Ceremony for the handover of A-200C “Tornado” units to F-2000 “Eurofighter”
At Ali Al Salem Air Base, in Kuwait, the ceremony was held relief between Task Group Devil and Task Group Typhoon, in line with the usual rotation of Italian forces, in the OIR mission Prima Parthica/Inherent Resolve.
This event marked a handover of duties between two Operational Units, both with extensive experience in Kuwait: the “Devil” Task Group, active since November 2014, and the “Typhoon” Task Group, present since March 2019, in support of the international coalition. Aerotactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Presiding over the event, the Commander of the Air Squad/1st Air Region, Air Chief Marshal Alberto Biavati, accompanied by Commander of the’Comando Nazionale Italiano Aria / Task Force Aria Kuwait, Colonel Paolo Castelli, in the presence of’Ambassador of Italy to Kuwait Lorenzo Morini, in the presence of a strong contingent of the Contingent.
The ceremony, which took place before the war flag of the glorious 6th Wing, was sealed by the in-flight handover between a Tornado and two Eurofighter The three-aircraft formation flew over the flight line, rotating the lead position, to mark the’Handover-Takeover of duties and responsibilities.
Following the introductory address by Colonel Castelli, General Biavati took the floor to wish all the personnel of Task Group Devil, a historic unit of the Italian Air Force that has been operating in the geographical area since 1990, a safe return to their homeland. He also conveyed words of sincere appreciation to the men and women who, thanks to their synergistic work and the professionalism they have shown, have achieved excellent results, greatly appreciated by all coalition partners. Tangible proof of this is the overcoming of the ambitious 6,000 flying hours milestone in theatre.
Next, addressing the personnel of Task Group Typhoon, another important operational asset and an experienced player in the Kuwaiti theatre, he wished the well-practised team good luck, assuring the continuation of the mission with the passion and determination that has always distinguished them, in full compliance with the tasks entrusted to the country by international leadership.
L’Italian National Contingent Command Air/Task Force Air Kuwait, was established on 17 October 2014 and placed under the operational command – for national aspects – of the Joint Operations Command.
Join the’Operation First Parthica/Inherent Resolve within the International Coalition against ISIS, ensuring unity of command for the synergistic and coordinated employment of assets provided by the Italian Air Force and Army, deployed in Kuwait and Iraq and engaged in ISR, AAR, Airlift, EW, Medevac, PED and logistical and administrative support activities.
