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ITS Etna - Comando e Supporto Logistico (AGF/AOR)

This logistics ship for refueling at sea by naval forces carries 5,795 t. diesel, 1,585 t. aviation fuel, 2,100 m3 of various materials and ammunition. The characteristics of use of Ship ETNA, extremely flexible and proven capabilities in the context of assignable missions, making it potentially capable to operate with different usage profiles The main features are:

• 4 gas stations, of which 2 also suitable for the transport of solids loads;
• 1 aft station for the supply of diesel fuel;
• 1 flight deck for loading/unloading of materials by helicopters.

A major novelty for the Italian Navy is that the management function of loads carried by this unit, has been completely computerized. Ship Etna also has the ability to repair intervention of other units also in navigation; for this function are available on board:

• 1 helicopter operations workshop on helicopters embarked;
• 1 mechanical workshop for hull repairs on equipment and motors;
• 1 electro-mechanical workshop.

The story of ship ETNA is not limited to that of present-day logistics support Units and command headquarters complex, but includes the story of four other Navy Units that have crossed the seas of the globe by filling 150 years of history.History characterized by the transition from wooden hulled ships and mixed propulsion (sail/coal) to those with steel hull and diesel propulsion.

Etna is the fifth ship of the Navy to bear this name. Built at the shipyards of Riva Trigoso, Etna was launched on July 12, 1997 and delivered to the Navy on July 29, 1998. Ship Etna, before logistics support units of the Navy, is unique in its kind. Employment characteristics of the ship, extremely flexible and proven construction capabilities following the numerous activities, make it capable to operate with different profiles of employment within assignable as missions.

• Team bunkering Unit for transport and refueling at sea, fuels, lubricants, ammunition, food, medical and other support materials, ensured by 5 petrol stations (four sides and one aft) and flight deck capable of operating with medium-heavy helicopters and light, both nationally and by Allied Navies, with the possibility of hospitalization in the hangar for a helicopter AB-212/type SH-3D/NH-90/EH-101;
• Logistic support Units. The presence on Board of three workshops (helicopter, mechanical, electro-mechanical), allows an excellent technical capacity for intervention in favour of other units at sea, both for repairs and hull and engine equipment and combat system equipment;
• Medical support unit at a hospital equipped to the NATO classification level Role 2 +, or the ability to perform emergency dental treatments; radiological and laboratory examinations; lifesaving surgeries; early treatment of burns. To ensure this level of health support is embarked a team of emergency surgery (anesthesiologist, orthopedic surgeon and dentist) who can provide assistance for a period of 20 continuous days to a naval group of 1800 men.
• Command headquarters complex: as a result of the work of transformation of 2003, the unit is able to embark and support functions a Maritime Component Commander (MCC). In particular, the ammunition depots have been converted and fitted as STAFF-ROOM (workstations) and accommodation (about 110 beds in addition). All of this combined with an integrated command and control, knockback capability of satellite communications and computer networks and non-classified enables Complex Command, integrable with multinational and Joint Staff to direct naval operations. From June 30, 2011 Marine General staff officially changed the operational classification from "logistic support unit" to "unity of command and logistical support" (NATO designation from AOR to AGF/AOR).

An integrated command, control and communications including satellite communications and distribution networks on Board of the information makes the unit suitable which command headquarters (MCC areas; MCC areas; MCC areas; MCC areas for conducting naval operations and amphibious and/or by multinational and joint staff embarked.Among the possibilities offered by the vessel Etna there are also:

• The ability to offer when at berth or at anchor essential services in favor of units side by side;
• The transport capacity/rate assistance of military and civilian personnel; suitable accommodation is available for boarding:
• Complex Command and staff;
• Non-commissioned officers for strengthening workshops;
• Civil Engineers.