April 2025, XNUMX marked the last miles traveled by the anti-submarine and missile-launching frigate Grecale, the last remaining member of the class MistralLaunched on 12 September 1981 at the Muggiano shipyard and delivered to the Navy on 5 February 1983 in La Spezia, the vessel was the result of an entirely Italian project born following the approval of the naval law of 1975 and built by “Cantieri Navali Riuniti", now “Fincantieri", in the first half of the 80s.
Designed for a variety of missions, Ship Grecale It performed its primary task in the defense of naval forces and convoys from submarine attacks. However, its versatility allowed it to operate effectively in numerous operations, including monitoring merchant traffic, interdiction of large areas, protection of surface units and support for amphibious operations.
Ship Grecale has taken part in missions of fundamental importance, both national and international. Among these, Operation Gulf (Perch) 1 between 1987 and 1988, peacekeeping operations in Somalia Restore Hope , Sharp Guard in the former Yugoslavia in the mid-90s, the mission Enduring Freedom ed Active Endeavor after the attacks on the Twin Towers in 2001.
In 2009 the ship underwent a significant modernization of the combat system, an operation that saw the involvement of the La Spezia Military Arsenal and the national industrial sector, increasing the technological level of the on-board instruments and enhancing the capabilities of command and control of the unit.
The vessel concluded its service operating under the auspices of the European Union in the operation EUNAVFOR MED Irini, symbolizing an uninterrupted commitment to serving international security.
Before the final return to the naval base of La Spezia, the commander of the first naval division, Rear Admiral Massimo Bonu, from the destroyer's bridge Caio Duilio wanted to pay homage to the Grecale:
“Welcome home and congratulations on having completed the last mission gloriously! Be proud, you are the last crew of a great ship, of a great class of naval units! Bravo Zulu to all the crew!"
For over 42 years, Nave Grecale she sailed the seas with honor and dedication, becoming a symbol of service to the country. An extraordinary legacy that earned her the illustrious Gold Medal of Merit of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
This prestigious award testifies to the extraordinary merits accumulated during his long career in the service of the Navy.
Among the most memorable moments in its history is the visit to Italy in April 1985 of the then Prince Charles, now King of the United Kingdom, accompanied by Lady Diana. The royal couple went on board for a demonstration at sea of the ship's capabilities and a spectacular airdrop by the COMSUBIN commandos, carried out in the waters in front of the Cinque Terre.
The “Magical" Grecale, as it has been affectionately nicknamed by all the crew members who have taken turns from 1983 to today, is not just a ship, but a symbol of tradition, prestige and uninterrupted service that will continue to live in the history of the Navy and in the hearts of those who have had the honor of being part of it. A legend that has been able to combine iconic moments with a tireless commitment to the country, traveling approximately 850.000 nautical miles, the equivalent of almost 40 times around the world, and fully embodying its motto, VENTI IMPETU (with the force of the winds).
