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Coalition Enlists Italians In Mine Warfare Effort

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030619-16

Release Date: 6/19/2003 10:20:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Denny Lester, Commander, U.S. Navy Central Command/Commander, 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- In the spring of 1941, R.N. Sagittario, a lone Italian Navy torpedo boat under the command of Capt. Giuseppe Cigala Fulgosi, was escorting a German convoy destined for the invasion of Crete, when her crew sighted a British force of three cruisers and several destroyers incoming on their position.

Fulgosi ordered a bold attack with his lone ship, catching the British by surprise and ultimately saving the convoy.

Today, a ship bearing the heroic captain's name sails 1,500 miles from the conflicts of that day, in different but just as deadly seas.

ITS Fulgosi is the lead ship of an Italian mine hunting group under the operational control of Commander, U.S. Task Force 55 and tactically controlled by Commander, U.S. Mine Counter Measures Division 31. The offshore patrol vessel and her crew of 72 operate as a logistical and command and control platform for the mine hunting group.

Completing this group are the two Lerichi-class mine hunters, ITS Chioggia and ITS Viareggio.

"Just having them here contributes to the readiness of forces in the area and the refinement of coalition mine warfare operations," said Commander, Mine Countermeasures Division 31 Operations Officer Lt. Fahez Nadi. "They have been receptive to our concept of operations and how business is conducted in the Arabian Gulf."

The Arabian Gulf is a vital body of water sitting in a region that historically breeds instability. It must constantly be surveyed for threats in order to maintain the peace, stability and economic prosperity of the region. The surveillance and response to these threats are the jobs of the U.S.-led coalition's mine warfare activities, currently made up of vessels from the United States, Britain, Saudi Arabia and Italy.

"Foreign navies always bring something to the table. Whether it be equipment or techniques, we learn each other's styles, tactics and behaviors." said Nadi. "The more we work together, the better we get."

"Facing challenges and overcoming them has brought the team together," said Fulgosi Chief Engineer Lt. Andrea Lombardi, who faced the challenge of keeping Fulgosi running smoothly on her maiden voyage abroad. "It has been a rewarding experience just keeping the ship running, and being part of this good thing for the entire world."