POGGIO RENATICO, Italy - On Thursday, November 21, General James B. Hecker, Commander of Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, officiated the change of command ceremony of NATO’s Deployable Air Command and Control Centre (DACCC).
The ceremony took place at the Italian Air Force Aerospace Operations Command (COA) in Poggio Renatico and was attended by General Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, and Major General Robert Adang, Deputy Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The ceremony marked the transfer of responsibilities between Major General Denny Traas of the Royal Netherlands Air Force and Major General Luca Maineri, who also serves as Commander of the COA.
The DACCC is a vital resource for the Alliance and its 32 member nations, as well as a key element in deployable Air Command and Control activities
In his address to the authorities and guests, General Hecker took the opportunity to highlight the significant role the DACCC played under Major General Traas' leadership, noting that it has served as a "vital resource for the Atlantic Alliance and its 32 member nations, as well as a key element in deployable Air Command and Control activities".
the officating party led by General James Hecker, Commander Allied Air Command (centre) arrives at the Change of Command ceremony at NATO's Deployable Air Command and Control. Photo courtesy of DACCC.
General James Hecker (centre), the outgoing DACCC Commander Major General Traas (left) and the incoming commander Major General Maineri (right) saluting during the ceremony. Photo courtesy of DACCC.
General James Hecker hands the unit flag to the incoming DACCC Commander Major General Luca Maineri. Photo courtesy of DACCC.
The multinational DACCC staff plays a key role for Alliance air operations offering a deployable air surveillance and control capability. Photo courtesy of DACCC.
General Hecker also highlighted the operational contributions of the DACCC in response to the earthquake in Turkey, during the exercise RAMSTEIN FLAG 2024, and in support of the protection of NATO's eastern flank. In conclusion, General Hecker extended his best wishes to the incoming commander, suggesting that the DACCC is in excellent hands with Major General Maineri, who has gained invaluable experience throughout his career.
In his farewell speech, the outgoing Commander Major General Traas expressed his gratitude to the attending authorities for their support during his tenure, emphasising that his command experience will remain indelible in his memory. "The DACCC has played a key role within NATO, being deployed 75% of the time in support of operational and training activities," he underlined.
In his inaugural address as DACCC Commander, Major General Maineri expressed gratitude to his predecessor for their exemplary service and conveyed appreciation to NATO and national military authorities for the confidence they have placed in him with this esteemed appointment.
"The DACCC", Major General Maineri continued, "is a unique projection enabler that has consistently demonstrated its versatility and excellence, both in rapid deployments supporting NATO and in its crucial role in training personnel responsible for air operational planning activities"., Major General Maineri highlighted the dedication of the multinational DACCC staff: "Your hard work, professional competence, and ideas will be invaluable in enabling us to face the new challenges ahead."