Air Maritime Exploration Squadron Guardia di Finanza

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The Air–Sea Exploration Squadron (G.E.A.) is a special flight unit of Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. Based at Pratica di Mare near Rome, it is the service’s only fixed‑wing squadron and a key part of the long‑range GdF air fleet. Its badge shows a Griffin fighting a Hydra, with sunbeams symbolizing light over darkness; the motto “Con il rostro e con l’artiglio!” means “by rostrum and talon!”

History in brief:
- The Guardia di Finanza has used aircraft against maritime crime since the 1950s.
- The Aviation Center Air Squadron was created in 1991, led by Lt. Col. Antonino Sarica.
- It started with Piaggio P166DL3 planes and added the ATR 42 MP in 1996 to extend its reach.
- The unit was renamed G.E.A. on January 1, 2000. By 2009 it had logged about 40,000 flight hours, most of them operational.

Fleet and roles:
- Piaggio P166 DL3: the first fixed‑wing aircraft in the G.E.A.; now mainly used for training.
- Piaggio P166 DP1: an upgraded version with better avionics and mission systems.
- ATR 42 MP (and ATR 42 MP 500): long‑range patrol and multi‑role aircraft for patrol, transport, medevac, and search‑and‑rescue.
- Piaggio P180 AVANTI II: the latest, high‑performance aircraft used for tactical support and fast transport; equipped with modern avionics.

Missions and highlights:
- The G.E.A. operates across Europe and in international waters, fighting illegal immigration, drug smuggling, and environmental crime, while also conducting humanitarian missions.
- It played a major role in the HERA operations in Senegal against West African migration to the Canary Islands.
- In 2007 it helped seize an immigration “mother ship” in the CENGIZHAN operation.
- On international waters, it uses the Right of Pursuit under the Montego Bay Convention to stop criminals.
- In 2009, two major seizures coordinated with Lisbon’s Maritime Analysis and Operation Centre resulted in the seizure of thousands of kilograms of cocaine on two missions: Albatross and Devop (on the Destiny Empress).
- The P166 DL3 carries the Daedalus sensor to detect pollution and other targets; G.E.A. pilots also train new cadets and participate in international air shows, supporting Italy’s aerospace industry.

Today, the G.E.A. is a versatile force for police patrols, humanitarian missions, and environmental protection, helping defend the European Union’s interests at sea.