If one of our raiders photoshopped on the prow of an American nuclear submarine we would say immediately , we would feel a bit like inhabitants of a third world state with ridiculous endowments who dream of being part of an armed force at the top of the world scene.
When, as in the case we are presenting, the situation is reversed, sarcasm immediately gives way to surprise and some questions.
A book written by Brandon Webb, famous sniper, former Navy SEAL head-instructor, who chose a picture of the Italian Navy to illustrate the cover of his latest work on the American special forces!
A premise: if there is a country that publishes enviable daily and extraordinary photos of the life and activities of the military, it is precisely the United States. I say this because I envy from "user" the amount of photos and videos that the Americans make available without hesitation or too many "mental ruminations", unlike what happens to us, an Italy in which not even a defense minister can be photographed ( and then published) with a weapon in hand ...
But back to the book in question. Why should a former SEAL choose a photo of our Navy to represent what is surely the best of the best in the US?
Given the author's previous "technical and direct" experiences, it could be a recognition of the fact that - with humility and discretion! - our raiders represent a worldwide reference in the field?
Another aspect not to be underestimated is that the submarine from which the raiders emerge in the original photo (taken by the talented Massimo Sestini) is the Todaro of which we have treated yesterday in a article which brought to the attention of an episode previously strictly reserved "only to professionals": the violation of an entire US Naval Team by one of our submarines which framed a nuclear aircraft carrier during an exercise (so with the "eyes" even more open!).
We know that the photo has had its "impact" on a military and above all political level, in a country where politicians know how much an efficient and above all effective defense is worth.
Is it therefore impossible for the author to have become aware of the "grave" (for them!) Episode?
Finally, there is the possibility that an inexperienced graphic designer made a mistake, but I consider it quite remote: if I publish a book I also want to evaluate the cover.
Whatever the right answer, it is however appreciable that Italy is - this time positively - on the "front page".
(above the original photo of the Navy shot by Massimo Sestini)
