On the occasion of the anniversary of the 1933 North Atlantic air cruise, the 31st Wing of Ciampino, led by Colonel Dimitri Pasqualetti, celebrated the historic feat by organizing a philatelic, photographic, and historical exhibition in collaboration with the Association of Pioneers and the Association of Atlantic Fliers.
The anniversary aimed to commemorate the feat accomplished eighty-six years ago when, with 100 pilots and 25 S.55 X seaplanes, Italo Balbo undertook two Atlantic cruises: one from Orbetello to Chicago and the return trip to Ostia. The memory of the courage, spirit of sacrifice, and dedication of the men who were the protagonists still serves today as a point of reference and inspiration in the commitment that the personnel of the 31st Wing put forth daily in fulfilling their institutional duties, faithful to the motto “renewing the deeds.”
Several events took place during the inaugural day on July 1st: the postal cancellation by personnel from the Italian Post Office to commemorate the start of the expedition, the awarding of diplomas to the new pioneers by the President of the Pioneer Association, Gen. Antonino Altorio, the presentation of the book by Fabrizio Chiaramonte titled “Radio Communications in the Decennial Air Cruise,” the exhibition of works by Dr. Marcella Mencherini, and the donation of historical materials by Mrs. Paola Bellini Balbo to the Air Force General Staff.
Also present at the event was the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Air Force General Alberto Rosso, who, during his speech, in addition to thanking all those present for contributing to the realization of the celebrations, emphasized the importance of ensuring continuity between the past and the present (Taken from the DIFESA Online website). On the occasion of the event and only for the inauguration day, our member Luca Restaino, at the invitation of the organizers, exhibited his beautiful Balbo collection, already awarded at the national level. We also received news that, on the day of the inauguration, the exhibited collections had the privilege of a visit from the Prime Minister before his departure for Brussels.