Sigonella, a new phase for the 41st Wing and Anti-Submarine Aviation

On 21 January, at the airport facilities of the 41st Wing and Sigonella Anti-Submarine Aviation, the ceremony for the disbandment of the Sigonella Airport Command and the simultaneous reorganisation and renaming of the 41st Anti-Submarine Wing took place.

The ceremony was presided over by the Commander of the Mobility and Support Command (CFMS), Air Division General Alessandro De Lorenzo.

During the event, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in memory of the Sigonella Airbase Command, which was dissolved after twelve years of activity, as well as the reorganisation of the 41st Anti-Submarine Wing, now renamed “41st Wing and Anti-Submarine Aviation”.

Air Division General Alessandro De Lorenzo, during his speech, emphasised how “For the Air Force, it is fundamental to find ways to make its Departments more efficient. Specifically, at Sigonella Airport, there housed the command of the 41st Wing and the Airport Command. Recently, an opportunity has been seen to make the entity more efficient, in order to make the best use of the human resources present at the Sigonella base.’

After more than sixty years of service and numerous changes, the 41st Wing faces a new reorganisation today, in line with the innovation and rationalisation requirements of the Armed Force. As stated by the Wing Commander, Colonel Stefano Spreafico:

“We must respond to current challenges with professionalism, initiative, and the steadfastness that distinguishes us. Today's event marks a concrete step in strengthening our capabilities. To do this, it is essential, through teamwork, to demonstrate concrete operational abilities effectively and punctually, always under the glorious Flag of the 41st Wing.’

It 41st Wing and Anti-Submarine Aviation of the Italian Air Force operates from Sigonella Airport, one of the most important and strategic Italian air bases, and ensures a plurality of operational and support functions, including:

• the fulfillment of the institutional mission of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime patrol, and search and rescue, within a national and international scope, with multi-role aircraft P72-A,
• the provision of air traffic services in the skies over eastern Sicily and adjacent seas;
• logistical and administrative support and technical-operational services to all entities present on the airport site, both national and international;
• the carrying out of the duties of District Capital for all the bodies of the Air Force in the eastern and central provinces of Sicily.

Hierarchically dependent on Mobility and Support Forces Command In Milan, the 41st Wing and Anti-Submarine Aviation are distinguished by certain organisational peculiarities arising from the technical link with The Office of the Aviation Inspector for the Navy in Rome. In this context, the crews of the P72-A are made up of pilot officers and onboard operators belonging to both the Air Force and the Navy, representing a concrete example of interforce synergy and institutional cooperation.