On Thursday 14 December, at the 16th 'Force Protection' wing in Martina Franca (TA), the change of command ceremony of the department took place between Colonel Donato Barnaba and Colonel Andrea Giuliani, incoming commander.
The "handover" was presided over by Air Division General Enrico Degni, commander of the Mobility and Support Forces (CFMS), on which the wing depends. The event was attended by the vice prefect of Taranto, Dr. Maria Luisa Ruocco, the mayor of Martina Franca, Dr. Gianfranco Palmisano and the highest civil, religious and military authorities of the territory.
The ceremony had various significant moments, culminating in the passing of the War Flag of the 16th wing, decorated with a gold and a silver medal for Aeronautical Valour, from the hands of Colonel Barnaba to Colonel Giuliani, as a symbolic act of change in command of the department.
Colonel Barnaba, in his farewell speech, thanked the authorities and guests gathered at the ceremony, defining his command as a period of profound change in terms of the logistical footprint of the 16th wing. The reorganization process of the "Fucilieri dell'Aria" team and the recent tactical evaluation called "High Impact Evaluation" which allowed the full validation of the 16th wing as a provider of "Force Protection for Air Operations" assets have taken on particular importance. At the conclusion of his speech, Colonel Barnaba, referring in particular to the support received from the staff, highlighted: “The operation of the department was guaranteed by the synergistic work of the divisions, groups and organizational units of the wing; of first-rate non-commissioned officers and graduates, gifted with the gift of know-how; stainless and always with their hands in the mud".
Colonel Giuliani, in his first experience in Puglia, expressed his heartfelt thanks to the leaders of the Air Force for choosing him to hold such a prestigious position. “Resilience and the ability to operate outside of the comfort zone – concluded the new commander – they are in the DNA of this flock, an authoritative synthesis of operations at the service of the nation which, like every organisation, generates value when it allows its most valuable resource, the human one, to feel at ease and appreciated, promoting authenticity and participation".
During his speech, General Degni first of all complimented Colonel Barnaba who, in a certainly not optimal context, especially due to the reduction in personnel and the reorganization of the component of the Air Rifles, highlighted the ability to adaptation, foresight and proactivity. All this, ensuring the operation and functionality of the Department without interruption. Finally, addressing the staff, the General praised the professionalism and training of the Air Rifles sector, the true heritage of the Armed Forces.
