A significant day for the 78 soldiers of the Italian contingent deployed in Sinai, as part of the peacekeeping mission called Multinational Force and Observers (MFO).
Frigate Captain Argenio Galasso has assumed command of the XNUMXth coastal naval group, taking over from his peer Daniele Di Tullio. On the same day, the changeover ceremonies of command of the coastal patrol vessels class Explorer, based in Sharm El-Sheikh, in the south-east of the Sinai Peninsula and engaged in patrolling the Straits of Tiran.
The circumstance offered an opportunity to reflect on a year full of results, marked by an intense cycle of operational activity (with over 4.000 hours of motion), training and support to the naval diplomacy. Among these, the operations of stand out patrolling route, observing and reporting aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the Straits of Tiran, in compliance with the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt and its protocol.
Noteworthy events this year were the laying of the new MFO buoy and the familiarization activities carried out for the military contingents of other nations participating in the MFO.
The ceremony was presided over by the MFO force commander, major general Michael Garraway (Australia) with the participation of rear admiral Stefano Costantino, who spoke on behalf of the operational command of interforce forces (COVI) of Rome.
In his speech, the force commander stressed the importance of coastal patrol unit (CPU) Italian, the maritime component of the MFO, which is identified in the command and staff complex of the XNUMXth coastal naval group, of the class ships Explorer and the personnel of the specialist components in support. General Garraway expressed words of great appreciation for the professionalism of the Italian personnel, highlighting how the emotion felt by the crews during the ceremony of changing their commanders is emblematic of the passion and dedication that distinguish the Italian military in the fulfillment of their duty.
Admiral Costantino delivered the commemorative cross for peace operations to the Italian sailors who served in the MFO, expressing his appreciation for the commitment demonstrated both on board the CPU ships and in the naval assets support activities carried out by the entire contingent through the various teams of technical personnel, of the marine brigade Saint Mark and the COMSUBIN divers.
With the evolution of the regional scenario, the need for constant presence and surveillance action has significantly increased and therefore the incremental commitment of the maritime component of the mission, as explained by Admiral Costantino. The role played by the Italian naval assets operating under the aegis of the MFO is fundamental, as they are capable of conferring and amplifying the joint and combined characteristics of a coalition that for over 4 decades has been solidly committed to maintaining peace between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Israel, on the basis of adherence to the peace treaty.
Admiral Costantino also expressed his gratitude to Commander Di Tullio and the ship commanders Sentinel, look-out e Relay for the passion, dedication and professionalism expressed in this intense year and expressed to Commander Galasso the best wishes for a mandate "at the helm" of the 10th Naval Group harbinger of success and professional satisfaction.
The new commanders take up their duties with the determination to continue the work begun by their predecessors, Frigate Captain Galasso said: "I am about to face this task with pride and enthusiasm, receiving the helm from the expert hands of a fraternal friend. I thank in advance the women and men of the Italian contingent for the collaboration and support they will want to give me. The route before us will require absolute abnegation and dedication, but guiding our compasses will be the patriotic values of Defense and the Navy".
