Naples, Palazzo Salerno – This morning, in the historic setting of Palazzo “Salerno” in Naples, the handover ceremony at the top of the Southern Operational Forces Command (COMFOP SUD) took place. In the presence of the Commander of the Land Operational Forces, General of the Army Corps Gaetano Zauner, and the main military and civil authorities of the area, General of the Army Corps Angelo Michele Ristuccia handed over command to Major General Andrea Di Stasio.
A solemn moment, sealing the handover between two leaders of the highest profile, united by a spirit of service and commitment to the country's security.
The work of General Ristuccia: vision, concreteness, and values
General Ristuccia leaves the Command after leading an extraordinary path of growth and innovation. During his tenure, COMFOP Sud further strengthened its role as a multifunctional interregional Command, becoming a reference point both in the preparation of forces destined for operational missions and in supporting territorial needs, in collaboration with local authorities.
Under his leadership, the Southern Operational Forces have been able to respond promptly and effectively to the new challenges of the contemporary operational context: an environment characterized by increasing complexity and multidomain threats, ranging from cyber to conventional operations, up to the management of civil protection emergencies. General Ristuccia was able to combine pragmatism and strategic vision, investing in three fundamental axes: values, technology, and training.
During his speech, he thanked the personnel of COMFOP Sud and the dependent units, emphasizing the importance of loyal collaboration and professionalism expressed in every sector: “We have worked together to make this great Unit increasingly efficient and ready, aware of the role our Army plays in the country's security and in operations abroad. This was possible thanks to the cohesion, dedication, and sense of duty of all the women and men who proudly wear the uniform every day.”
The new Commander, General Di Stasio: “Ready to face future challenges”
Major General Andrea Di Stasio, who takes over command, is an officer with long experience and established competence. In his inaugural speech, he expressed pride and a sense of responsibility for the new assignment, aware of the challenges awaiting him in a continuously evolving strategic context.
“I accept the baton from General Ristuccia with honor, aware of the value and dedication he has expressed in this command. We look forward with determination and a spirit of service, ready to ensure the safety and protection of citizens, in the wake of the tradition and values of the Italian Army,” declared Di Stasio.
The role of COMFOP SUD: a strategic pillar for national security
COMFOP Sud is a top-level Command with responsibilities over central-southern and insular Italy. Under its control are five multi-arm Brigades, dedicated to preparing forces for national and international operations, as well as four regional Army Military Commands engaged in logistical, administrative, and support activities for local communities.
Furthermore, COMFOP Sud's responsibility in managing the operations “Strade Sicure” and “Terra dei Fuochi” is fundamental, with thousands of soldiers engaged daily to ensure security and legality in the territories under its jurisdiction.
As General Ristuccia reiterated, "we have the duty to prepare and produce the best possible operational capabilities, with the resources we have, will receive, or can propose. A commitment we undertake with conscious pragmatism and the honor of serving our country."
The future vision: values, technology, and training
The change of command occurs at a time when military challenges are rapidly evolving, made complex by new technological threats and multidomain operational environments. General Di Stasio confirmed strategic continuity, reaffirming the centrality of ethical values, technological innovation, and training as fundamental pillars to ensure the effectiveness of the Southern Operational Forces, in line with the directives of the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Land Operational Forces Command.
With this handover, COMFOP Sud prepares to face new challenges with renewed energy and determination, strong in a tradition of excellence and service to the country.
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