The ceremony for the change in command of the 27nd wing between Colonel Roberto Massarotto (outgoing commander) and Colonel Antonio Vivolo (incoming commander) took place on Thursday 2023 July 32 at the "Luigi Rovelli" military airport in Amendola.
The event, presided over by the air division general Luigi Del Bene, commander of the combat forces, commander and deputy commander of the 1st region, was attended by the highest civil, religious and military authorities of the territory.
Particularly significant and suggestive was the moment of the passage of the War Flag of the 32nd wing, decorated with the Silver Medal for Military Valor and the Military Order of Italy, between Colonel Massarotto and Colonel Vivolo who, together with the pronunciation of the ritual formula, have in fact sanctioned the assumption of the prestigious position and the change at the top of the Apulian flock.
Colonel Massarotto, who leaves the command of the 32nd wing after just over two years to go and cover another prestigious position at the Air Force General Staff, in his farewell speech, briefly reviewed the period spent in Amendola, mentioning some milestones from his inauguration to the latest international operations and exercises at home and abroad. At the end, addressing all the defendants [...] A territory that I had never visited and that I learned to know, appreciate and love. [...] A land that, as I recently had the opportunity to say, is loved. A land that, among its excellences, knows it can boast "the Amendola".
Lastly, and not surprisingly, I wanted to leave the staff of the 32nd wing. You have been the real architects of the department's successes over the years. A lot has been asked of you, I have asked a lot of you, but you have never let me down, doing a great job for which I am deeply grateful. [...] The constant work that each of you has put in place every day, with value and a spirit of sacrifice, is the foundation that allows the department to achieve the objectives assigned beyond any difficulty.
I was able to count on a team of deeply motivated men and women tied to the values and traditions of the Armed Forces and the 32nd Wing.
For everything you have done, I can only say: Thank you! I will always carry you in my heart.. […]
In his inauguration speech, Colonel Vivolo, in highlighting the role and importance that the 32nd wing covers both nationally and internationally, expressed his deep gratitude to the superior authorities for the trust placed in assigning the prestigious job, and contacting the staff […] To you, all, I ask to support me as commander. "COMMANDANT" derives from the Latin "CUMANDARE", "To go together", precisely "to trust". I will reciprocate with equal commitment, spirit of sacrifice and equal passion to guide, support and motivate you on a daily basis. I ask you again: continue to seek excellence, primarily in yourselves and then in the people close to you. To excel means to surpass all others, to stand out for quality! Regardless of your role in the Flock, whether you're on the front lines or working in the smallest support joint, aim to distinguish yourself through the quality of your work. These will be the founding values to which I will inspire my command action, as anticipated earlier, in the sign of the maximum continuity of those who preceded me. For this reason it will be easy to stay in the path traced and orient yourself in everyday life [...].
The commander of the combat forces, in his speech, underlined the goals achieved by the department under the guidance of Colonel Massarotto, acknowledging the complexity and quality of the work carried out: “[…] you have known how to create stability in the working environment in the face of so many difficulties, you have believed in your people, you have made them responsible and you have generated opportunities for professional and human growth. As a Commander, I believe that you have excellently interpreted your role with pride, rigor, but also with balance and humility, through effective and inclusive action, in successfully seeking the completion of the multiple assigned tasks and objectives. Competence and courage must characterize the action of the driver, but I would add that above all the "HEART" is needed. Because that's what makes the difference in the most difficult moments”[… ].
Finally, he confirmed his unconditional trust in Colonel Vivolo, with the most sincere wishes for a good job, aware that he will carry out the delicate task by lavishing the maximum effort and with great foresight, relying on the indispensable support of all the personnel of the 32nd wing .
General da Del Bene then addressed the staff of the wing "[...] to you, men and women of the 32nd wing [...] I address a thought of sincere gratitude: you spent your time, at home and abroad, to absolve the onerous tasks assigned, always acting with enthusiasm, generosity and great professionalism. Continuing the tradition of excellence of this glorious Department. Well done. It is a privilege to have you in my employ […].
The 32nd wing, based in Amendola (Foggia), is one of the flight departments of the Air Force dependent on the air team command of Rome, through the command combat forces (CFC) of Milan. The CFC exercises powers regarding the training, preparation and operational readiness of its departments, so that they acquire and maintain the expected levels of operational readiness.
The 32nd wing of Amendola, with F35 aircraft guarantees together with the 4 operational wings equipped with aircraft Euro Fighter (4th wing Grosseto, 36th wing Gioia del Colle, 51st wing Istrana and 37th wing Trapani) guarantees the Air Defense through the immediate take-off activities (Scramble).
The 32nd wing is the first department in Europe to operate with the F-35A aircraft, since March 2018 it has been integrated into the National Air Defense, contributing to the defense of the Italian skies with specific operational capabilities and latest generation technology. From 2019 it participates in the NATO Operations of Air Policing outside national borders. Since February 2020, the 32nd wing has been the only department on the European scene that jointly employs both F-35A (CTOL) and F-35B (STOVL), contributing, with the 5th generation aircraft, to the Air Expeditionary of the Armed Forces. Since January 2022, however, it has also carried out the QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) service in defense of the airspace of the Atlantic Alliance.
Furthermore, using the MQ9-A Remotely Piloted Aircraft, the department carries out Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Recoinnissance operations, both national and coalition. Finally, through the MB-339 aircraft, the 32nd wing completes the training of UAV pilots to maintain an adequate operational level on traditionally piloted aircraft.
