Italy world leader in flight training: Wings awarded to ten USAF pilots in Decimomannu

On the morning of Friday, January 16, 2026, inside the auditorium of the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu (CA), the ceremony of awarding the Wings of military pilot to ten student pilots of the United States Air Force (USAF) took place, who successfully completed the Basic Jet Training as per their training syllabus.

The US Wings represent the official badge that certifies the completion of flight training and the achievement of the qualification of USAF military pilot, with a function similar to that of the Italian “Aquile Turrite”. In both contexts, the awarding of the symbol marks a professional milestone and entry into the military pilot community, recognition of competence, discipline, and dedication developed along a challenging training path.

Authorities present and highlights of the event

The training of USAF pilots was managed and coordinated by the 212° Gruppo Volo/IFTS, a unit under the 61° Stormo di Galatina, responsible for advanced military pilot training according to standards shared with allied Air Forces.

The event, presided over by Air Force General Francesco Vestito, Commander of the Air Force Schools and the 3rd Air Region, was also attended by a representation of the United States Air Force led by Brigadier General Matthew Leard, Director of Plans, Programs, Requirements and International Affairs of the Air Education Training and Command (USAF).

After the national anthems were played, Colonel Gianfranco Liccardo, Commander of the 61° Stormo, gave a welcome speech, particularly thanking the personnel of the 212° Gruppo and Leonardo, the “main architects” of a result that confirms the validity of the IFTS project. The most intense moment was when the families of the newly certified pilots pinned the Wings on the pilots' uniforms: a simple but meaningful gesture that seals a path of commitment and personal growth.

Strategic value of the IFTS and national training system

The ceremony concluded with a speech by General Vestito who, highlighting the strategic value of international cooperation in flight training, emphasized the importance of a training model capable of combining excellence, innovation, and interoperability. In this context, the awarding of the Wings to the American students testifies to the effectiveness of a modern and advanced training system, capable of preparing highly qualified professionals ready to operate in complex and multinational environments.

The event confirms the central role of the International Flight Training School and the 61° Stormo as a strategic tool for the international projection of the training excellence of the Air Force and the Defense sector.

The IFTS was born from the collaboration between the Air Force and Leonardo to create an advanced flight training center destined to become an international reference starting from Phase IV (Advanced/Lead-In to Fighter Training). At the Decimomannu airbase, the training is based on the use of the M-346 (T-346A) and an integrated system that allows combining real and simulated activities, maximizing the quality and effectiveness of the training return.

The 61° Stormo offers courses for Phase II (Primary Pilot Training) on T-345A, Phase III (Specialized Pilot Training) on FT-339C, and Phase IV (LIFT) conducted by the 212° Gruppo Volo/IFTS with the T-346 system at Decimomannu.