(By Col Danie v.d. Westhuizen)

Congratulations to Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano with the achievement of a very remarkable milestone in his career on 12 March 2008, ie 40 years of loyal and uninterrupted service!

On behalf of all the members of the South African Air Force, thanks and appreciation is extended to the Chief for his leadership and guidance over the past years.

Gratitude and congratulations is also conveyed to his spouse, Leonie for her continued and unselfish support to the Chief over many years of service to the SAAF.

This is how the Chief’s career unfolded …

Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano

Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano joined the South African Air Force in 1968 and qualified as a pilot on the Air Macchi 326M in December 1969. During his career he flew the Harvard, Pilatus PC 7, Vampire, F86 Sabre, Mirage III, F1CZ, as well as the Cheetah D and E aircraft.

During 1985 he completed the South African Air Force's Senior Command and Staff Course and was subsequently appointed as the Officer Commanding 3 Squadron, operating F1CZ aircraft. In 1989 he was appointed as the Officer Commanding 89 Combat Flying School with Cheetah D aircraft.

He occupied the post of military attaché in Israel from 1991 to his return to South Africa in January 1994. He completed the South African National Defence Force's Joint Staff Course in November 1994 and was then transferred to Central Flying School Langebaanweg as the Officer Commanding.

After a four-year tour at Langebaanweg, he was transferred to the Air Force Office in December 1998, promoted to Brigadier General and appointed as Inspector General of the Air Force.

On 1 November 2000 he was promoted to Major General and appointed as Chief Director Operations Development at the Joint Operations Division, responsible for defence capabilities, joint force employment strategy, joint command and control and joint doctrine.

After a three-year tour at the Joint Operations Division he was transferred back to the South African Air Force as Chief Director Air Policy and Plans, responsible for Air Force policy, capabilities, strategy and resource allocation. 

Lieutenant General Gagiano was appointed as Chief of the Air Force with effect of 1 March 2005. 

Lieutenant General Gagiano is married to Leonie.