Mattarella: the Vespucci nurtured the growth of skills and the image of Italy

President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of the Festa della Marina Militare, sent a message to the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino, on the excellence of the Italian Navy and the value of the Amerigo Vespucci's mission around the world. A world tour in which the Navy's training ship travelled almost 50 thousand nautical miles, touching five continents, 32 countries, 53 ports, 20 of which in the Mediterranean Sea. "You have taken Italy around the world, making a great contribution to our country's prestige. I believe that the passage to Cape Horn was the most difficult and a source of pride for everyone,' said President of the Republic Mattarella, greeting the crew of the Amerigo Vespucci in Genoa. And he decorated the Vespucci ship's banner with the gold medal for valour. Here is the message to Admiral Credendino.

"The women and men of the Italian Navy," stressed Head of State Mattarella, "represent excellence, the face of an Italy that takes on, with a high sense of responsibility, the mission of contributing to safeguarding peace and security, in adherence to constitutional values. On the day of your feast, as I salute the Flag, I turn my first thoughts to the memory of the fallen sailors who have borne witness to their dedication to their homeland with the sacrifice of their lives'.

The Head of State recalled that "the wars and strong geopolitical tensions that characterise this era have seen the Navy confirm its ability to operate effectively in complex contexts, with high-intensity challenges, in synergy with allied countries, for the protection of freedom of navigation. The strategic value of the maritime dimension has been further accentuated with the threats that have emerged in the enlarged Mediterranean area and with those directed against critical underwater infrastructures".

Mattarella recalled that 'our naval units, submarines, aircraft, the San Marco marine brigade, special units and port authorities, lead and participate in numerous demanding national and international operations, spanning all quadrants of the globe, from the Indo-Pacific to the Red Sea, from the Arctic Circle to the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, ensuring with their presence a capacity to intervene in areas of primary interest and safeguard human life at sea'.

"The long maritime tradition, ideally represented by the Amerigo Vespucci training ship, which today, in Genoa, ends a demanding naval campaign of particular importance, has nurtured the growth of valuable skills and of Italy's image. On this festive day, I am grateful to address to all the military and civilian personnel - in service and on leave - and to their families, the appreciation of the Republic for the daily commitment and sense of duty demonstrated in all circumstances. Long live the Navy, long live the Armed Forces, long live the Republic'.