A few days after returning from the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) mission in Lebanon, the ceremony for the change in command of the "Aosta" brigade was held in Messina between the general of division Giuseppe Bertoncello, assignor, and the brigadier general Maurizio Taffuri, replacement.
The event was attended by the commander of South Operating Forces, army corps general Giuseppenicola Tota and the highest civil, military and religious authorities of the City of the Strait.
General Bertoncello leaves the command at the end of a period characterized by operational and training activities. During the two and a half years of command, Aosta was employed abroad at the head of the western sector of the United Nations mission in Lebanon and on the national territory he guaranteed his contribution in various fields, providing the dependent departments with the support as part of the "Strade Sicure" operation, for territorial security and the fight against crime. In addition, the brigade's engineer component continued the work of clearing war remnants dating back to the 2nd World War. Of particular importance during the entire period of the Covid-19 pandemic is the distribution of personal protective equipment and vaccines throughout Sicily, activities for which the logistics regiment of the "Aosta" brigade was awarded the Cross of Silver for Army Merit.
The commander of South Operating Forces of the Army, in his speech, highlighted the important results achieved by the brigade, recognizing the great commitment and professionalism expressed by all personnel and underlining the importance of training which, combined with motivation and a sense of belonging, are the essential elements to operate effectively in the current scenarios. General Tota concluded by thanking the yielding commander for his commitment and the collaborative spirit ensured in all circumstances and wished general Taffuri good work.
