On Tuesday 13 July, at the "Luigi Olivari" Military Airport in Ghedi, the ceremony for the renewal of the War Flag of the 6th wing and the alternation at the helm of the "Red Devils" took place, between Colonel Roberto Del Vecchio, outgoing commander, and Colonel Giacomo Lacaita, incoming commander.
The ceremony was presided over by the Air Division General Francesco Dress, commander of the 1st Air Region and the Milan Combat Forces, in the presence of the highest authorities of the province of Brescia and the former commanders of the 6th Wing.
"Officers, non-commissioned officers, troops and civilian personnel, this cloth that has become worn out in the service of the Fatherland, but made sacred by our oath, will be religiously preserved with the other trophies of the 6th wing. The Flag remains unchanged and will be kept among us who will continue to defend it with value in any circumstance ". With this formula, Colonel Del Vecchio sanctioned the first phase of the celebratory event, relating to the renewal of the 6th wing of the War Flag. Following, the passing of the baton between the outgoing and the incoming commander, as a symbolic act of the alternation in command of the glorious department.
Colonel Del Vecchio in his farewell speech first of all addressed a deep thought of affection to his colleagues who died prematurely in the last period, combined with a great sense of closeness and belonging to their families. Subsequently, he wished to express his thanks to the superior authorities for the wide autonomy, support and attention accorded during his mandate. Continuing, he retraced the highlights as a flock commander: "I do not have the time to list here all the countless activities carried out by this excellent flock, at home and abroad, in the last two years, but I would like to reiterate that this operational department, despite being immersed in one of the most affected provinces by the pandemic , has never stopped working to guarantee that service available to the country and NATO that is required of us. This was possible only through the sense of responsibility and professionalism of all the Red Devils who reacted during this difficult period of examination. with seriousness, spirit of service, fidelity to one's duty and conscience ".
Colonel Lacaita, in speaking, expressed a respectful greeting to the War Flag of the flock, with the promise to honor and guard it, aware of the sacred values it represents. Then turning to the deployment, he wanted to outline the future objectives: "Men and women of the 6th Squadron, exemplary soldiers whom I have always looked upon with gratitude and admiration. In your faces and in your way of working I find that model of righteousness, dedication and passion that our older colleagues, some are present here, they taught me almost 23 years ago, when as a young lieutenant I took my first steps in this glorious department. Just as I have done in my aviation career, it is this model that I will continue to be inspired by as your commander. , this new and exciting experience along the path of transformation of the department and the base to the fifth generation. We will work in this direction, to be ready to welcome the first F35 in the imminent future ".
The ceremony ended with a speech by Air Divisional General Dress who, taking the floor, highlighted a feeling of deep appreciation for the work carried out by Colonel Del Vecchio, for having guided the staff of the flock with deep dedication, with a effective and far-sighted command action, always supported by the example of his behavior. Continuing, addressing the staff, he retraced the recent period: "Located in the heart of the Brescia province, one of the most affected by the pandemic emergency, the men and women of the 6th flock carried out their institutional duties with absolute competence and dedication, achieving remarkable results, while managing complex organizational problems and of security. Animated by a great sense of duty and a deep spirit of service, they ensured the professionalism and loyalty that has always characterized the Red Devils, contributing to increasing the prestige of the Air Force in its daily commitment to the service of the country ". In conclusion, he reminded the new commander, Colonel Lacaita, to live this unrepeatable and exciting experience with passion and harmony, an experience of great responsibility and commitment, which will certainly reserve new challenges to face, ambitious challenges, but will certainly give great satisfaction and success.
