The reactivation ceremony followed a visit on 30 June by the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, General of the Air Squadron Antonio Conserva, who attended the flag-raising ceremony and met with base personnel and representatives from military associations and unions. During his visit, General Conserva outlined the strategic direction and future perspectives of the Italian Air Force.
The reconstitution ceremony on 1 July was presided over by Colonel Antonio Vivolo, Commander of the 32nd Wing, and attended by veterans of the 101st Flight Group, their families, and invited guests. Major Davide B. formally assumed command of the reactivated unit during the event.
Reflecting on the symbolic importance of the unit’s flag, Colonel Vivolo stated: “Quel gesto di custodia non è stato un semplice atto formale, ma un impegno morale: prendersi cura della nostra storia, dei nostri simboli e, con essi, della nostra identità più profonda.” He emphasised that safeguarding the flag represented a commitment to preserving shared history, values, and group identity.
In his address, Major Davide B. expressed his gratitude and sense of responsibility: “Il prestigioso incarico di Comandante che mi appresto oggi ad assumere, suscita in me una forte emozione, consapevole della grande eredità storica che mi sto accingendo a ricevere e per la quale farò di tutto per esserne all’altezza.” He acknowledged the collective efforts that made the group’s reactivation possible, saying, “Non sarebbe mai stato possibile far rinascere questo Gruppo senza l’aiuto di tanti voi oggi presenti.”
The 101st Flight Group was originally established on 5 March 1941 at Lonate Pozzolo with JU.87 “Stuka” aircraft and was placed on hold on 1 December 1994 following the decommissioning of the G.91Y. It was first reconstituted at Amendola on 31 July 1995 with AM-X and AM-XT jets, serving both as an Operational Conversion Unit and attack squadron.
The unit remained active in the Capitanata region until 22 July 2013, when it was reassigned to the 51st Wing in Istrana as part of broader structural and modernisation reforms. The 101st continued operations there until 3 November 2016, when it was deactivated and its flag ceremonially stored with a note expressing hope for its future return.
The date 1 July also marks a significant anniversary for Amendola Air Base, which became home to the 32nd Wing exactly 32 years ago in 1993, transitioning from a training to an operational unit. Today, the 32nd Wing operates under the Combat Forces Command (CFC) in Milan and is tasked with maintaining the operational readiness of air defence, attack, and reconnaissance assets.
Since achieving Initial Operational Capability in 2018, the 32nd Wing has taken part in NATO Air Policing missions beyond Italian borders. From February 2020, it became the only European unit to operate both the F-35A and F-35B, contributing to Italy’s Air Expeditionary capability.
In addition, since January 2022, the Wing has provided NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) service with its fifth-generation aircraft. The unit also operates MQ9-A Predator B drones for national and coalition ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance) missions, and uses MB-339 jets to complete pilot training for remotely piloted aircraft.
