The “Carona” Training Center, formerly known as the Air Force’s “63rd DEPOSIT
FUEL SUBSIDIARY,” is located in Fornovo, in the province of
Parma. Built in the 1930s as a fuel depot to supply military air fleets
in northern and central Italy, it consists of five underground reinforced concrete silos,
camouflaged by the surrounding forest and connected by 1,500 meters of underground tunnels. Officially opened in 1936, the facility remained operational until 1999
and, after a meticulous restoration process, was transformed into a unique
training area, being spread over an area of 33,000 square meters, including
8,000 underground. For training, the Center offers a wide range of environment types, including
cramped spaces in the underground areas, an outdoor mixed technical course with obstacles, slopes
and rough terrain, a 4×4 off-road track and an airstrip approved by
Parachute Brigade Folgore.
It also has a Helicopter Landing Zone (Z.A.E.) and
a gymnasium.
As for logistical support, there are two lodging facilities with
services, an outdoor service area, a mess hall with kitchen, a briefing room, and
a medical facility.
The entire underground area is equipped with fiber optic connection and technological facilities to
monitor the performance of trained personnel, with all systems controlled from a centralized multimedia
Operations Room.
