general vincenzo camporini, kgc, born on 21 june 1946, was the chief of the defence general staff in italy from 12 february 2008 until 2011. he became chief of staff of the italian air force on 20 september 2006. camporini has over 2,500 hours' flying time in over twenty different aircraft types, including helicopters. general camporini is qualified in aeronautical sciences and international and diplomatic sciences. he is a fellow of the royal aeronautical society.