by a visit to the various operational sectors, where the distinguished guests were able to learn about the functions of the Operational Support Services Group, such as the Air Terminal Operation Centre, the Logistic Command and Control Unit, Fire Fighting, and a demonstration of a Forward Area Refuelling Point (FARP). At the Mobile Operational Support Group, the Rapid Airfield Operational System for the construction of hangars and shelters for aircraft and helicopters was showcased, along with the Airfield Logistic Management function and the Air Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (Air-CBRN) Unit for the decontamination of aircraft and operations in Toxic Industrial Compound/Biocontainment environments. Finally, the areas for training activities, carried out by the 3rd Wing for all Armed Forces personnel departing on OFCN missions, were visited. These activities test the techniques for securing convoys and “safety” in the field, with practical exercises in “safe driving” and “off road” driving. The day concluded in the Commander's Office with the signing of the Honour Book by both Authorities.