The Multi-Mission European Frigate (FREMM) Carabiniere of the Navy stopped last January 25th to 31st in Fremantle, Australia, the first stop on the southern continent of the naval campaign in Southeast Asia and Australia.
After crossing the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, in support of operations Sea Guardian e Atalanta, ship Carabiniere last January 25 arrived in the main port city of Western Australia, at 23 kilometers from Perth.
During the stop, the Carabiniere commander, frigate captain Francesco Pagnotta, met with the Minister for Commerce of Western Australia, Michael Mischin, the mayor of the city of Fremantle, Brad Pettitt, the deputy mayor, Dave Coggin, and the councilor , Hannah Fitzhardinge.
Among the military authorities met, the commander of HMAS Warramunga and responsible for managing the maintenance and refitting of the Australian frigates currently in service, Captain Michael Turner, the garrison officer for Western Australia, Commodore Peter Lockwood and the commander of the main naval base of Western Australia HMAS Stirling, Captain Brian Delamont.
The meetings took place in the presence of the deputy head of the mission of the Italian embassy in Canberra, Pier Luigi Gentile, and the Italian consul in Perth, David Balloni.
The unit was open to the public, receiving more than a thousand visitors including a large turnout from the Italian community in Australia, a delegation from the Australian Public Service - Defense Science and Technology Group of Perth, the Marinai D 'Italy and former Italian soldiers and the Australian Mensa association.
The Holy Mass for the Italian community in Australia was also celebrated, presided by the archbishop emeritus of the archdiocese of Perth, his most reverend excellence Barry Hickey.
During the press conference held on board, the commander illustrated the objectives of the Naval Campaign, the potential of FREMM and the new naval projects undertaken by the Navy.
As part of the local celebrations for the Australian Day, Commander Pagnotta attended State War Memorial of Perth et al Fremantle War Memorial for the deposition of the wreaths of flowers to the fallen Australians of all wars.
Started in La Spezia last December 20, the Naval Campaign will bring the ship to touch on some ports in Australia and South-East Asia in the coming months, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Oman and Singapore.
Ship Carabiniere, which will be engaged in the coming months to ensure maritime presence and surveillance, to strengthen the cooperation activities already underway with some trans-regional allies and to initiate relations with new potential partners, within the framework of the institutional tasks entrusted to the Armed Force, on 5 February in the port of Adelaide, the second port in the southern continent, where it will remain until 10 February.
The initiative was born with the collaboration of Fincantieri (main sponsor), Leonardo, MBDA Italia, Elettronica and Telespazio.
