ITALIAN NAVY: DESTROYER DURAND DE LA PENNE ARRIVES IN VARNA (BULGARIA)
The 2017 training campaign for the 2nd class midshipmen of the Naval Academy stops in Bulgaria as third step of the summer journey.
The Italian Destroyer (DDG) Luigi Durand De La Penne, led by Captain Fabrizio Rutteri, will arrive in Varna on September 8th and will depart on September 11th.
Set sail from Taranto on August 11th, the Destroyer made its first stops in Piraeus (Greece) and Odessa (Ukraine) and after Varna it will stop in Aksaz (Turkey) before ending the training campaign in Italy in the late September.
Performing the training campaign on warship during the operation activity represents an innovation in the training course for the 88 cadets who will continue on board their professional growth through an intense training program focused in seamanship and maritime security operations.
Cadets’ life on this ship is a harmony between the study of the subjects of the navigation school, and the practice of them, followed closely by the crew of the ship which introduces cadets to life on board.
The ship Durand De La Penne through this training campaign bring the Italian excellence and the prestige of the Italian Armed Forces in foreign countries, through cultural events and promotion in host countries.
This part of the training prepares the cadets to dialogue and openness of mind to different cultures and customs through the international vision that converges and outlines this century as the “blue century”.
The “blue growth” is considered a key factor for sustainable development of the countries where the sea is a key resource for growth, employment and scientific and technological advance.
On the 8th September at 18:00 local time, the Commanding Officer, Commander Fabrizio Rutteri, will hold a press conference on board to present the ship and the Training Campaign 2017.
During the visit in Varna, the Italian Navy ship Durand de La Penne will be open to the public with the following time schedule:
September 8th, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; September 9th, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; September 10th, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Procedures for accreditation at the press conference: Journalists wishing to attend the press conference must apply for accreditation by sending an email to fabio.santomauro@marina.difesa.it and to ris.unam@smd.difesa.it
The accreditation request must include name, surname, nationality, media outlet and ID card.
INSIGHTS
ITS Durand de La Penne was launched on October 20th 1989 and commissioned to the Navy on March 18th 1993; his motto, from latin, is: “Utique vince”, “winning against all odds”.
Classified as Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG), the ship is a multipurpose platform mainly designed for blue water operations. Weapons systems and surveillance sensors provide means for short and medium range air defence of a naval formation, mainly based on 3D radar MM/SPS 798, Tartar and Albatros SAM missile systems, while MK 2A Teseo SSM allows over the horizon targeting for sea and land attacks; last but not least, hull and towed antisubmarine sensors, in conjunction with new torpedo MU 90 and ASW SH 90 helicopter provide the ship with multi-threat defence capabilities. From September 2009 to March 2011 De La Penne went through a Mid Life Improvement Program which renovated completely the Combat Management System.
The ship is named after Lieutenant Luigi Durand de la Penne, the frogman who, during WW II, led the a mission against the fortifed base of Alexadndria, in Egypt. On the 19th of December 1941, along with three “maiali” (small torpedoes driven by two operators), he departed from a nearby submarine and after overcoming with great difficulty the port barriers, personally placed a limpet mine on the MHS Battle Ship Valiant’s hull. He was captured as soon as he came up, taken aboard along with his assistant and immediately put in a room near the ammunition dump. Few minutes before, in order to save the crew, Durand de la Penne informed the Ship’s Captain of the incoming explosion. Battleship Queen Elizabeth, oil tanker Sagona and destroyer Jervis were also damaged. Winston Churchill, when speaking to the Chamber about the Italian frogmen’s action, referred to them as “Six Italians equipped with poor laughable materials, have swung the military balance of power in Mediterranean Sea in favour of the Axis”.
The Naval Academy of Livorno since 1881 prepares the future Navy leadership.
All Officers attend training and education courses to be ready to meet the challenges that professional life will hold to them. From the selection to the training paths everything is a challenge extremely selective and cadets needs qualities such as motivation, dedication, sacrifice spirit, ability to apply, physical and mental endurance to reach their objectives.
So, according to the highest traditions of the Armed Forces, the training institute selects, educates and teach young students to assimilate the highest moral values and ethical principles of the Navy to become leaders able to lead their men with the highest professionalism.
