This morning at the Herat airport, the changeover ceremony took place at the helm of the Train Advise Assist Command West (TAAC W), the Italian-led multinational NATO command and joint forces operating in the western region of Afghanistan as part of the mission Resolute Support (RS). The "Sassari" brigade, after six months of training, advice and assistance in favor of local security forces, was alternated by the "Pinerolo" brigade.
The ceremony was attended by the ambassador of Italy in Kabul Roberto Cantone, the commander of the NATO Command of Brunssum, general of the army corps Riccardo Marchiò, the commander of the mission Resolute Support John W. Nicholson, the Italian senior representative gen. division Massimo Panizzi representing the commander of the Interoperable Summit Operations Command and all the highest Afghan civilian and military authorities in the western region.
The gen. Marchiò, in his speech, thanked the commander cedant general of brigade Gianluca Carai, and the Sassarini deployed, for the excellent results achieved and expressed his best wishes to Brigadier General Francesco Bruno, and his units, for the delicate and fundamental task that awaits them.
The gen. Nicholson, on the other hand, retraced the numerous activities carried out by TAAC W in the semester under the responsibility of "Sassari", citing some significant operations, such as assistance, "at home", to the Afghan Security Forces in areas distant from Herat with the Sassarini deployed, even for long periods, in the various provinces of the western region, in support of the local counterparts engaged, independently, during the planning and conduct of military activities against the insurgency. The exceptional contribution provided by the Italian contingent during the operations to secure the areas involved in the inauguration of the works for the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, chaired by the President of the Republic of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani, and subsequently during the meeting of the president himself with the commander of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Curtis Scaparotti accompanied by four ambassadors to NATO.
The gen. Nicholson also highlighted how the western region, led by Italy, has obtained the best results in the whole country, in terms of security, economic and social development - among which the high levels of female integration and schooling stand out - and also in terms of territorial control, with over 84% of the population under the influence of government institutions. Tangible results that demonstrate the commitment and dedication of the Italian soldiers who have alternated in Afghanistan from 2002 to today.
For the command of the brigade "Pinerolo" it is the second term in Afghanistan; at the same time the 9º Infantry Regiment "Bari" took over the Task Force Sand, unit responsible for the security and support of the activities of the Italian contingent alternating the 152 ° "Sassari" infantry regiment.
