Ghedi Airbase Transfers Command as Bellini Returns Amid Global Tensions

Ghedi. – With the recognition formula pronounced by Colonel Roberto Nordio, outgoing commander of the Ghedi military airbase – “On behalf of the Head of State, officers, non-commissioned officers, airmen, civilian personnel, you will recognize Colonel Gianmarco Bellini as commander of the Sixth Wing” – the transfer of authority between the two commanders officially took place yesterday morning at the military airbase. Bellini thus took command of the Diavoli Rossi, 11 years after leaving the base (when his flying group, the 155th, spent five years operating in Ghedi and was assigned to the 50th Stormo in Piacenza) and ten and a half years after participating in the Gulf War.

Bellini’s Return to Ghedi and the Current Context

Bellini finds himself back in Ghedi just as discussions about possible war scenarios are resurfacing: “A mere coincidence,” dismisses the colonel. The Ghedi base continues its normal flight training activities on Tornado aircraft. No particular pre-alerts have been triggered yet.

Reflecting on the 47 days of imprisonment with the Iraqis who shot down his Tornado and only released him in March 1991, Bellini has erased the worst aspects which, nonetheless, “changed me and made me mature because you can only rely on your own strength, especially on the strength of spirit: you are at the mercy of someone’s will who can even kill you.”

“I am also proud of that past, as a personal experience that touched me deeply.” The ceremony took place to the sound of the fanfare of the first aerial region, directed by Marshal Albano Petrucci, marked by “attention” and “present-arms” commands among high uniforms and unsheathed sabers. The event was held in the maintenance hangar, in front of the military formation consisting of the honor guard, representatives of officers with blue sashes, non-commissioned officers, troops, and soldiers of the 831° Munss (Officers of the American base), alongside institutional banners – from the Region, Province, and Ghedi Municipality – the banner with the blue ribbon, and those of associations of combatants and arms.

The Authorities and Institutional Context

Many civil and military authorities were present: Viviana Beccalossi, the President of the Province Alberto Cavalli, Brescia’s Mayor Paolo Corsini, Prefect Anna Maria Cancellieri, Ghedi’s Mayor Osvaldo Scalvenzi, and mayors of neighboring towns, as well as Luigi Gorrini, a Gold Medal for Military Valor. The ceremony was presided over by General Antonio Urbano, commander of the Reconnaissance Fighter-Bomber Brigade.

Both commanders expressed solidarity with their American allies for the horrific terrorist attack of September 11. Nordio extended words of solidarity to them in English. Bellini shared his thoughts on the numerous victims: “The terrorists attacked not only the American nation but the entire civil and democratic world.”

“To my friends across the Atlantic working here at the Ghedi base, I extend my deepest condolences and assure them that, even if far from their homeland, they should never feel like strangers here and will never be alone in facing this immense tragedy.” General Urbano expressed words of esteem and affection for the two commanders, recalling that the handover of command is one of the “most important moments in the life of a Wing,” especially if it concerns the Sixth, “the keystone of the operational structure of the Italian Air Force.”

The Commentary and the Significance of the Handover

“A wonderful and moving ceremony,” commented Viviana Beccalossi, visiting Ghedi for the first time. “I regret that a friend like Nordio, who was able to bring citizens even closer to the Italian Air Force, is leaving. Bellini, who has demonstrated the ability to handle difficult situations, will be just as qualified.” The President Cavalli also thanked Nordio, who “led the Wing in international peace missions, increasing confidence in the armed forces.”

“Most importantly, by engaging with the territory, he fostered a trusting relationship between civilian population and military. Bellini, as a war hero, will be able to use his charisma to undertake shared commitments and strengthen ties with civil society.”