Monday 04 September, in piazzale Bandiera del aeronaval training center of the Navy, the ceremony of turnover in command between Rear Admiral Marco Montoneri (transferring) and Rear Admiral Luca Pasquale Esposito (incoming) took place, in the presence of the team admiral Aurelio De Carolis, commander in chief of the naval team, as well as of civil and military authorities and permanent cadre personnel together with family members and guests.
In his speech, Admiral De Carolis wanted to highlight the important role of MARICENTADD and the importance of the Centre's contribution to the naval team's activity: “Efficiency of the means, commitment of the staff, leadership ability of the commanders and - last but certainly not least - the contribution of the training and certification action carried out right here in Taranto by MARICENTADD. This action is expressed in staff courses, in the internships to which naval units and the crews of helicopters and patrol aircraft are periodically subjected".
Admiral Montoneri, however, greeted his "Crew" as follows: “Thank you for honoring every commitment despite all the countless difficulties. Thank you for having addressed every requirement, need and variant of situation, always finding a solution; Thank you to each of you, because you did your duty very well, every day.”
Rear Admiral Esposito, who has been in command of the 4th Naval Division - Patrol Forces for Surveillance and Coastal Defense (COMDINAV4 - COMFORPAT), based in Augusta, for two years, addressed his greeting during the ceremony as follows: “I am grateful to the Navy for the trust it has placed in me in assigning me this assignment; I am absolutely aware that the privilege of taking command will entail just as much responsibility and commitment to honor the trust placed in me".
To Rear Admiral Montoneri, who began his period of command at MARICENTADD on 29 September 2020, calm seas and favorable winds for the prestigious position of chief of staff that he will assume at the Navy schools command, in the Ancona headquarters.
