On Friday 28 March, on the day of the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Italian Air Force, the Italian Air Force Historical Museum (MUSAM) inaugurated a new exhibition area dedicated to missions conducted under the aegis of international organisations.
A new collection that, through the exhibition of memorabilia and documents, traces decades of experiences lived by the Armed Force in the areas affected by the operations of Peacekeeping and in support of the populations in countries affected by crises.
The presentation of the new exhibition section, which took place in the presence of Commander of the Vigna di Valle Airport Command – AM Historical and Sports Centre, Colonel Dario Bovino and of some of the units involved in the peace missions, was illustrated by Director of the MUSAM, Lt. Col. Paolo De Vita, which pointed out how the addition of the new stories section, “between emotion and technical details, operations outside national borders from the end of the Second World War to the present day, also thanks to the aid of a map through which it is possible to view the geographical areas of intervention. Since the post-war period – continued the Director of MUSAM – Italy is becoming an active participant in the actions that the International Community has had to implement to contribute to stability in certain areas. All the missions featured in the new area give an idea of just how crucial, yet also burdensome, the task is that Italy has been called upon to carry out over the last 75 years. It is our duty to remember the sacrifice of those who, even at the cost of their own lives, have shown self-lessness in the performance of their duty.
MUSAM (Historical Museum of the Italian Air Force) has the task of promoting aeronautical culture, history and the traditions of the Armed Forces. It stands on the shores of Lake Bracciano where, at the beginning of the last century, the first experimental aeronautical shipyard for testing airships was established. Subsequently, Vigna di Valle also became the home of 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 Forces Historical Museum. The MUSAM is spread over a covered area of over 16,000 square metres, plus large outdoor areas. It houses and exhibits, 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, it has been expanded and completely renovated.
