USNA, Italian Naval Academy Midshipmen Set Sail

Photo courtesy of Midshipman 2nd Class Jacqueline

Two Naval Academy midshipmen handle lines aboard an Italian Navy sailboat during three weeks of summer training in the Mediterranean.

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Five Naval Academy midshipmen spent three weeks of their summer training alongside midshipmen from the Italian Naval Academy on board 22-man sailboats.

Midshipmen 2nd Class Jacqueline Blackburn and Claire Fletcher share their experience:

The five of us midshipmen flew to Spain to meet and train with the Italian Navy for three weeks. Especially unique to this trip was the ability to work with midshipmen the same age as us who served in their navy. After meeting the Commandant of the Italian Naval Academy Capt. Biaggi, we were dispersed upon five different sail boats. These sailboats ranged from a crew size of 18 to 22 members. Docked beside the boats was a grey vessel similar to a yard patrol boat, which traveled with us as a supporting unit.

We spent the first three days in Valencia, Spain, where we cleaned and maintained the boats during the day and then explored the city at night. The routine, discipline and morale of the ship were upheld in a very professional yet learning-friendly environment.

Upon departing Valencia, we sailed along the Mediterranean Sea for seven days to Toulon, a small port city in southern France. Royal blue waters, a gentle wind and a beautiful horizon provided a picturesque view and great sailing conditions.

We sailed using celestial navigation during the evening and became familiar with applications of the constellations. During the day, we worked hard with the crew as they followed wind patterns and speeds. At one point during the trip we were sailing at eight knots, which was quite impressive for the boat's size.

Sailing with a foreign navy allowed us to grow professionally and learn to adapt to diverse naval practices and protocol. We experienced the Mediterranean culture while visiting Valencia, Toulon and Livorno. These port calls provided us the opportunity to try new foods, interact with different people, and adapt to a lifestyle different from our own.

After four days in Toulon, we traveled to the Italian Naval Academy in Livorno. Upon arriving, we were privileged with opportunity to have lunch with the admiral in charge of all the military schools for enlisted and officers.

The language barrier and cultural differences were bridged while underway. Standing watch proved a bonding experience with the Italian midshipmen, whether fishing for an 15 kg tuna or practicing navigation. The tuna we caught was eaten by the crew.

Meals provided another opportunity to bridge the cultural gap. Fresh cheeses, wines, breads, pastas, and Italian coffee brought people together through great meals and conversation. The hard work during the day was rewarded with the delicious food provided by the chef of the boat. While sampling the authentic Italian food, we also made for them an American-style pancake breakfast. They actually enjoyed our breakfast very much, and we felt proud to have brought a small piece of America to them.

These three weeks gave us insight to the protocol of Italian midshipmen, officers and enlisted sailors and inspired a new appreciation for culture, perspective and sailing.