General Iannucci takes command of COVI

(To Greater Defense)
20/01/25

The ceremony in which General Giovanni Maria Iannucci assumed command of COVI (joint operational command) took place this morning at the military airport “Francesco Baracca”, in the presence of the Minister of Defense, Hon. Guido Crosetto and the Chief of Defense Staff, General Luciano Portolano.

The event was attended, in addition to the Undersecretary of State for Defense, Senator Isabella Rauti, by the heads of the Armed Forces, the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza, the Military Ordinary for Italy and other military and civil authorities, both national and foreign.

The Chief of Defence Staff, in expressing his best wishes for good work to General Iannucci for his new prestigious assignment, highlighted the delicacy and importance of the role of COVI in the Defence sector, a reality of strategic importance for the security of Italy and the protection of the borders of the Atlantic Alliance, especially in a historical moment marked by great uncertainties and international tensions. In this context, the capabilities of COVI in planning operations and joint exercises together with coordination at national and international level, are indispensable to face present and future challenges.

In his speech, General Portolano dedicated a moving thought to the many fallen who lost their lives carrying out their service and addressed words of thanks to General Figliuolo, who was at the head of the joint command until last December.

General Iannucci returns to COVI as commander after having already held previous positions there; in particular from 2012 to 2014 as head of the J3 division (Operations) and in 2016 as head of the operations department.