The first intervention started last December 28 in support of the “Binuca” mission (United Nations Integrated Office for the Consolidation for Peace in Central Africa Republic), underway in the African country at the disposal of the United Nations Security Council. The staff of the Italian Air Force, in synergy with that of the United Nations, provided day and night support to the "Boeing 747-200" cargo aircraft of the Saudi company "Saudia Airlines" which shuttled between the Brindisi airport and that of Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic, where aid was directed on behalf of the United Nations Global Service Center (UNGSC). In particular, the operations of technical assistance on the ground, the control of air traffic and the meteorological service were handled, in addition to the coordination of operations for refueling the aircraft in transit. The UNGSC has been hosted by Italy since 1994 on the Brindisi airport detachment for support activities in favor of United Nations "peacekeeping" operations.
On Tuesday 31 December, on the other hand, an Antonov 12 of the Ukrainian company “Ukraine Air Alliance” had left from the Apulian base always for Bangui, carrying materials and vehicles from the World Food Program (WFP) sent to support local populations. The flight was organized by the United Nations Humanitarian Intervention Base (UNHRD), which has operated from the Brindisi base since 2000 in support of the World Food Program operations. Among the aid transported, several hundred special nutritional rations for children and over 500 food rations and material for logistical support to WFP humanitarian operations including a vehicle, a pre-fabricated module for residential and office use, dozens of individual kits of survival and protection. On this occasion, in addition to assistance services to the aircraft, the Air Force provided the support of qualified personnel for the release of the expected Shipper's Declaration necessary for the transport of the material.
The Air Force assiduously offers its contribution in humanitarian missions: last in order of time the missions in the Philippines hit by Typhoon Haiyan, in support of the Protection and the various humanitarian agencies operating on the spot and last year in Mali, for the transport of health devices and medical equipment. The Brindisi Air Force Detachment, which reports to the Deputy Logistics Commander, provides support to the "peacekeeping" activities of the United Nations Global Service Center (UNGSC) and to the Humanitarian Emergency Response Base (UNHRD) and also ensures, 24 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, air navigation services to civil aviation and assistance to passing aircraft belonging to NATO countries.
Source: AM
