Italian Navy press release translated by Naval News
Two particularly significant moments for the Italian Navy, which have received a new ship, the Trieste, into its fleet and has welcomed 150 cadets from the first class of the normal courses, who, swearing allegiance to the Italian Republic, have become part of the great crew of the Navy.
With the delivery of the Trieste, a ‘multi-role’ amphibious assault ship, which was built and outfitted by Fincantieri at the Castellammare di Stabia and Muggiano shipyards, a journey that began about 14 years ago has come to an end.
The Trieste and the oath of 150 young officers represent the future of the Italian Navy and its vocation for innovation.
“This ship is yours, built for you and for our country. For the first time, an oath of (Naval Academy) cadets takes place on a military ship. The Trieste is the fruit of the work of thousands of people: engineers, technicians, workers. Only a few nations can build a work of ingenuity and high technology like this, which encompasses history, knowledge, advanced technology. But an empty ship is a tool: its heart is you, your values, ideals and spirit of cooperation. Today you swear to serve the country, making our Armed Forces unique and special once again, as with every oath. To the families I say: for your children, Defence is your new family and will never leave you,” said the Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, addressing the cadets.
During his speech, the Chief of Defence Staff underlined how with the delivery of Trieste, the Navy is equipping itself with a symbol of modernity and national technological level, a valuable asset, which will improve Italy’s (joint armed forces) ability to project power and deterrence, in a historical moment, such as the current one, characterized by new and emerging threats to security, also in light of recent events in the Middle East. Addressing the cadets, he reassured them that, by becoming part of the great family of the Armed Forces, from today they will no longer be alone and that no one will ever be left behind.
“Today we are proudly experiencing the great emotion of integrating the Trieste into the fleet, the largest military ship built in Italy since the Second World War, and we have chosen to seal this historical moment with the solemn oath of the officer cadets, many of whom, on this ship, will grow professionally, realize their ambitions, and carry out missions of strategic value for the national interest,” the Chief of Defence Staff said, wishing the new officers good luck.
“Today we celebrate a moment of great national pride. This extraordinary result is the fruit of the strategic vision and manufacturing skills that our country is able to express. With its advanced technological and operational capabilities, this unit not only strengthens Italy’s international projection, but also testifies to the excellence of Fincantieri as a reliable and innovative partner for defence. I would like to thank our workers, who with their commitment and their expertise have made this goal achievable, and the Navy, for the virtuous collaboration that represents an exemplary model of the Country system. Trieste is the tangible symbol of Italy looking to the future with determination and ambition,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, the CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri, during his speech.
The Trieste is the largest ship delivered to the Navy since World War II. With a 245 meters length, a full load displacement of 36,750 tons and the capability of carrying over 1,060 personnel (including the crew), the Trieste was designed to perform a wide range of missions. All this thanks to the ship’s advanced amphibious capabilities, guaranteed by a large well deck and a dedicated garage, in addition to its role as an aircraft carrier with the capability to carry 5th generation aircraft, act as logistics platform, command headquarters and hospital ship.
