On May 26 at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis (USNA), United States, was held the Ceremony Prizes and Awards, during which an award was given to the Italian Navy officer serving in the American Academy, for having distinguished himself among the other instructors of the institute.
From the date of its foundation, in 1845, the USNA represents the "cradle" of the US Navy. It is an imposing structure, built on an area of almost 1.5 square km which makes use of a very numerous staff, with about 600 teachers, including military and civilians, among which there are also international officers, coming from various navies. USNA students (midshipmen) are about 4500, divided into four classes and can choose from various 22 degree programs, on a four-year training program.
The Italian Navy has had its own officer in the prestigious American academy since 1961. Our officer carries out the task of navigation teacher, within the Seamanship and Navigation Department, represents the Navy at the USNA and takes care of the exchange relations between the Naval Academy of Livorno and that of the United States.
During the ceremony of the Awards, in which the commander of the institute took part, vice admiral Ted Carter, in addition to representatives of various associations linked to the navy and the naval attaché in Washington, Rear Admiral Valter Zappellini, was delivered theItalian Navy Navigation Excellence Award to the midshipman who most distinguished himself in the fundamental discipline for the training of naval officers, navigation.
Admiral Zappellini handed over the prize, which consists of a small sword for historical uniform and an attached certificate signed by the Chief of Staff, to the midshipman Richard S. Kuzma, due out this year by the Academy and destined to specialization in Surface Warfare to later embark on the brand new USS Zumwalt.
The choice to dedicate this award to a technical discipline that recognizes the professionalism of Italian sailors and the partnership between the two navies is significant; further proof, from this point of view, is the assignment as instructor within the navigation department of the Italian exchange officer, frigate captain Alessandro Rinaldi, with an important role in the maritime training of young US officers.
