The frigate I hope, of the Navy, inserted in the aeronaval device of the Operation Safe Sea, has arrived in the port of Souda, on the Greek island of Crete, where it will stop until Monday 26 February 2018.
The stop in Souda is part of the normal activities of cooperation between the marine and aims to consolidate relations with the institutions and armed forces of the country. The stop will also allow all the personnel of the naval unit, before resuming the commitment at sea and continue in the activity of surveillance and protection of national interests in the central Mediterranean, to exercise their right to vote in view of the next political elections.
The operation Safe Sea, in place from 12 March 2015, provides the deployment of a naval device with a mission of presence, surveillance and maritime security in the central Mediterranean, in application of national legislation and international agreements. The presence of the aeronaval device on the high seas ensures an adequate security framework for all naval means of the State, and not, engaged in research, rescue and fishing activities.
The frigate I hope, under the command of the frigate captain Giorgio Ochetto is a unit belonging to the class Mistral. The ship was launched in Riva Trigoso, the 19 November 1983 was launched and 4 May 1985 entered service.
The ship has a crew of about 160 men and women, including the specialized teams of the Marina San Marco Brigade and the military component of the Navy with an AB212 helicopter on board and has a flexibility of use, which makes it effective in different operating situations.
