The change of command ceremony between Colonel Maurizio Epifani, outgoing commander, and Colonel Alberto Pelacchi, incoming commander, took place on Tuesday 24 September at the Air Al Minhad Task Force (United Arab Emirates).
The ceremony, presided over by the commander of the Joint Deployable Command of the Operational Command of Vertice Interforze (COI), division admiral Giorgio Gomma, was attended by the consul general of Italy in Dubai, Dr. Valentina Setta, the deputy attaché for the Defense, Lieutenant Colonel Raffaele Rivola and the commanders of the other contingents of the Coalition stationed on the Al Minhad base.
In his farewell speech Col. Epifani thanked Admiral Gomma and, through him, the commander of the IOC, the Army Corps General Luciano Portolano for the trust placed in him when, about a year earlier, he was entrusted with the command of Task Force Air Al Minhad, a unique department in the Italian operational landscape, which due to its geographical position and peculiar professional skills, is of strategic importance for the national contingents in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Colonel Epifani then expressed heartfelt thanks to the men and women of all the armed forces, present and already returned to their homeland, who under his command have worked incessantly with fervor and admirable preparation to achieve the objectives assigned, as well as to the Emirati Al Minhad base for the hospitality received and the collaboration established and, to the diplomatic, military and national consular authorities in the Emirates, for the incessant support received.
In his inauguration address, col. Pelacchi focused on the importance that the commander's alternation has for each military department, even more so when the unit operates outside national borders, as a faithful mirror not only of the operational capabilities of the Italian Armed Forces, but also , and even more, of the will of the entire country system to be an active element in international scenarios for international security and stability.
Finally, Admiral Gomma, the highest military authority at the event, spoke of words of appreciation for the enlightened and far-sighted action of Colonel Epifani and for the results of absolute importance achieved by the department, the result of the professionalism and dedication of every man and woman of the Task Force Air Al Minhad, whose unexceptionable behavior and the highest daily commitment are a source of pride for the Defense and for the country. Admiral Gomma then addressed Colonel Pelacchi's wishes for good work and sincere thanks to the local and national authorities present for the support they provided and which they will continue to provide to the Air Al Minhad Task Force.
