The Italian Navy has commissioned a multipurpose amphibious assault ship that was built by Fincantieri, the “Trieste.”
Considered the largest ship to enter service since World War Two, the Trieste was ordered under a 1.1-billion-euro ($1.15 billion) deal in 2015 and launched in May 2019.
An oath taking of the first-class officer cadets from the Naval Academy also joined the ship’s delivery ceremony in the port of Livorno.
The event was witnessed by Italian president Sergio Mattarella, defense minister Guido Crosetto, Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Luciano Portolano, and the Italian Navy chief Admiral Enrico Credendino.
The Trieste
The Trieste is part of the Italian Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock class, with a 36,770-ton (33,334,000-kilogram) displacement, 245-meter (804-feet) overall length, and a 36-meter (118-feet) beam.
It can accommodate up to 1,064 personnel, including crew and soldiers.
Powered by a combined diesel-electric or gas propulsion system, it can sail at a speed of 25 knots (29 miles/46 kilometers per hour).
The multi-role ship is armed with a trio of 76/62 cannons, three remote-controlled 25/80 machine guns, and has provisions for two Vertical Launch Systems that can hold up to 16 missiles against aerial threats.
Additionally, it features a decoy launching system and a Long Range Acoustic Device system for enhanced naval defense capabilities.
