Colonel Matteo Luciani handed over the command to Colonel Moncada
At the end of his two-year mandate, Colonel Matteo Luciani handed over the command of the COE to Colonel Massimo Moncada. The changeover ceremony, which took place at the Army Infantry School, was presided over by Lieutenant General Antonello Vespaziani, Commander of the Army’s Training, Specialization and Doctrine Command (COMFORDOT) and held in the presence of numerous national and foreign authorities who collaborate with the Centre of Excellence. In the initial stages of the event, Professor Fabrizio Luciolli, President of the “Comitato Atlantico Italiano” within the Atlantic Treaty Association and Senior Fellow acknowledged the importance of the Centre in today’s complex global security context. He emphasized the crucial role of SFA in building long-term stability and the need for cooperation with other international organizations.
In his farewell speech, Colonel Luciani reflected on two years of intense work and meaningful achievements. He highlighted the Centre’s growing role within the Alliance, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, professionalism, and shared commitment in reaching key milestones.
He then thanked his staff, the Army, the Sponsoring Nations and Contributing Partner, and the Senior Fellows, particularly acknowledging Professor Luciolli for his continued support.
Col. Luciani expressed full confidence in his successor’s ability to build on the solid foundation established, and to lead the Centre toward new goals.
Lt. Gen. Vespaziani, during his closing speech, after extending greetings to all civilian and military authorities attending the Ceremony, highlighted the importance of the COE as a premier organization recognized by the Alliance for its contribution to the development of the SFA concept, a crucial tool for promoting and strengthening local capabilities and supporting NATO Missions.
