SPACE: GEN. PREZIOSA SENDS GREETINGS TO MAJOR PARMITANO

Major Luca Parmitano will be the first Italian astronaut to carry out extravehicular activity in space.
General Preziosa, in his opening address, wished to thank Major Luca Parmitano, representing the pride of the entire Armed Force and the country for the prestigious mission the astronaut is about to undertake. Addressing Major Parmitano, he declared: “Certainly for you it will be a great emotion, but it will be a great emotion for Italy, for Italians and for the Air Force. […] I'm here immersed in the Air Force operations room and all the bystanders are looking at you with admiration for what you've achieved for our Italy and for what you've achieved for our Air Force.”In conclusion, he then greeted the Italian astronaut by saying: “Well done, you're a star, we're all with you!”
Major Luca Parmitano, thanking the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, stated: “Through you, I would like to thank the entire Air Force for their unfailing and invaluable support, something that only someone in my position can truly understand.”He then continued by saying: “I only hope to be worthy of the trust that has been placed in me by the Air Force and the country. My commitment is to do my utmost, I will give my all to achieve the result that is expected from an Air Force Officer and an Italian.”.
Major Parmitano will be the first Italian astronaut to conduct extra-vehicular activity in space and will remain in orbit for about six months. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force in videoconference with Major Luca Parmitano