COMFOP SOUTH, General Ristuccia passes the baton to General Di Stasio

Naples, Palazzo Salerno - This morning, in the historic setting of Palazzo 'Salerno' in Naples, the ceremony for the change of leadership of the Operational Forces Command South (COMFOP SUD) took place. In the presence of the Commander of the Land Operations Forces, Generale di Corpo d’Armata Gaetano Zaunerand the main military and civil authorities in the area, the Army Corps General Angelo Michele Ristuccia ceded command to the Division General Andrea Di Stasio.

A solemn moment, sealing the handover between two high-profile leaders, united by their spirit of service and commitment to the security of the country.

General Ristuccia's work: vision, concreteness and values

General Ristuccia is leaving the Command after having led an extraordinary path of growth and innovation. During his tenure, COMFOP South has further strengthened its role as a multifunctional interregional Command, becoming a point of reference both in preparing forces for operational missions and in supporting territorial needs, in cooperation with local authorities.

Under his leadership, the Operational Forces South have been able to respond promptly and effectively to the new challenges of the contemporary operational environment: an environment characterised by increasing complexity and multi-domain threats, ranging from cyber to conventional operations, to the management of civil protection emergencies. General Ristuccia has been able to combine pragmatism and strategic vision, investing in three fundamental axes: values, technology e training.

During his speech, he thanked the personnel of the COMFOP South and the dependent departments, emphasising the importance of the loyal cooperation and professionalism expressed in every area: "We have worked together to make this large Unit increasingly efficient and ready, aware of the role that our Army plays in the security of the country and in operations abroad. This has been possible thanks to the cohesion, dedication and sense of duty of all the women and men who proudly wear the uniform every day."

New Commander, General Di Stasio: 'Ready to face future challenges'

Lieutenant General Andrea Di Stasio, who takes over the command, is an officer of long experience and established competence. In his inauguration speech, he expressed pride and a sense of responsibility for his new assignment, aware of the challenges that await him in an ever-changing strategic environment.

"I take over the baton from General Ristuccia with honour, aware of the value and dedication he has shown in this command. We look forward with determination and spirit of service, ready to guarantee the safety and protection of citizens, in the tradition and values of the Italian Army," said Di Stasio.

The role of COMFOP SOUTH: a strategic pillar for national security

The COMFOP Sud is a top-level Command with responsibility for central-southern and insular Italy. Under its control are five Multi-Army Brigades, dedicated to the preparation of forces for national and international operations, as well as four regional Army Military Commands engaged in logistic, administrative and community support activities.

The responsibility of COMFOP South in the management of operations is also crucial "Safe Roads e 'Land of Fires'which employs thousands of military personnel every day to guarantee security and legality in the territories under their jurisdiction.

Come ha ribadito il Generale Ristuccia, “abbiamo il dovere di prepararci e produrre le migliori capacità operative possibili, con le risorse che abbiamo, che riceveremo o che sapremo proporre. Un impegno che ci assumiamo con consapevole pragmatismo e con l’onore di servire il nostro Paese.”

The future vision: values, technology and training

The change of command comes at a time when military challenges are evolving rapidly, made complex by new technological threats and multi-domain operational environments. General Di Stasio confirmed the strategic continuity, reaffirming the centrality of the ethical values, of thetechnological innovation and thetraining as fundamental pillars to ensure the effectiveness of the Operational Forces South, in line with the directives of the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Land Operations Forces Command.

With this handover, COMFOP South is preparing to face new challenges with renewed energy and determination, strong in its tradition of excellence and service to the country.

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/Cambio-al-Comando-delle-Forze-Operative-Sud.aspx