On the morning of Monday 9 January 2017, the 16 ° Wing "Protection of Forces" of Martina Franca was affected by the prefecture of Taranto to intervene in support of the municipality of Laterza, struck by a huge but exceptional snowfall.
In particular, the Martinese department promptly sent a specialized team, composed of some soldiers aboard a tactical vehicle in a snow configuration. The unit involved is still operating in coordination with the civil and public security authorities of Laterza, contributing to the restoration of the road conditions of the main roads of the territory, freeing them from the abundant snow that has fallen in the last few days.
The mayor of Laterza, personally thanked the military of the Italian Air Force for the important contribution made in favor of the community and for professionalism.
In the coming days, the department will continue to operate in the areas indicated and according to the specific needs envisaged by the municipal coordination, to limit the inconveniences caused by the continuing adverse weather conditions.
The commitment of the military of the 16 ° Stormo will continue until the end of the emergency, in accordance with the requests for support from the Taranto prefecture, competent in the area to request the use and competition of men and vehicles of the Italian Air Force, for connected needs to public disasters and for Civil Protection.
