The ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Luca Goretti
Thursday 21 September was held at the Taranto Air Force Volunteer School (SVAM) oath of 385 trainee Volunteer in Initial Fixed Term (VFI) del 27th “Icadio II” Course” – 1st intake of 2023 who shouted their “I swear!” what solemn act of fidelity to the Italian Republic.
The solemn ceremony was presided over by Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Luca Goretti, and saw the participation of Commander of the Air Force Schools and of the 3rd Air Region, Air Squad General Silvano Frigerio, from the President Chief of the Non-Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers and Other Ranks, 1st Lieutenant Mario Bonaventura, and also from the main civil, military and religious authorities of the city.
During the ceremony, enhanced by the presence of the Fanfare of the Air Force Schools Command/3rd Air Region, the bond between old and new generations was sealed with the handover of the “Pennant” on behalf of “godfather, a graduate belonging to the course “Icadio” held in Taranto in 2008, to the Senior Course through the hands of the President, Chief of Non-Commissioned Officers, Graduates and Enlisted Personnel.
After the evocative reading of the Aviator's Prayer, it was released in flight towards the sky the’”Oriflamme” containing the names of all 385 students.
It Commander of the SVAM, Colonel Claudio Castellano, after thanking the authorities, addressing the students and those present, he stressed how the Icadio II course is the “First Course of Volunteers with a three-year enlistment who join the Air Force in the year of the Armed Force's Centenary.” and turning to the boys, he said: “You represent our institution as testimonials, and for this, we are very proud.”
Illustrating the journey that enabled every student to live this unforgettable day, he reiterated to them: “Always carry the memory of this period in your hearts training spent in this splendid historical-naturalistic setting, surrounded by the memories of the prestigious seaplane base of the city of Taranto where, in the past, aviation pioneers operated with the first seaplanes, distinguishing themselves in heroic deeds and helping to write the history of Italian aviation.”.
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, after expressing his Proximity And the entire Armed Force's [condolences] to the Origliasso family, father Paolo and mother Veronica, for the loss of little Laura in the unpredictable fatality that occurred at Caselle airport last week, addressing the families of the cadets and the guests, he remarked that “These young people have just taken on the moral commitment to serve their country, through a formal act, a solemn promise, which will guide them in their future professional path in ”azzurro' to always operate responsibly and without reservation in safeguarding the nation's community.”.
He also stressed that “Our dear Air Force, from its origins, bases its excellence on the quality of its human resources, on their dedication to service, on the deep-seated conviction of never settling for less, and on their natural inclination to work as a “team”. May you too be architects and interpreters of these peculiar characteristics, in order to contribute with commitment and conviction to the fulfilment of the institutional tasks assigned to the Armed Force so that it can be ever more useful to the Country.”.
At the end of the ceremony, inside the hangar, in the presence of all the families, at the invitation of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the cadets tossed their caps into the air, thus sealing the end of the first training phase. Finally, the emotional, liberating embrace exchanged between the newly sworn-in men and women and their families was moving.
In the evening, however, a concert organised by the Orchestra of the Conservatory of Music took place in the heart of the Ionian city, inside the “Villa Peripato” Arena. “G. Paisiello”. The event was organised in collaboration with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency – Southern Operational Centre (NSPA – SOC) on the occasion of the 51st anniversary of its presence at the Taranto Volunteer School headquarters. On this occasion, the collection of voluntary donations in favour of the Italian Association for Cancer Research continued as part of the initiative “A Gift from the Heavens” promoted at all events of the Italian Air Force Centenary.
The SVAM It is the only national training and educational centre that provides basic military and moral training for troops destined to serve in the Air Force, as well as specific vocational instruction. The School reports to the Air Force Schools Command/3rd Air Region, one of the three top Commands of the Armed Force. This Command is tasked with ensuring the selection, recruitment, military, cultural and vocational training of Air Force personnel, and flight training (at an international level). It achieves this 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, environmental sustainability, and constant engagement with institutions and the local area in service to the community.
