GALATINA – Piazza Dante Alighieri in Galatina was the setting for the delivery ceremony of pilot licenses to those who, at the end of a complex and demanding training period, completed the piloting course at the Air Force Flight Schools , namely the 61st Wing of Galatina, the 72nd Wing of Frosinone and the Air Transport Training School of Pratica di Mare.
The event, organized by the Schools Command of the AM/3rd Air Region of Bari (which has the three Flight Departments under its control), in collaboration with the municipal administration of Galatina, took place in the afternoon. The ceremony saw the participation of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Luca Goretti, the Commander of the Air Force Schools/3rd Air Region, Air Force General Silvano Frigerio and the Commanders of the three Flight Schools , in addition to the mayor of Galatina, Fabio Vergine, and other civil and military authorities.
The origin of the 51 candidates for certification confirms the inter-force and international vocation of the Air Force Flight Schools: in addition to the 37 candidates for certification from the Arma Azzurra there are in fact 4 students from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, 2 students from the Hellenic Air Force, 3 from the Air Force from the Carabinieri, 2 from the State Police and finally 3 students from the Fire Brigade.
In the same context, the Gold Medal of Aeronautical Merit was awarded to the 61st Wing. This recognition, among the highest honors bestowed in the aeronautical field, was assigned to the Salento Flight School as
“prestigious Air Force Wing and advanced, multinational and modern training reality in the field of flight training, which stands out for the immutable and delicate role played in the training of flight personnel and as undisputed excellence for the uniqueness of the training offer and high-tech professional” as cited in Ministerial Decree n.42 of 11 April 2024.
However, a further event characterized the day of June 6th.
The city of Galatina has hosted and supported the 61st Wing for over 90 years, boasting a long tradition of collaboration with the Salento Flight School; demonstrating this strong link between the territory and the Blue Army, the city has obtained to be
awarded the name “City of the 61st Wing of the Air Force”. Col. Vito Conserva, Commander of the Military Airport, delivered the authorization document to the Mayor, in the presence of Gen. Frigerio during a small ceremony at Palazzo Orsini.
In the evening the traditional concert of the Fanfare of the School Command/3rd Air Region in St. Peter’s Square was the last event of the day in blue.
