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U.S., Italian Ties Strengthened Aboard Submarine During Great White Fleet Festivities

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081017-14
Release Date: 10/17/2008 10:03:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NEW YORK (NNS) -- The commander of the U.S. 2nd Fleet visited the Italian submarine ITS Salvatore Todaro (S 526) Oct. 11 while the U212A class submarine was in New York City as part of Columbus Day celebrations.

During his visit, Vice Adm. Mel Williams Jr., met with Vice Adm. Guiseppe Lertora, Commander and Chief of the Italian Fleet; and Todaro Commanding Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Mauro Penebianco. He also toured the vessel's combat information center, fuel cell room, diesel engine room and propeller motor engine room where he interacted with the crew of the vessel.

"Touring the Todaro was a great experience," said Williams, "and it is always a pleasure to work with our key allies. Together we help to make our navies more ready to face anti-submarine contingencies and strengthen our anti-submarine warfare capabilities."

Todaro is deployed from its homeport of Taranto, Italy, and has visited several U.S. ports including Mayport, Fla., Norfolk and Groton, Conn. New York City is the submarine's last stop before leaving the United States. An Italian submarine had not crossed the Atlantic Ocean since World War II.

"We had a great experience working with the United States Navy, said Lertora. "The training at sea was most helpful to my Sailors, and they have enjoyed this friendly exchange."

"We are really proud and grateful to the U.S. Navy," added Lertora.

Both Williams and Lertora spoke of the significance of the Italian and U.S. navies working together.

"Regardless of the language difference, I can see in the eyes of the Sailors of both nations, they are dedicated to serving their nation, they are dedicated to serving with coalition forces," said Williams. "It's a distinct honor to be here today as we celebrate our Navy's Great White Fleet as well as celebrating the contributions of Christopher Columbus.

"Together we highlight the friendship between our nations," Williams continued.

"It is very important to foster these relations," said Lertora, "shoulder-to-shoulder for our maritime security."

The 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet, honoring the tradition of cooperation with other nations, coincides with the 2008 Columbus Celebration in New York.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c2f/.