On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Honorable Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defense, visited the **6th Wing** of the Italian Air Force located in Ghedi, in the province of Brescia. This visit is part of the familiarization activities aimed at the units of the Italian Armed Forces.
Welcoming the Minister were Air Force General Luigi Del Bene, Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Command/1st Air Region, and Colonel Luca Giuseppe Vitaliti, Commander of the 6th Wing, known by the nickname “Diavoli Rossi” (Red Devils). After receiving military honors, Crosetto participated in an informational briefing at the unit’s command. During this meeting, the operational capabilities and activities carried out by the 6th Wing were presented, which operates actively both in Italy and abroad to fulfill assigned missions.
A focal point of the visit was the transition from Tornado aircraft to 5th generation F-35 fighters. The latter are already fully operational and represent a significant advancement in the modernization of the Italian air forces. The Minister also had the opportunity to meet a selection of military and civilian personnel from the 6th Wing and visited several key infrastructures dedicated to the transition to the new F-35A “Lightning II,” which are currently nearing completion.
Additionally, Crosetto examined the flight simulator for the PA-200 “Tornado” aircraft and the flight line of the installation. During his visit, the Minister expressed appreciation for the professionalism and unwavering commitment of the members of the 6th Wing. He thanked the men and women of the unit for their spirit of sacrifice demonstrated in their service to Italy.
Italian Version
