Paratrooper General Fronda Hands Over Command of the Acqui Division

Capua, November 14, 2025 – This morning, at the “Oreste Salomone” barracks in Capua, the solemn ceremony of the handover of command of the “Acqui” Division took place between Major General Maurizio Fronda, former Commander of the 185th Paratrooper Reconnaissance Target Acquisition Regiment “Folgore”, and his peer Massimiliano Belladonna. The event was attended by the Deputy Commander for Combat Forces, Major General Francesco Bruno.

The Fronda Command Review

General Fronda concludes a very intense period of command, characterized by the training of the Division in the planning and conduct of wide-spectrum operations. Under his leadership, the Great Unit participated in exercises both nationally and in multinational contexts, particularly within the partnership with the NATO Rapid Reaction Corps ARRC-UK, an activity that has allowed the consolidation of the ability to express a high-readiness command.

In his farewell speech, General Fronda expressed great satisfaction for the results achieved, attributing the merit to the professionalism and sense of belonging of the personnel of the Division and the 57th Command and Tactical Support Unit “Abruzzi”. He recalled the example of the Heroes of Cephalonia and Corfu of '43, emphasizing how his Soldiers faced every challenge with "commitment and spirit of sacrifice, proudly honoring the oath taken". He also highlighted the training oriented towards modern challenges and the use of new technologies, finally wishing his successor "an exciting command experience".

The Modern Reality of the "Acqui" and the Wish to the Commanders

General Bruno, Deputy Commander for Combat Forces, in his greeting, expressed his praise for the ambitious goals achieved by the Division:

"Today the Acqui Division is a modern reality of the Italian Army that leads the Brigades ‘Granatieri di Sardegna’, ‘Aosta’, ‘Pinerolo’, ‘Sassari’ and ‘Garibaldi’ and, at the same time, is able to engage with allied nations' units in the planning and conduct of operations in modern operational scenarios. Be proud of the glorious history of the Acqui and proud of what you represent today for our Country.”

Addressing the outgoing Commander, he thanked General Fronda for leading the Acqui "with passion and great respect for its history", bringing it to successfully fulfill all assigned tasks. To General Massimiliano Belladonna, who has taken command, General Bruno wished: "I am sure you will fully experience the exciting journey that awaits you and that you will be able to project the Acqui to ever more brilliant achievements!".