On Friday 1 September, the ceremony of the change of command took place at the historic setting of the “F. Baracca” Airport in Centocelle. Airport Command / COMAER Headquarters, between Colonel Vincenzo Addonisio, outgoing Commander, and Colonel Vincenzo Pisano, incoming Commander.
The event, chaired by Air Force Corps General Giandomenico Taricco, The Commander of the Air Force Command Rome (COMAER) took place in the presence of numerous religious, civil and military authorities, and the staff of the General Headquarters.
The outgoing Commander, in his speech, thanked those present and, in particular, General Taricco and the Armed Force's leadership for their trust, underlining how “the exciting and rewarding period as Commander will be difficult to repeat, and this is thanks above all to the splendid personnel of the Airport Command, the valuable support of COMAER, and the collaboration of the neighbouring Commands.”, a difficult period as it was largely experienced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which full support was provided to all under all circumstances. Higher Inter-forces Entities and of Armed Forces that insist on the land of Centocelle, in compliance with the mission assigned to the Department. All this while continuing the work of infrastructural implementation and modernisation of the base, such as the construction of the new vehicle depot and the renovation of the now-outdated accommodation blocks. The outgoing Commander continued by wishing Colonel Pisano the best of luck.
The incoming Commander expressed sentiments of esteem to the outgoing Commander and words of thanks to the higher authorities for the trust placed in him in taking command of Italy's first Air Base. Addressing the men and women he is honoured to command from today: “I know I can rely on a cohesive team, made up of true professionals, from whom I am eager to receive any useful suggestion, confident in your loyal, honest, and effective collaboration, urging you to continue to do well for that singular satisfaction felt when one acts solely and exclusively in the supreme interest of the state.”. In concluding his speech, he wished Colonel Addonisio every satisfaction in his upcoming sensitive assignment. .
General TARICCO, in taking the floor, addressed Colonel Addonisio as follows: “In the almost three years spent in Centocelle as Commander of the Q.G. COMAER Airport, he was supported in his delicate activities by the enthusiasm, commitment, and strong motivation of all the personnel under his command, whom he managed, directed, and supported with consistent enthusiasm and competence, especially during the long period of the pandemic. Even and particularly during this period, the due and fundamental support provided also to the joint forces” entities hosted on the base was prompt and of the highest quality, placing everyone in the best conditions to ensure the operational continuity that distinguishes the military organisation."
Furthermore, he placed his trust in the incoming Commander, “Colonel Pisano will be responsible for managing, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, through linear and intelligent command, the ethical, military, and professional heritage expressed by all components of the Airport.”
The Airport Command – COMAER Headquarters provides logistic support to COMAER and Joint and Air Force Bodies located at the Centocelle site, simultaneously ensuring the security of the installation. Maintain the operational readiness and efficiency of the Department by implementing continuous improvement in work processes, aimed at optimising available resources.
