On 22 November last, the Air Force Detachment of Syracuse celebrated the centenary of the Italian Air Force's presence in the city and the establishment of the Syracuse Seaplane Base, which took place in 1925, with a solemn ceremony. This anniversary was a moment of great historical, identity, and institutional significance, attended by the highest civil, religious, and military authorities, as well as the leaders of the Air Force Schools Command / 3rd Air Region.
The celebrations began with the arrival of the Commander of the Air Force Schools / 3rd Air Region, Air Force General Francesco Vestito who presided over the solemn flag-raising ceremony, recalling the inaugural moment in 1925: a symbolic gesture that ideally united a century of aeronautical history and service to the country.
Following the institutional addresses, the President of the Association of the Aeronautical Armed Forces of Syracuse, retired Colonel Giovanni Girmena, recalled the moral legacy of the aeronautical tradition, emphasising how «The spirit of service has not gone into retirement. If we are here today, it is because we firmly believe in the values we have learned: honour, loyalty, courage and the pride of being Aviators of Italy.»
The Commander of the Syracuse Air Detachment, Lieutenant Colonel Roberto Tabaroni, in highlighting the historical importance of the Air Force's presence in the Syracusan territory, which has welcomed it for 100 years, he emphasised the value of historical memory, stating that «Meeting again means remembering, remembering means giving importance to past events to project yourself with greater awareness into the future.»
The speeches have concluded. Air Force General Francesco Vestito, who stated: «Celebrating these hundred years means honouring all the men and women who have served in Siracusa with dedication, professionalism and a spirit of sacrifice. This land has accompanied our history since the dawn of the Seaplane Base and continues today to represent a precious outpost for the Italian Air Force. Safeguarding this heritage of values is a duty to the past and a commitment to the future, so that the bond between Siracusa and the Air Force may continue to grow and serve as an example for new generations.
Subsequently, in the space in front of the historic building, the commemorative plaque dedicated to the Detachment's fallen was unveiled, which was blessed by the Archbishop of Syracuse, H.E. Monsignor Francesco Lomanto, a moment of deep participation and reflection.
To commemorate the event, Poste Italiane has created a special philatelic postmark dedicated to the centenary. During the event, three historical and cultural conferences were also held: “The History of the Syracuse Seaplane Base” by Lieutenant Colonel Paolo Tredici from the 41st Wing and Anti-Submarine Aviation of Sigonella; “Gen. B. Deodato, a timeless hero” by 1st Lieutenant Licitra; and an in-depth look at the “Riace Bronzes” curated by Dr. Francesco Madeddu.
The centenary celebration provided an opportunity for significant participation from the local community, reaffirming the strong and historic bond between the city of Syracuse and the Air Force, which has been serving the country for a hundred years with competence, integrity, and passion.
It Air Force Detachment of Syracuse It depends on the A.M. Schools Command / 3rd Air Region in Bari. It is tasked with providing logistical and administrative support to the 137th Remote Radar Squadron in Mezzogregorio (Syracuse). It also manages the bodies that carry out social protection activities for members of the Armed Forces and their families.
It Air Force Schools Command/3rd Air Region, based in Bari, is one of the three High Commands of the Armed Force. It ensures the selection, recruitment, military, cultural and professional training of Air Force personnel and flight training (at an international level), through the study and adoption of innovative teaching and training methodologies focused on the learner and informed by innovation, creativity, optimisation of human and material resources, eco-sustainability, constant engagement with institutions and the local area in service of the community.
