“Being the CSEL at NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force, serving with the men and women of the AGS Team in strengthening the Alliance through the implementation of this new cutting-edge capability, is a unique privilege,” Chief Master Sergeant Laezza said.
As CSEL, Chief Master Sergeant Laezza serves as the principal advisor to the Commander, U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Houston R. Cantwell, enforcing his policies and initiatives for the Force. He also provides the command’s force structure and staff with Enlisted and junior officer development, and talent management.
Personnel and leadership from NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force (NAGSF) pose for a socially distanced group photo in from of NATO's RQ-4D Phoenix remotely piloted aircraft. (NATO Photo by NAGSF)
“Fostering cross-cultural awareness, valuing teamwork, and continuous support to professional development are key factors to the increasing success of this multinational command,” Chief Master Sergeant Laezza said. “The NATO environment is in many respects truly demanding and challenging, but at the same time, those challenges are great opportunities that provide unprecedented rewards”
Chief Master Sergeant Laezza joined the Italian Air Force in 1991, and entered the Non-commissioned Officers Academy in 1993. His domain of specialization and expertise is not only in the field of Communication Information Systems ranging from Satellite Communications (SATCOM) to Communication Security (COMSEC). He also holds Information Technology International Qualification (ITIL) and International certification in Project Management (PRINCE 2) certifications, and is a NATO qualified instructor and course developer.
Chief Master Sergeant Laezza has spent most of his military service in NATO Organisations, where he has acquired critical leadership experience. He has served in the Regional Headquarters Allied Forces Southern Europe Satellite Ground Control Centre F-7 Tarquinia, at the Joint Force Command Naples, performing in leadership positions at NATO CIS Services Agency Lago Patria, at NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force Geilenkirchen and at NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force Sigonella.
Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) is the first fully NATO-owned and operated system, expanding NATO’s joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability. It represents a critical step towards NATO facing 21st century challenges. Fully equipped, AGS consists of five remotely piloted RQ-4D Phoenix aircraft, and ground control stations. It enables the Alliance to perform persistent terrestrial and maritime surveillance operations, over wide areas in high-altitude, long-endurance missions under any weather or light conditions. The NATO AGS has its Main Operating Base (MOB) at Sigonella Air Force Base Italy, and achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) on February 1st 2021. NATO has evolved and adapted to meet new security challenges; this continuing NATO mission shows our readiness and responsiveness, and NATO’s continuing Air agility, capability and adaptation.
This is part fifteen of a SHAPE Public Affairs series, introducing CSELs within Allied Command Operations. Following highlights will include CSELs of other units from multiple domains and subcommands.