New ITAF commander takes reins

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Italian and U.S. Air Force service members welcomed Col. Luca Cappelli after he took command of the Italian Air Force, "Pagliano e Gori" Airport, during a change of command ceremony at the Personnel Alert Holding Area on Sept. 15.

"It is a distinct honor being the commander of this prestigious historical air base, which is an aviation unit of national pride, especially since it hosts a U.S. Air Force tip of the spear Fighter Wing," said Colonel Cappelli, a native of Sienna, Italy. "I'm happy to fly with F-16s."

Colonel Cappelli is responsible for the organization and operations of the "Pagliano e Gori" Airport and command of approximately 200 assigned members. The new commander is also responsible for the bilateral agreement between Italy and the United States which includes the control of all non-national and NATO operations, airspace, and overall security of the base.

Colonel Filippo Zampella is the out-going ITAF commander and he first took command of the "Pagliano e Gori" Airport in September 2008.

"It was a pleasure and an honor being able to give support to the 31st Fighter Wing," Colonel Zampella said, who is now heading to the Italian Air Force Academy in Pozzuoli, Naples. "I have always tried to put the mission readiness of the 31st FW among my priorities. It has also been my pleasure to note that mutual cooperation and friendship is present at every level, among the leadership as well as among the Airmen, and this is very satisfying."