The "recovery" program began at the end of 2013 with the repainting by the staff of the Replication Group and Control of Air Defense (GRCDA) and of the RSSG, of the statue of the Madonna di Loreto located in front of the Italian Air Operation's operating rooms Center (ITA-AOC) and GRCDA, as well as the winged metal lion, symbol of NATO's presence in the area and of continuity with the 5 ^ ATAF of Vicenza, where it was initially positioned.
Obviously the interventions on the three aircraft are more complex in their construction. It started with the restyling of the MB326G, in a static exhibition in Poggio Renatico from the 2007. The aircraft - which trained hundreds of AM pilots - was repainted on the spot by a team of "restorative specialists" of Mr. Renzo Catellani, a great lover of aeronautical history and owner of numerous historical aircraft, including an MB326 still able to fly in Italy.
We then intervened on the Agusta AB47J helicopter - the first aircraft to be positioned, in the 2001, on the grounds of Poggio Renatico. The restoration work was carried out in the hangar of the base by a team of staff of the Efficiency Aircraft Group (GEA) of the 6 ° flock of Ghedi.
Finally the F104, in static display at Poggio Renatico from the 2006. To be able to conduct the operation safely, this historic aircraft was also moved - with the collaboration of the Ferrara fire department - to the base hangar, where it was restored to its original brightness by GEA staff of the 51 ° Stormo of Istrana.
The objective quality of the restoration interventions has aroused the sincere appreciation of the staff of the AOC for all those who have collaborated in restoring the luster of the historic "monuments" of the grounds.
Source: RSSG - COA - Poggio Renatico (Fe) - col. Paolo Bressan, chap. Salvatore Di Stefano
