On Tuesday 19 December, in the evocative setting of the renovated MUSAM (Historical Museum of the Air Force) in Vigna di Valle, the change in direction of the MUSAM took place between Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Alfredo Cacce (outgoing) and Lieutenant Colonel Paolo De Life (taking over). The sober ceremony was presided over by the commander of the CSSAM (Historical and Sports Center AM) of Vigna di Valle, Colonel Luigi Barbagallo, in the presence of a representation of the base staff.
In his farewell speech, Lt. with the. Caccia outlined an account of his actions: “Twenty months have passed since I took on the role of director. A lot of work and many challenges awaited us, above all to open the Museum within the deadlines established by the Armed Forces [...] It was a real undertaking: a job that involved the entire Air Force and in particular all the personnel of the Vigna di Valle base , whom I sincerely thank for the dedication shown, in particular my staff at the Museum, of whom so much was asked, and who gave so much, beyond all expectations [...] You managed to ensure the achievement of all the objectives set, even where many were sceptical, and the result is there for all to see. It has been a great privilege to be your director, always aware of the importance of teamwork. I particularly thank Colonel Luigi Barbagallo, who unites us with a twenty-year friendship. Thanks to the commander of COMAER (Rome Air Force Command) general s.a. Giandomenico Taricco for the trust placed in me and the continuous support, and to the Chief of Staff, General s.a. Luca Goretti for believing in me and for choosing me once again for a new and exciting challenge...".
These are instead the first words of the lieutenant as new director of MUSAM. with the. Paolo De Vita: “When I received the news that I had been chosen for this prestigious position, a feeling of pride and elation passed through me. Flight, aviation and the history of the Air Force have always been my greatest passions. I was about 11 years old when my father took me to visit this museum for the first time. […] And today, more than 35 years later, I find myself here again, in such a different circumstance, but carrying forward this dream that began some time ago, in the eyes of a child. […] But as often happens in these cases, after the initial phase of euphoria, I began to become aware of what was happening and also to feel the weight of the great responsibility that I was called to take on. While living with you these days, I realized the enormous work behind all this and that only motivated and trained professionals like you could complete. New challenges now await the Museum. […] With your help, I am sure that I will be able to respond with the same competence, professionalism and passion that unites us and with the active contribution of the Armed Forces, we will be able to address any problem that arises. I sincerely hope to be able to give added value to everything positive that has already been done in recent years, which has brought about a new Museum in the year of the Centenary of the Armed Forces. I would like to conclude by thanking the commander, Colonel Luigi Barbagallo and General Taricco for the support they will provide me".
Col. Barbagallo instead made a point of thanking the outgoing director for the contribution provided on the occasion of the reopening of MUSAM, while at the same time spending words of encouragement towards the incoming one: “About two years have passed since the Chief of Staff assigned us this mandate. A period of great intensity, which we experienced first-hand and which we will carry with us forever... Thank you Arturo for what you were able to give, for your loyalty and the sacrifices you had to face. But what we have before our eyes, let's not hide it, is the success of all of us, and for this I thank you. I am happy that the head of SMA wanted to recognize the value of your work by giving continuity to your new role in Piacenza, where a new Air Force museum center is being created. The experience gained here will certainly be useful to you and we will be available to give you support. Paul, good luck. You inherit a constantly evolving situation: there is still a lot to do and I am sure that your contribution and your previous experience will be of great help to the Museum's cause."
The MUSAM (Historical Museum of the Air Force), has the task of disseminating the aeronautical culture, history and traditions of the Armed Forces. As part of the celebrations for the centenary of the establishment of the Air Force, it was expanded and completely renovated and can now be visited according to the methods indicated on the official website.
