The
Stormo has a Command and many sub-units called
Gruppi (Squadrons): 1 or 2
Gruppi Volo are
in charge of the assigned aircraft, the
Gruppo Servizi Tecnico-Operativi (STO) gives the operational technical support,
the
Gruppo Servizi Tecnico-Logistici (SLO) takes care of the logistics, the
Gruppo Difesa ensures air
base security and last but not least the
Servizio Amministrativo runs the administrative matters.
In the Stormo ARFF duties are fulfilled by the Nucleo Aerosoccorso (Aircraft Rescue Unit) which is part
of the SLO.
The ARFF service is provided according to regulations similar to those issued by ICAO for civil airports.
The prescribed minimum amount of extinguishing agents at each airbase is related to the size and fuel load of the
aircraft based there.
Because of the extreme risk posed by live ammunition, weapons and hazardous materials, a very fast response is
vital in military ARFF. During flight operations, the ARFF vehicles are usually deployed to stand-by positions, staffed and
ready to respond.
The Nucleo Aerosoccorso usually has a combination of heavy and medium crash tenders,
Rapid Intervention Vehicles, tanker trucks and rescue vehicles.
Rapid Intervention Vehicles are fast but carry a small amount of extingushing media.
Their task is to carry out the initial attack while slower heavy and medium crash tenders are on the way to the crash site.
The tankers provide a large amount of water for quick replenishment of ARFF vehicles, while the
rescue vehicle is an all-terrain van carrying proximity suits and heavy rescue equipment.
