Anti-aircraft exercise in the Ionian Sea for Nave De La Penne

(To Marina Militare)
10/08/21

Between 28 and 29 July, the destroyer Luigi Durand de la Penne participated in an exercise in the Ionian Sea called Composite Air Operations (COMAO), which provided for the cooperation of various national military assets engaged in simulated maneuvers and engagements of targets with the aim of maintaining a high level of preparation and training of the crew in reacting against an air threat. Simulation of air-to-surface armed attacks on the naval unit, acquisition of air targets, use of sensors, weapon systems and damage control, are just some of the activities carried out during the interesting training session carried out by professionals and functional teams on board, supported by the 109 cadet officers of the Naval Academy who are carrying out the summer education campaign.

Specifically, those attending the 2nd class of the normal roles of the course Esperia had the opportunity to take part, in complete safety and guided by the most experienced staff, in all phases of the exercise, up to the operations to deal with harmful events that could occur on board following an attack such as fires and leaks, putting in practice the theoretical notions acquired during the phase carried out on the ground in the Academic Year.

"During this sailing experience I am personally testing, day after day, how the preparation of the single sailor on board represents the true strength of the entire crew", these are the words of the 2nd class pupil of the naval genius Bernardo Caprioli.

The exercise represented a great opportunity for the young officer cadets, to better understand the necessary synergy between the various components on board, as well as the importance of advanced training for a naval unit of the Navy engaged in real operations.

Ship De La Penne it has in fact been included in the operation since last June Safe Sea, the national air-naval device that guarantees maritime presence, surveillance and security activities in the central Mediterranean and in the Strait of Sicily.