The operational projection campaign of Nave continues Marceglia in the Indo-Pacific. Having set sail from the port of Benoa (Bali-Indonesia) and covered 1.924 nautical miles with 230 hours of motion, from 6 to 10 March, the European Multi-Mission Frigate made a stop in the port city of Laem Chabang, in the province of Chonburi, in Thailand.
Before reaching the country's main port, located 130 kilometers south of the capital, the Marceglia welcomed on board, in the waters of the Gulf of Siam, the visit of the Italian ambassador to Bangkok, Paolo Dionisi, of the commander in chief of the Thai naval fleet, admiral Nuttapol Diewvanich and of a delegation of officers of the Royal Thai Fleet.
“The Italian government has always believed in the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific. The commitment in Thailand of the Marceglia ship, which adds to that of the Vespucci ship, the Montecuccoli ship and the Morosini ship, underlines the Italian presence in a region of the world that is fundamental for national interests. The Marceglia expresses that naval diplomacy in which we all believe, ask for and support with great strength", thus Ambassador Paolo Dionisi.
Within the strategic objectives of the unit's operational campaign, significant initiatives were undertaken to consolidate bilateral relations between Italy and Thailand. Naval diplomacy meetings aimed at strengthening the projection and prestige of Italian Defense at an international level were held in the city of Sattahip, home to the main naval base of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
One of the most heartfelt moments on board was the celebration of the Eucharist on the flight deck presided over by Msgr. Peter Bryan Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand. During the homily, the Archbishop thanked the commander and the entire crew of the Marceglia to be concrete proof of the Armed Forces' commitment to cooperation, dialogue and stability activities in such a crucial area of the world.
Before leaving the country and heading East, the Marceglia was engaged in joint training with the Thai Navy frigate HTMS Naresuan (FFG-421). PASSEX, aimed at enhancing interoperability and international cooperation between the assets of the two Navies, has allowed the Italian frigate to reinvigorate its capabilities to operate and interact in multinational contexts.
