The change of command ceremony between the outgoing commander, pilot colonel Giacomo Zanetti and the incoming commander, took place today at the "Urbano Mancini" military airport in Cervia (RA), headquarters of the 15th wing of the Italian Air Force, pilot colonel Andrea Giuseppe Savina.
The event was chaired by the commander of the Mobility and Support Forces (CFMS), general of air division Enrico Degni, in the presence of numerous civil, military and religious authorities, combat and weapon associations present in the area, representatives of public information and all the personnel of the department.
The ceremony began with the entry of the war flag of the 15th wing on the site of the event, embellished with its decorations, including the Silver Medal for Aeronautical Valor awarded in 2021 for the operational commitment of the department during the critical phase of the pandemic.
During his speech, Colonel Giacomo Zanetti, outgoing commander, initially thanked the guests for their presence, a tangible sign of the flock's essential bond with the institutions of the Romagna area.
Colonel Zanetti, addressing a reverent greeting to the glorious flag of the department, addressed his thoughts to the fallen of the 15th flock, in particular to the Angels of the SAR and his family, underlining the heritage of values they have left and the duty to always guard them memory.
The outgoing commander then addressed all the personnel of the 15th wing, which with more than 1300 men and women, located throughout the country, guarantees the operation of the department 24 hours a day, 24 days a week at service of the country and for the protection of human lives.
After the handover, which took place with the exchange of the war flag of the 15th flock and the formula of recognition, Colonel Savina took the floor, thanking the guests for their kind presence.
The incoming commander, in paying homage to the war flag of the 15th wing, underlined the values it represents and the sometimes extreme sacrifice of those who served it.
Colonel Savina ensured the utmost commitment to carry out the tasks assigned to the flock, defining the command of a department "a unique opportunity, a reason for sure professional and human growth", also declaring to know well the soul of the Fifteenth and its extraordinary patrimony of values.
General Degni, in underlining the numerous and important goals achieved by the 15th flock, thanked Colonel Zanetti for the commitment lavished during his assignment, emphasizing the silent and constant work of the staff: "a flock that has ensured, through constant dedication to the service of its men and women, numerous national and international commitments in favor of the Defense but also of the civil community, expressing operational capabilities of extraordinary depth. A department always at the forefront to bring help and rescue, as confirmed by the approximately 7.300 people in danger of life that the crews of the 15th flock have saved since its constitution to date. " He wished the incoming commander a peaceful and fruitful work with the guarantee of providing him with maximum support: "I am sure that you will put all your energy into continuing to enhance and guide the solid legacy your predecessor left you to achieve ever more prestigious goals."
