It took place on Saturday 8th March, at the Italian Air Force Historical Museum (MUSAM), at Vigna di Valle, the handover ceremony of the Pilot's Wings and some Spadini to some students of the Falco VI Course of the’Air Force Academy of Pozzuoli.
Playing host, in the evocative setting of the Hangar Badoni, was the Commander of the Air Force Historiographical and Sports Centre (CSSAM) Colonel Dario Bovino, and the Director of MUSAM, Lieutenant Colonel Paolo De Vita, who welcomed the Commander of the Air Force Academy, Air Marshal Luigi Casali, representing the Commander of the Italian Air Force Schools Command Air Force Corps General Silvano Frigerio, the Episcopal Vicar Don Antonio Coppola, the Military Chaplain Don Fausto Amantea and the Commandant of Cadets of the Air Force Academy Col. Simone Agostino Rocca.
In his welcome speech, the Colonel Bovino emphasised “It is an honour for us to host, for the first time, this important and heartfelt ceremony. We have enthusiastically welcomed this opportunity. Today we are attending what is intended to be the Museum's new direction: a place where we can experience our history, brimming with meaning for every aviator, especially for these young people who have recently begun their journey in the Italian Air Force, and I hope this wonderful moment will have a follow-up.
The solemn moment of the presentation of the aeroplane pilot wings, preceded by an emotional video produced by the students themselves at the end of the first phase of their training, was indeed made even more evocative and moving precisely by the venue chosen for the occasion, the MUSAM, steeped in memories and references to the roots of the Armed Force.
As a seal of the unbreakable bond between the old and new generations, the visibly moved Trainees, in front of their families, thus received the coveted eagle, which was pinned to their chests by General Casali, Colonel Rocca, Lieutenant Colonel Padricelli, Commander of the 1st Course of the Academy, and the Course Liaison Officer, Captain Luigi Della Gatta.
As per tradition, to the sound of the National Anthem, and after pronouncing the delivery formula, seven of them also received the Spadino as an academy member, the main symbol of the institute's traditions, worn by the Aspirants of the 6th Dragon Course. Following this, the pupils also received a special blessing on behalf of Episcopal Vicar Father Antonio Coppola and Military Chaplain Father Fausto Amantea.
At the close of the event, General Casali, after conveying the greetings of the Commander of the Schools, Air Squad General Silvano Frigerio, and of Godfather of the Course, Gen. S.A. Luigi Del Bene, ah, with these words, he urged the students to build their careers on three fundamental pillars: “Emotionsthat you made us experience and relive today through the wonderful video you created; emotions that must accompany, guide and inspire you on this journey you have decided to undertake, where there will also be difficult moments. Capacitycommitment and determination are necessary conditions to continue on your path of growth, but they are not enough: alongside these, great ability is required. You have shown that you possess uncommon ability: always remember that! Do not forget that from an initial 5,000 applications, you have become 129, so be aware of your worth! Character meant as an attitude that must accompany all of us on our journey in the Italian Air Force. To put oneself at the service of the country takes character. That same character and attitude that the pilots of these historic aircraft had in facing their daily challenges, and that have written indelible pages of history, of our history.
The day ended with a guided tour of the MUSAM rooms for all participants.
MUSAM (Historical Museum of the Italian Air Force), has the task of promoting aeronautical culture, history and traditions of the Armed Force. It stands on the shores of Lake Bracciano where at the beginning of the last century the first experimental aeronautical site for testing airships was established. Later, Vigna di Valle also became home to the first experimental unit for seaplanes. In the post-war period, it hosted the first air-sea rescue unit, operated with seaplanes. In the 1960s and 70s it became the home of the Sports Centre, the Air Force Personnel Selection Centre and the Armed Force's Historical Museum. MUSAM spans an indoor area of over 16,000 square metres, plus large outdoor areas. It houses and displays, in chronological order, over 80 original aircraft, as well as engines, uniforms and aeronautical memorabilia. As part of the celebrations for the Centenary of the establishment of the Italian Air Force in 2023, it was expanded, completely renovated and reopened to the public, and can now be visited according to the procedures indicated on the official website. MUSAM welcomes around 60,000 visitors a year. On the Google® information platform, which is based on the direct feedback of visitors, MUSAM boasts a rating di 4,8 su 5 stelle che lo colloca al secondo posto al mondo tra i musei aeronautici, dietro solo al National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton (USA).
