The traditional ceremony of handing over the swords to 92 students of the 1st regular course took place in the Theater Hall of the Air Force Academy, in the presence of the air team general Silvano Frigerio.
The commander of the Air Force Academy, general of the air division Luigi Casali, welcomed the civil and military authorities and the families of the young students: “[…] The delivery of the rapier represents an important handover, traditions and values that have been handed down for generations among the frequenters of the Air Force Academy. An exhilarating moment in the life of every student that contains feelings of pride for having managed to overcome a particularly challenging selective and training process; enthusiasm for the future challenges still to be faced; esteem for all the course colleagues with whom a unique bond is developing that will be consolidated during this journey, colleagues with whom you share the difficulties but above all the satisfactions and emotions that you are experiencing in these first months of the Academy". At the end of his speech, General Casali complimented all the attendees: “Continue this journey with the same determination, willpower and passion without ever resting on your laurels, the path that awaits you is not simple, but it will allow you to live a unique and exciting experience exploring new domains using technologically cutting-edge means always at the service of our country".
Subsequently, after the blessing by the military chaplain, the students of the 1st course received from the aspirants of the third class (Centaur VI) the sword, the emblem of the young cadet of the military academies, as well as the symbol of the commitment to honor the ideals of loyalty, courage and sense of duty that will accompany them in their military life, first as a student in the Academy and then throughout their entire career.
As evidence of the strong and indissoluble bond that unites the different generations, the air team general Francesco Vestito, course leader of theAeolus IV and Major Annamaria Tribuna, course leader of theEolo V.
During the ceremony, the following were also delivered:
• The “Professor Valentino Losito” scholarships, named in memory of the illustrious professor of general aeronautics at the Air Force Academy;
• the “City of Pozzuoli – Golden Eagle” award, presented by the mayor Luigi Manzoni, established by the Municipality of Pozzuoli in favor of two visitors (one of whom is a foreigner) who have particularly distinguished themselves in the study of flight sciences;
• merit badges and sports merit badges for second lieutenants, aspirants and students who have distinguished themselves for commitment, discipline, reliability and results in study and in the various sports disciplines.
At the end of the award ceremony, the commander of the AM schools / 3rd air region, General Frigerio, spoke “The delivery of the sword symbolizes in a concrete and tangible way the access to the first class of the Academy's regular courses, after passing very selective competitive tests, which required motivation, commitment and considerable sacrifices”.
Before concluding his speech “As commander of the schools, I am convinced that we must continue with determination to invest in human capital – the only true enabler of the effects of Aerospace Power – through its training, in order to develop its skills, critical thinking, analytical capacity and leadership, continuously improving training programs to continue the "flight towards the future", as stated in the motto of the Centenary of the Air Force which we have celebrated throughout the year and which is about to end".
In the evening, the traditional "Pingue" delivery ceremony took place, one of the most significant moments for the students of the first regular course. With this event, rich in traditions, the "Pingue" course receives an official welcome to the Institute from the senior students of the second class and more generally from the Air Force.
This ceremony marks the culminating moment of a months-long journey of rapprochement between the senior course and the first course which presents its traditional symbols: the rosette, the penguin and the patch.
There was no lack of solidarity: a charity raffle was organised, the proceeds of which were donated to promote the initiative "A gift from heaven for AIRC (Italian Cancer Research Association)", promoted by the Air Force Association.
The Air Force Academy depends on the command of the schools of the Air Force/3rd air region. It is a military institute of higher education of a university nature which has the task of providing for the recruitment and training of young people who aspire to become officers of the Air Force. By attending the regular courses of the Academy you can become a second lieutenant in permanent active service of the Air Force, in the normal role of navigators (pilots) and in the normal role of the weapons, of the aeronautical engineering, of the aeronautical commissary corps and of the aeronautical medical corps. Courses are also held at the Institute for officer students (supplementary pilots and fixed pilots) and directly appointed second lieutenants (both normal and special roles); finally, the Academy's study plan includes specialized aeronautical courses for foreign personnel and other Armed Forces.
