To: Change of Command of the 2nd Wing

Thursday 6 October, at the Rivolto (UD) military airport, home of the 2nd Wing, the handover ceremony took place between Colonel Marco Bertoli, outgoing Commander, and Colonel Paolo Rubino, incoming Commander.

At the ceremony, which was presided over by Commander of Combat Forces In Milan, Air Division General Luigi Del Bene, numerous local civil and military authorities were present, as well as a significant representation of the Department's personnel.

In the circumstances, also the War Flag of the 2nd Wing he took his place in the line-up, and his handover between the outgoing and incoming Commander effectively sealed the ritual Change of command of the Wing.

In his farewell speech, the Colonel Bertoli, who led the Friulian Department for over two years, first of all offering a respectful thought to the War Flag of the 2nd Wing“I wish to remember, with emotion and gratitude, all those who, in the name of the ideals and values that it represents, sacrificed their lives in times of peace and war.“, he continued: “over this two-year period I have constantly felt deep bond that unites this marvellous land to the Rivolto air base; thanks to it, we were also able to operate seamlessly, successfully completing all the objectives and tasks set for us by the Higher Authorities”. In conclusion, he dedicated his greatest thanks To the personnel of the 2nd Wing defining it “The most significant dimension of my incredible journey in Rivolto, the true engine of my command which has transmitted the strongest and most genuine emotions of this magnificent experience“.

The incoming Commander, Colonel Ruby, In his inaugural address, with pride and unconcealable emotion, he thanked the Superior Authorities for the trust placed in him by putting him in charge of such a prestigious department and granting him the honour of contributing, along with his staff, to the peace and security of the country. These were the key words of his speech:“In line with the strategic objectives of the Armed Force, the 2nd Wing has been assigned a a clear mission within the broader context of national air defence and alliances. In this regard, we must ensure a reference capability, preparing structures and continuously trained forces at the highest levels of readiness to cope with any situation and guarantee adequate responses to any scenario.“In conclusion, he added:“My commitment to you women and men of the 2nd Wing will be to ensure constant guidance and continuous presence, dedicating myself to you all without reservation and sharing with you the complex challenges, difficulties, but also satisfactions.“.

It General of Good, In his speech at the end of the ceremony, he wished to emphasise the distinctive characteristic of the Friulian Department, which makes it unique in Italy due to its DNA and its contribution to the Armed Force's operational architecture. These were his words: “a mission primarily dedicated to the continuous air defence of the national and NATO airspace through a one-of-a-kind missile silo in constant numerical and capacitive growth, heavily committed to an indispensable process of renewal that is complex and not without its challenges, but also centred on the most famous symbol that carries the image of the Armed Force and Italy throughout the world: the Frecce Tricolori. Turning then to Colonel Bertoli, he wished to thank him for the excellent work carried out leading the Department, while to Colonel Rubino he wished to offer his sincerest best wishes for the prestigious role he has taken on today, reassuring him about the support that the Combat Force Command in Milan is ready to guarantee it at any time. Finally, he extended his most sincere praise to all the staff of the 2nd Air Wing both for the excellent results achieved and for the tireless commitment always shown in achieving the assigned objectives.