Four Naval Academy midshipmen and two ensigns from the Italian Naval Academy spent two and a half weeks this summer traveling throughout Italy on an LREC (Language Regional Expertise and Cultural) program sponsored by the academy’s International Programs Office.
The first stop in the country was the city of Venice, where the midshipmen began learning about the importance of maritime security in the Mediterranean Sea at the Italian Navy Institute for Military- Maritime Studies. They also toured the Italian Naval History Museum and Doge’s Palace, which housed the political leader of the historical Republic of Venice from the 9th to the 12th centuries.
Next, the midshipmen and their Italian counterparts traveled south by train to Rome where they met with with the U.S. Ambassador to Italy David Thorne and the defense attaché to discuss the cooperative relationship between the U.S. and Italy. This cooperation was further explored with a visit to the U.S. commander in chief of the fleet and a brief at the Italian Navy Headquarters. The midshipman also experienced the history and beauty of both Vatican City and the Colosseum.
The midshipmen spent three days in Naples, meeting with the NATO chief of staff at the and commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet. These meetings gave the group of midshipmen interesting perspectives regarding issues such as piracy, immigration, trafficking, terrorism and general security in the Mediterranean Sea.
They also discussed current NATO operations and had the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Pompeii, the island of Capri, and historic Naples.
The last stop in the journey through Italy was Augusta, Sicily, home of the Italian Commander of Patrolling Forces, where they embarked on the Italian patrol vessel Orione (P-410) for a day of training with the Italian Navy.
“Seeing the differences between the U.S. Navy and Italian Navy was very eye-opening,” said Midshipman 1st Class Katie Taylor.
The midshipmen and ensigns spent the day with the commanding officer, witnessing search and rescue exercises that simulated the common scenario of rescuing a non-seaworthy vessel, often full of North African immigrants, and taking them on board.
“It was impressive to see the dynamics of the smaller, yet efficient, Italian navy vessel and how it plays such an important role in maritime security in the Mediterranean,” said Midshipman 1st Class Michael Martin.
Through their interaction with the U.S. midshipmen, the Italian naval officers also gained a new perspective of both the U.S. Navy as well as the history of their own country.
“This has been an incredible opportunity to improve my language skills, gain knowledge of the United States Naval Academy and Navy, and learn more about the history and situation of this particular place,” said Italian Ensign Luigi Doro, a native of Catania, Sicily.
