In recent days, in the presence of General James B. Hecker, commander of theallied air command of Ramstein (Germany) and General Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, took place at aerospace operations command (COA) of Poggio Renatico, the handover ceremony of the command of the DACCC between the major general of the Royal Netherland Air Force, Denny Traas, and the division general Luca Maineri, former commander of the COA.
In greeting the authorities and guests present, General Hecker highlighted the primary role played by the DACCC under the command of General Traas, as “a vital resource for the Atlantic Alliance and its 32 member nations, as well as a primary element in the field of deployable air command and control activities”. General Hecker also highlighted the operational role played by the DACCC in support of the earthquake in Turkey, during the Ramstein Flag exercises and in protecting NATO's eastern borders. At the end of his speech, General Hecker, in wishing the new commander all the best, said he was certain that “The DACCC, thanks to the professional experience gained by General Maineri during his career, could not be in better hands”.
In his farewell speech, General Traas expressed his gratitude to the authorities present for the support provided to him during his mandate, underlining how his “The command experience will remain indelible in his memory for the challenges and commitments faced in a particularly crucial period such as the current one”.
“The DACC”, continued the outgoing commander, “he played a primary role within NATO, having been employed, during this period of command, for 75% of deployments in support of operational and exercise activities”.
General Maineri highlighted in his inaugural speech: “DACCC is a unique force projection tool, and has consistently demonstrated its versatility and excellence both in rapid deployments in support of NATO and in its crucial role in training personnel responsible for air operations planning activities”.
