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Senate Engrossed
Salvatore Carpitano; death resolution |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-seventh Legislature Second Regular Session 2026
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SENATE RESOLUTION 1002 |
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A RESOLUTION
On the death of Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Carpitano.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
The Members of the Arizona Senate join the international military community in mourning the untimely passing of Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Carpitano on January 23, 2026.
Born on September 12, 1986, in Catania, Italy, between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano dedicated his life to service, joining the Italian Armed Forces in 2015 at the age of 29 and faithfully serving his home country for eleven years.
Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano served as a proud allied partner to the United States Air Force, embodying the strength, cooperation and shared values that define the enduring alliance between the United States and Italy.
Luke Air Force Base is recognized as the premier international training center for the F-35 fighter aircraft, training more than seventy percent of the world's F-35 pilots and hosting defense representatives from 17 allied and partner nations.
From January 2023 until his passing, Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano served with distinction in the 62nd Fighter Squadron at Luke Air Force Base as an F-35 instructor pilot and evaluator pilot. In this capacity, he trained and mentored aviators from the United States, Italy and Norway and greatly advanced the mission of multinational fighter pilot instruction.
Throughout his career, Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano held key leadership positions, including Flight Commander and Chief of Training, culminating in his service as Deputy Commander of the 56th Operations Group, where he contributed to the operational excellence of the 56th Fighter Wing and its extensive annual flying hour and sortie program.
Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano was entrusted with oversight of the F-35 partner-country flight hours program, aligning resources between the United States Air Force and North Atlantic Treaty Organization Air Forces to strengthen allied readiness, interoperability and global security.
Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano also supported Arizona's partner-country driver's license reciprocity legislation, reflecting his commitment to improving the quality of life for allied service members and their families stationed in this state.
Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano's tremendous contributions strengthened the bonds between allied nations and enhanced Arizona's role in global military readiness.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano was known for his humility, integrity and kindness, greeting all with warmth and treating every individual with dignity and respect.
Lieutenant Colonel Carpitano was a devoted husband and father and is survived by his beloved wife, Emilia, and daughter, Sofia, whose lives were enriched by his love and dedication.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona:
That the Members of the Senate honor the life and distinguished service of Lieutenant Colonel Salvatore Carpitano and extend their deepest condolences to his family, fellow service members and the international defense community during this time of profound loss.