Ship Rimini, the youngest of the eight class minehunter units Gaeta, has completed the "half-life" modernization work and will soon be able to return to operation with the other minehunter ships of the naval team. The most significant interventions of this modernization concerned the installation of a new sonar, a new command and control system and the structural modification of the stern areas. In fact, the Rimini is the first minehunter unit capable of carrying a 20" (foot) container at the stern containing an autonomous underwater vehicle the "HUGIN", capable of reaching a depth of 3000 m and mapping the seabed in detail.
For several months, the entire crew has been initially engaged in operational tests at sea on the platform system, with the main objective of testing the main propulsion system and the auxiliary system dedicated to mine hunting, a peculiarity for this type of unit. Subsequently, he performed a two-week preliminary training period at the Mine War training center (MARICENDRAG) in the naval base of La Spezia, to then be engaged in operational tests at sea on the combat system. The sea test constituted the last important step for the end of the stop and, therefore, for the preparation for the execution basic training as well as certification according to NATO standards (MAREVAL).
This will allow the entire crew to refine and consolidate their professional preparation, but above all to reinvigorate the necessary harmony, tackling the numerous exercises that will be scheduled with tenacity and determination. At this point Ship Rimini and its crew will be ready to fully return to the operational line of the naval team.
