S524: Diving with the "Longobardo" submarine (third part)

(To Lia Pasqualina Stani)
08/08/16

Once the fire drill is over, the maneuver is started return to periscopic altitude, it is immediately quick check around the horizon to make sure that there are no "suspicious contacts" or "obstacles", both at sea and in the sky, ready to interfere with the activity. Machines on farm, it gives "air to the emersion" to empty the "surfacing case" by introducing high pressure air stored in special tanks inside the hull.

The lightening due to the replacement of the water ballast in the surfacing case with air, allows the submarine to move into "crop", or boat dipped, tower out of the water.

The semi-submersion phase is completed with a dedicated set-up for release and operator exit.

The watch officer receives the command to give a notice to all the crew. It is forbidden to circulate during the "fine trim": to the whole area of ​​the maneuver for trim up fermo it is forbidden to circulate. During the attitude maneuver, the continuous movement and the movements of the operators inside the submarine, can vary and "mess up" the attitude of the boat, because we have a different weight distribution.

The structure up farm it is a "delicate phase": it is necessary to reduce the rolling and pitching undulations of the boat. Despite being in training we must calculate the time taken for this maneuver, hoping that the sea conditions are favorable.

Arriving at the point of release, the commands follow one another and the personnel of the 1st Swimmers Regiment of the San Marco Marine Brigade is ready to go on deck.

The periscope of attack rises. The tower is completely out of water, the deck slightly, enough to open the door and against the door. The fresh air that returns to circulate indoors is breathed with pleasure.

The attack periscope is lowered. Yes share law. The periscope for exploration is raised. The staff is told to prepare for the spill.

The training activity "Exer Medusa" begins: the team of the marine brigade Saint Mark exit from the bow post.

With the commander Robert Gelsomino and the commander Flotiglia Sommergibili, cv Stefano Russo, we climb again on the bridge to witness the initial phase before the release of the team.

This joint activity between submarine divers and parachute swimmers from the sea brigade Saint Mark is part of a complex training program necessary to create the right "harmony" and the fundamental harmony between the two specialist components of the Navy

The staff of the team, proceeds to inflate the inflatable boats that they will use to direct the planned ground plane.

The regiment staff will complete the ground training activity. The rafts will be recovered by the staff of the brigade in support.

In a "real" operational situation, while the personnel would fall into the submarine, the dinghies would be scuttled to leave no trace.

We remain on the bridge the time necessary to see the team get on the inflatable boats. Then we return to the S524. Closed door and counter door of the center and bow boxes, we proceed to the submersible dive and the release of the rubber boats. The team of the 1st regiment proceeds with the mission.

By attending these activities, I am sure that the men of the Italian Navy are really “professionals of the sea”. And they must love him deeply if they challenge him with such dutiful respect: they do not fear sacrifices, weather difficulties, they put their physical strength and will into play. They are men with passion and courage. But that's not enough. They are cohesive. Determined to get the maximum result in what they do. They believe it. This makes the difference. They make the most of the means made available to them and all the crews, made up of men and women, know the sense of duty and put professional skills and humanity into play.

I believed that time aboard a submarine would pass slowly. I've never looked at my watch. When I hear the watch officer ask Commander Gelsomino, if he is aware of the "transfer release point" for me and the Russian commander, I realize that shortly thereafter this "magnificent" experience aboard the Longobardo it would have ended.

The commander Gelsomino informs the second to get in touch via radio with the My and define the best kinematic maneuver for transshipment in total safety (for the professionals of the abysses safety is paramount, safety is of primary importance).

Arrived at the point of transhipment, after the usual maneuvers of opening the door and against the front hatch, I greet the crew and put the windbreaker back on. I quickly take my camera and - reluctantly - I get up to the sentry box.

While we wait for the My approach to make the transfer, despite the wind, I'm standing on the "back" of the Longobardo, in the middle of the sea. It does not seem true to me. I always wondered how the submarines did not fall into the sea, standing with the moving submarine, when they cross the Swing bridge of Taranto,

Now I have the answer. We are not afraid. Despite the size of the boat, its movements are slow, I feel safe despite that "back" is rather small. When the My join me, I greet Commander Gelsomino with the promise that I will be back soon on board.

The emotions experienced on board the S524 are stored in the box of my memories that I have not closed in the attic or in the garage. I am in my heart and I relive them every day. Every moment is imprinted and there is no photography that can replace the "frames of my emotions".

I will always remember the chatter we indulged in at lunch, the smiles and laughter about Mr. Palomba who reminded me of Commander Rossetto on his return from the mission in the Atlantic. The spontaneity of the commander Gelsomino. I will not forget "his" mythical statuette "the shadow of the night" placed in the officers' square next to the box containing the battle flag. The patience of the Russian commander, who supported me at all times aboard the Longobardo, where he perceived my perplexed and doubtful face. And then again the "whistles" of the dolphins. I will always remember the splendid welcome of the whole crew, apparently rude but with a generous and essential soul. Focus on your work, be careful and competent. For them, during work shifts on board, there is nothing and nobody.

On the "register" of the memories of the Longobardo I forgot to leave my thoughts. This will be one of the many reasons why I hope to return.

The slogan of the S524 submarines is "exemplum adest ": the example is here. I believe there is no "best" example I could have received. "Feeling part", for one day, of an elite member of our Navy, is certainly an act of presumption. When I first entered the Comflotsom, I knew nothing about these "sailors" and their means. Barely, despite the size of the boats I could recognize a boat from the other and I did not understand what a submarine really could serve.

In this long journey I have found many answers to my questions. But this is just the beginning of a long journey into this world ...