The Chief of Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano, as part of a series of visits to the Armed Forces Training Institutes, among the first entities he wanted to meet after recently taking office, visited the Air Force Academy in Pozzuoli today, Monday 18 November 2024, during which the training activities that prepare future officers of the Air Force were illustrated.
Upon his arrival in Pozzuoli he was received by the commander of the Air Force Schools / 3rd Air Region, Air Squad General Silvano Frigerio and by the commander of the Air Force Academy, Air Division General Luigi Casali.
The day began with an information briefing held by General Casali on training activities, focusing on the teaching programs and educational objectives, aimed at developing the technical-professional skills and leadership qualities of the officer cadets.
The activities of the newly established "units" were also illustrated.
ddestrative” through which students can delve into the emerging domains of interest for the Armed Forces in an extra-curricular manner, currently identifiable in the sectors of drone use (Drones Academy Research Team), cyber-security (Air Force Hackademy), artificial intelligence (Awareness and Research in Artificial Intelligence), aerospace and space (Academy Space Team for Research and Aerospace Studies) and emergency medicine (PROMETHEUS).
Afterwards, the Chief of Defence Staff wanted to meet the students and attendees of the Institute, to whom he underlined the opportunities and challenges that await them and shared his own experience in the service of the country.
In addressing the young students, future leaders of the Air Force and Defense, General Portolano expressed his appreciation, urging them to always operate based on three fundamental cornerstones: character, competence and moral courage. The Chief of Staff of the Defense also added to always be decisive and determined in every choice, having the courage to take responsibility for the decisions made.
In conclusion of his speech, the general underlined the importance of synergy between the different Armed Forces, reminding the students and the executives that each of them is part of a larger structure, which is the Defense, and that each Armed Force is essential only if it works in synergy with the others.
In this context, Lieutenant Colonel Marco Iannuzzi, an officer of the honorary role, an example of dedication, strength and moral courage, then took the floor and, at the end of his brief presentation, greeted the young students with great emotion: “Always be masters of your destiny and be honest with yourself and your superiors”.
Subsequently, General Portolano visited the infrastructure, including the Engine room, the Institute's chapel and the historic corridors and was present at the Piazzale Medaglie d'Oro parade of the three youngest courses.
The day ended with the signing of the Roll of Honor.
