The president of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, sent to the Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Squad General Alberto Rosso a message on the occasion of the 96th anniversary of the establishment of the Air Force. "I address a thought of gratitude and gratitude to the aviators who have served our country with honor, dedication and sacrifice and I pay homage to its Flag, a symbol of unity and value of the members of the Blue Army. The Air Force is engaged on a daily basis in its role of safeguarding the airspace to protect the security of the country, of the allied countries, of the international community. The Italian Armed Forces and those of NATO, the European Union and friendly countries, contribute to fighting the terrorist threat and reaffirming fundamental human rights in the many tormented areas to which they turn their support".
The head of state then adds: "I express my deepest gratitude in particular to all the staff employed in the operating theaters, who operate with great professionalism, respecting local identities. With commitment and dedication, the Airmen are committed daily to support the community: emergency medical transport and high-biocontainment, air search and rescue, meteorology, aerial surveillance of the territory in support of the police forces, assistance to air traffic, rescue, assistance to populations hit by public disasters, support activities for experimentation in the air-space field, are among the qualified activities developed. On this day, the best wishes and warmest greetings of the Republic reach the women and men of all levels of the Air Force, civilian personnel and families. Long live the Air Force, long live the Armed Forces, long live Italy!".