4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment: Panebianco Hands Over Command to Rocchi

Montorio Veronese, September 5, 2025 – Changing of the guard at the top of the 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment. Leading the unit, known as the “Rangers”, Colonel Paolo Rocchi takes over from Colonel Igor Panebianco, in a solemn ceremony attended by political, administrative, and military authorities. Representing the highest military authority, Brigadier General Carmine Vizzuso, Commander of the Army Special Forces Command (COMFOSE), who emphasized the importance of the regiment as an operational reference point and a symbol of absolute professionalism.

Colonel Panebianco, in his farewell speech, expressed with words full of emotion the bond with the unit: «I leave this position with deep gratitude to the Armed Forces that granted me the honor of being the commander of a unit characterized by glorious historical roots and a bright present. The 4th Ranger represents an example of dedication and operational capabilities, which I will always carry with me». A farewell that deeply touched the soldiers present, reinforcing the sense of belonging to a community that unites tradition and innovation.

However, Panebianco does not leave the realm of Special Forces: he will continue his professional path as deputy commander of COMFOSE, bringing his experience, direct knowledge of operations, and leadership skills developed over the years. A significant role that confirms the trust placed in him by the Italian Army and marks a valuable continuity in the transformation process of the Special Forces, increasingly called to operate in complex and multi-domain contexts.

The 4th Alpini Paratroopers Regiment, based in Montorio Veronese (Verona), is today one of the elite units of the Armed Forces. Born with a strong alpine and paratrooper connotation, since 2014 it has been directly under COMFOSE. The unit is known for its intervention capabilities in hostile scenarios, from mountains to urban areas, and for its technical-tactical preparation that makes it a pillar of national security.

The new commander, Colonel Rocchi, inherits an important legacy: leading a unit that represents the combination of the historical tradition of the Alpini and the forefront of modern Special Forces. His mission will be to consolidate what Panebianco has done and steer the unit towards new challenges, in line with the operational needs of the Italian Army and NATO commitments.

The ceremony in Montorio was not just a formal transition, but a moment of reflection on the strategic role of the Italian Special Forces, increasingly at the center of international missions and national defense plans. The final applause directed at the two officers was a symbol of the cohesion of a unit that continues to be Italy's pride.