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Nov 29 2022

NSPA's Southern Operational Centre lays the first stone for the expansion of Gioia del Colle Italian Air Base

TARANTO, ITALY - On 22 November 2022, during a ceremony held at the Ramirez Airport, Headquarters of the 36th Fighter Wing of the Italian Air Force, NSPA's Southern Operational Centre (SOC) laid the first stone towards the future expansion at the Italian Air Force Base in Gioia del Colle (IVO Taranto).

The 36^th Fighter Wing ensures 24/7 surveillance of the national airspace using a defense system integrated with those of the other NATO countries.

The ceremony, presided by Inspector General Giancarlo Gambardella, Director of the Directorate of Works and State Property of the Italian General Secretariat of Defense (GENIODIFE), was attended by high rank officials from GENIODIFE and the Italian Air Force.

During the ceremony, General Gambardella and the SOC Commander Renato Lepore buried an airtight ''capsule'' containing a souvenir parchment signed by all the Commanders who attended the ceremony. The capsule was placed at a depth of 2.3 meters and therefore will remain below the excavation height of the new square.

Today we have finally reached the construction stage also thanks to the active involvement and support of the Italian Air Force. We are proud of this further commitment for this new infra project in Gioia del Colle. 22 November 2022 will remain an important date in the history of the SOC, as we laid the foundation for an improved NATO defense capability

Renato Lepore, SOC Commander

Located in the immediate vicinity of the airport's apron, the new square will constitute an important buffer zone for the SOC. The location will allow for materials pre-positioning in case of missions or exercises, while having the potential to accommodate additional requirements of nations.