Alpine ship among the "black feathers" in L'Aquila

19/05/15

Thousands of black feathers have shown their affection for Abruzzo by participating in the 88ª National Gathering of the Alpini, last Sunday 17 May 2015 in the streets of L'Aquila.

In the breathtaking scenery of the Abruzzi capital and of the high peaks of the Gran Sasso also the Navy, represented by the Alpine ship delegation (fourth unit of the Navy to bear this name) and by the sailors of the old crews of the Alpine frigate (F 580), wanted participate in the festive street demonstration culminating in the parade of military and civil representatives and of the numerous ANA groups present in Italy and abroad.

Representations have set back in front of the Minister of Defense, the Hon. Roberta Pinotti, of the Chief of Defense Staff, General Claudio Graziano and the president of the National Alpine Association, dr. Sebastiano Favero.

The Gathering has given way to the past and to the current crew of the ship to rediscover the strong sense of belonging and harmony typical of life on board, and has created an opportunity to pass on to the new generations of officers and sailors of the ship memories related to old Alpine ship that will find the right place on the fifth FREMM F 594, whose delivery to the Navy is scheduled at the beginning of 2016 less than 4 years after cutting the first sheet.

In the days prior to the parade, the Navy delegation participated on several occasions in the events organized by the ANA and the Alpine Troops Command: from the meeting with the Alpine Sections abroad, at the Ridotto Theater of L'Aquila, at Mass Solemn for the Fallen, celebrated by the military ordinary Msgr. Santo Marcianò in the Basilica of San Bernardino, culminating with the "Green Dinner" at the "Francesco Rossi" Barracks, the very first general headquarters of the rescue operations in L'Aquila after the terrible 2009 earthquake.

The festive and cordial atmosphere that the 300mila people in L'Aquila involved has fostered the consolidation of the strong link historically existing between the black feathers and the Navy, strengthening the communion of those values such as strength, courage, discretion, the respect for others, solidarity and loyalty.

Only the daily confrontation with hostile environments, such as the sea and the mountains, can in fact teach the moral solidity and the ability to resist that made "only the Italian Alpine Expeditionary Corps" invaded in the land of Russia, the cornerstones of the continuation of the activity of preparation, preparation and training of the young Alpine ship crew.