Italian Air Force makes difference at Shindand Airbase

SHINDAND, AFGHANISTAN

03.19.2011

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jared Walker 

438th Air Expeditionary Wing

SHINDAND, Afghanistan - Shindand Air Base, located in Herat province in western Afghanistan has seen many changes throughout the years. Originally built by the Soviets in 1961, it was captured by the Taliban in 1997, and eventually liberated by the Afghan national army in 2004. Now in 2011, the base is in the process of another makeover. NATO Training Mission Afghanistan members are building the base to be the primary location for training of the Afghan air force, with one of the key groups providing training being the Italian air force.

Led by Col. Girolamo Ladicicoo, commander of the Italian air force advisory team with the 838th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, the Italian air force in Shinand aims to help the AAF rebuild their identity as an air force, all the while advising, teaching and coaching them on how to independently operate an air force base.

Maj. Salvatore Sanarica, a logistic support advisor with 838th AEAG, said efforts by him and his countrymen are helping bring security to Afghanistan hopefully leading to an eventual withdrawal of enemy forces in the region.

“A more secure country means that coalition forces can be reduced. Having an air force is important for such a mountainous country especially with the limited amount of roads here, “said Maj. Sanarica. “It’s very dangerous to drive from border to border. It’s safer to fly. For this you need an airport and a good air force. This is the reason Shindand will become the most important air force base in Afghanistan.”

“I am sure that the future of this country relies on the security forces and the security forces being trained here at Shindand. The future of Afghanistan will pass through Shindand and the work that we Italians do here,” he added.

Another key ingredient in the success of the Italian’s work in Shindand is getting Afghans trained using specific equipment.

“The Americans provide the equipment and we train the Afghans to use it. We train them to be firefighters, how to use vehicles, communications and many other areas as well,” Major Sanarica explained.

Though training the Afghan air force is a long-term project, both Colonel Ladicicoo and Major Sanarica feel optimistic towards the future due to the ownership they see AAF airmen take regarding their air force.

“The commitment of our Afghan air force is tremendous. They really care about this mission. They want to be responsible for taking care of their country and they want to do that as soon as possible,” said Ladicicoo.

“Day by day we are moving from the infancy of the Afghan Air Force. Each day the AAF takes ownership of the mission here and makes Shindand the premiere wing in the AAF. It’s a slow process but it’s progressing. It’s really important to see the people that we are advising do their jobs with less supervision.”

Facing a difficult challenge in transitioning the AAF into an independent force, the ITAF Airmen at Shindand are displaying how committed they are through their hard work and dedication.

As Sanarica explained, “we all know that we are far from our friends and family but we know that each day we are helping this country grow and its people to live a better way. We are proud to be here.”

• Date Taken: 03.19.2011
• Date Posted: 03.19.2011 09:43
• Story ID: 67354
• Location: SHINDAND, AF