Today, in the presence of the army chief of staff, general of the army corps Pietro Serino, the alternation ceremony at the top of the Alpine troops between the army corps general Claudio Berto and the parigrade Ignazio Gamba.
The handover, which took place in full compliance with the social distancing measures provided for by the regulations in force, was made official in the presence of the Mayors of Bolzano and Laives and the president of the provincial council of Bolzano Rita Mattei, the government commissioner Dr. Vito Cusumano, and of other civil and military authorities, as well as of the commanders reporting directly to the Alpine Troops Command (COMTA) and all the commanders of the regiments belonging to the Alpine brigades "Julia" and "Taurinense" and Alpine Training Center.
“Today I am so excited to preside over the alternation of the commander of the Alpine Troops - the Chief of Staff of the Army during his speech - especially in greeting General Berto on his last day of service, a long career in which in every role he proved to be a great soldier, a great commander, a true Alpine. " He then continued - "the Alpine troops, an important component of the Army, have all the characteristics and capabilities that I believe an armed force should have to be effective and efficient but in particular what I consider fundamental is the indissoluble bond they have with their land and with their community . "
General Berto took stock of his period of command: “The presence of COMTA soldiers alongside local institutions, on important occasions and in all critical moments, has been constant and always tangible. From the Arctic Circle to the Balkans via Afghanistan, I have always traveled my career with honor and pride, sharing my commitment with the many people I am and will always be grateful to. Among them my commanders, my colleagues and above all my Alpini. The Army taught me ideals and values ". Addressing the South Tyrolean community, he then stated "Particular impetus was given to the activities that involved the mitigation of COVID risk, with a view to developing a synergy between institutions, essential for making a concrete contribution to society".
General Berto then wished General Gamba to reach, during his period of command, the most important and prestigious goals.
Il Alpine Troops Command (COMALP), reporting directly to the Army Chief of Staff, gathers the majority of the Italian Army mountain departments and is responsible for their training and preparation; and is responsible for the “Strade Sicure” operation in its area of competence (North West of Italy). Among the activities carried out in the last period we highlight the contribution to the community with a significant use in the management of the epidemiological emergency with interventions in the field of safety (control and surveillance of the red areas); health with the presence of military doctors and nurses in guaranteeing support to health companies; logistics for the transport of vaccines and activation of vaccination centers (Cuneo and Merano). Personnel of the Alpine Troops contributed to the perfect success of the recent World Ski Championships in Cortina; Alpine engineers intervened in the reclamation of explosive devices and remnants of war. In addition, as regards the training activities of the Unit employees, the winter and summer exercises "Volpe Bianca" "Vertigo", conducted by the Alpine brigades "Julia" and "Taurinense" are highlighted.
General Ignazio Gamba, incoming commander, comes from Naples where he was the chief of staff of the JFC-NAPLES command. Among the main tasks: he was the deputy commander of the Alpine Troops, commander of the 4th Alpine Parachute Regiment and of the Alpine Brigade "Julia", as well as deputy head of the III Department of the Army General Staff, in the international context he carried out assignments at the command Born in Mons (Belgium).
In his address, General Gamba, addressing the commanders of the dependent departments and thanking theNational Alpine Association for the effective collaboration, which will continue and expand throughout the year 2022 on the occasion of the program of events to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Corps, highlighted "How this moment represents a particularly significant stage in my career, aware of taking command of a very complex and unique complex, enviable for brand skills and traditions, but with the certainty of having personnel with great experience and a high level of professionalism available ".
