OPERATION ALBA/Italian Forces (Afghan Deployed, Carrier/LDP – OSINT

Operation Alba - SUMMARY:

1996 – Albania: Socialists accuse Salih Berisha’s Democratic Party (DP) of electoral fraud and refused to acknowledge the landslide DP victory, which created a political deadlock with the opposition, led by the Socialists, boycotting parliament

1997 – Albania: A vast pyramid scheme involving senior government officials collapses the Albanian economy which drove inflation through the roof and disproportionately affected the South (Tosk areas)– by early 1997 government institutions failed to operate properly and the regular Albanian population is left without a voice to channel their grievances to government

o This leads to near-anarchy across the country, with civilians first protesting then rioting; some raiding military facilities for weaponry – sporadic clashes between various groups that could have degenerated into civil war as the ministry of interior and defense were not prepared to respond

o A massive crime wave ensued, as did rampages against public and private property Salih Berisha, then-President, appointed Bashkim Fino as Prime Minister – Fino

was appointed by Berisha to quell the post-pyramid scheme collapse anger in Albania

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) announces that it would support member states to send military or police to Albania to restore order in “Decision No. 160 of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, adopted at the 108th plenary meeting, on 27 March 1997

UN Security Council Resolution 1011 is passed in March 1997, authorizing a peacekeeping presence to allow for elections and a new government to take over

Italian-led, 11-nation UN Multinational Protection Force (FMP) is deployed to Albania April 15 to restore order, distribute humanitarian aid, keep peace and ensure safe elections and government transfer of power, staying through the June to August 12

o Strategic FMP Considerations Prevent a flow of Albanian migrants fleeing fighting (into neighboring countries

and beyond) Prevent anarchy Albania (see previous bullet point) Maintain peace Allow for democratic elections and government transfer of power

o Tactical FMP Considerations Total Defense under Hoxa

Thousands of defensive concrete pillboxes littered across key terrain across the entire country

Arms depots (raided frequently) Disproportionately large armed forces Disproportionately armed population

o FMP Goals Stop the violence Distribute humanitarian aid

Assist government entities to function Oversee elections Oversee new government takeover

FMP Capabilities

FMP Land forces Structure

SOURCE

Country Contributions:o Italy – 3800o France – 950o Spain – 350o Turkey – 760o Greece – 800o Romania – 400o Denmark – 110

o Austria – 60o Belgium – 15o Slovenia – 20o Arms: o SOURCE

Command and Control Structure

The Chief of Italian Defense had Operational Command of Italian Forces and Operational Control of NATO and OPCOM and OPCON – maintained through a joint C2 structure in Rome called COFIA

o Comando Operativo Forze Intervento - Operational Command Intervention Forces) in – Albania

o 3 phases o Phase 1 – Naval Phase controlled by Operational Navy Commander who oversaw the

first deployment of forces; advanced special operations forceso Phase 2 –

Operation best defined as ‘ad hoc’ SOURCE

NATO did not officially take part in the operation The US did not take the lead role in the operation Command and Control structure best described as ‘ad hoc’

Italian Units operating in Afghanistan:

Regional Command West HQ

Units:

• Regional Command West HQ, Julia Alpini Brigade (Italy) • Task Force Centre, 5th Alpini Regiment (Italy) • Task Force North, 8th Alpini Regiment (Italy) • Task Force Southeast, 7th Alpini Regiment (Italy) • Task Force South, “Serenissima” Regiment (Italy)

Weapons:

- OD/82 Hand Grenade

- 92 FS Beretta Pistol- 5,56mm Individual Weapon- 5,56mm Minimi Crew-Served Weapon - 7,62mm MG 42/59 Crew-Served Weapon - Sniper Rifle - Smooth Bore Rifle - Folgore Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher - Panzerfaust 3 Anti-Tank Rocket Launcher - "MILAN" Medium Range Anti-Tank Weapon System - "TOW" Long Range Anti-Tank Weapon System - 60mm Mortar - 120mm Rifled Mortar - http://www.esercito.difesa.it/English/Equipment/infantry_weapons.asp

Armored Vehicle Pics: http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?126643-Italian-army-in-afghanistan-new-pics

http://www.isaf.nato.int/subordinate-commands/rc-west/index.php

• Herat PRT    -Lead Nation: Italy http://www.prtherat.altervista.org/content/prtbiografy.htm

Italy Recognized as TCN since: Current Troop Contribution: 3400

- ISAF Command Headquarters- Kabul International Airport - Regional Command West: Heart- Regional Command Capital- OMLT contribution- POMLT contribution- 2 deployed, 1 offered- PRT - Herat 

Other significant NATO-ISAF contributionsANA Trust Fund€100,000 contributed, €2,000,000 pledgedNATO Equipment Donation Program0Post Operation Emergency Fund€300,000

Italian Carriers: MM Garibaldi– active as of 2009, location unknown

http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/garibaldi/

http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/italian-aircraft-carrier-giuseppe-garibaldi/nearby/?d=50

MM Cavour (http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/num/)

- Launched in 04, entered service in 09.- Current location – unknon- http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/italian-aircraft-carrier-cavour-550-under-construction/

Sources:

http://www.isaf.nato.int/subordinate-commands/rc-west/index.php

http://www.esercito.difesa.it/English/organization/ag_units.asp

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA378201&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

“Operation Alba”: A European Approach to Peace Support Operations in the Balkans. 10 April 2000. Marchio, Riccardo.

http://www.un.int/slovenia/pk-alba.html

http://www.hri.org/news/balkans/ata/1997/97-04-22.ata.html

http://www.assemblee-ueo.org/en/documents/sessions_ordinaires/rpt/2006/1928.php

http://www.osce.org/search/apachesolr_search/Albania%201997

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1011:

The Security Council,Taking note of the letter dated 28 March 1997 from the Permanent Representativeof Albania to the United Nations addressed to the President of the Security Council,Taking note also of the letter dated 27 March 1997 from the PermanentRepresentative of Italy to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General,Taking note further of decision No. 1610 of 27 March 1997 of the PermanentCouncil of the Organization for Security for Security and Cooperation in Europe,including the decision to provide the coordinating framework within which otherinternational organizations can play their part in their respective areas of competence,Recalling the statement by the President of the Security Council of 13 March1997 on the situation in Albania,Reiterating its deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Albania,Underlining the need for all concerned to refrain from hostilities and acts ofviolence, and reiterating its call to the parties involved to continue the political dialogue,Stressing the importance of regional stability, and in this context fully supportingthe diplomatic efforts of the international community to find a peaceful solution to thecrisis, in particular those of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe andthe European Union,Affirming the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republicof Albania,Determining that the present situation of crisis in Albania constitutes a threat topeace and security in the region,1. Condemns all acts of violence, and calls for their immediate end;2. Welcomes the offer made by certain Member States to establish a temporaryand limited multinational protection force to facilitate the safe and prompt delivery of

humanitarian assistance and to help to create a secure environment for the missions ofinternational organizations in Albania, including those providing humanitarian assistance;Advance VersionRepertoire 13th Supplement (1996 – 1999): Chapter VIII 63. Welcomes also the offer by a Member State, contained in its letter to take thelead in organizing and commanding the temporary multinational protection force, andtakes note of all the objectives contained in that letter;4. Authorizes the Member States participating in the multinational protectionforce to conduct the operation in a neutral and impartial way to achieve the objectives setout in paragraph 2 above, and, acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the UnitedNations, further authorizes those Member States to ensure the security and freedom ofmovement of the personnel of the multinational protection force;5. Calls upon all those concerned in Albania to cooperate with the multinationalprotection force and international humanitarian agencies for the safe and prompt deliveryof humanitarian assistance;6. Decides that the operation shall be limited to a period of three months from theadoption of the present resolution, at which time the Council will assess the situation onthe basis of the reports referred to in paragraph 9 below;7. Also decides that the cost of implementing this temporary operation shall beborne by the participating Member States;8. Encourages the Member States participating in the multinational protectionforce to cooperate closely with the Government of Albania, the United Nations, theOrganization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the European Union and allinternational organizations involved in rendering humanitarian assistance in Albania;9. Requests the Member States participating in the multinational protection forceto provide periodic reports to the Council, at least every two weeks, through theSecretary-General, the first suc h report to be made no later than fourteen days after theadoption of the present resolution, inter alia, specifying the parameters and modalities ofthe operation on the basis of consultations between those Member States and theGovernment of Albania;10. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

http://www.un.org/en/sc/repertoire/96-99/Chapter%208/Europe/96_99_8_European_29_Albania.pdf

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/italy-ready-for-mission-impossible-1265788.html

Italy ready for mission impossible

Intervention in Albania could bring instability to Rome, writes Andrew Gumbel

Andrew Gumbel

Monday, 7 April 1997

There could not have been a more eloquent demonstration of why Albania so desperately needs outside help to recover from its state of social and political meltdown. At 10.30 on Saturday morning the Prime Minister, Bashkim Fino, was on his way to the northern city of Shkoder with three other government ministers when he was ambushed by armed bandits.

A vicious exchange of fire followed in which, miraculously, nobody was hurt. But the trip to Shkoder had to be called off, and the bitter conclusion drawn that even the top representatives of a government of national unity, supposedly supported by everyone, are not free to move around the country at will. The fact that the gunmen were reported to have acted on behalf of President Sali Berisha, the man who appointed Mr Fino under considerable duress three weeks ago, only added to the sense of a country in the grip of festering chaos.

Outside help is now just around the corner, in the form of an Italian- led intervention force due to go into Albania in the coming week. Between 5,000 and 6,000 men - from Spain, Greece, Turkey, France, Romania and Turkey as well as from Italy - are expected to take up strategic positions from Shkoder in the north to Gjirokaster in the south and, in concert with the Fino government, get the country in a fit state to hold free and fair parliamentary elections that have been called for June.

Operation Alba, as it was christened by military leaders in Rome this weekend (alba being the Italian word for dawn as well as the first four letters of the country in question), will be a strange beast. Never, in the post-Cold War world, has an operation of this kind been conducted by individual countries acting outside the umbrella of an organisation such as the United Nations or Nato. Never have European countries gone it alone in this way without the active participation of the Americans. And never has an international force tied its fortunes so closely to the government of the country it is trying to help.

To the more cautious players in the international community, these are all reasons to stay well away. Britain and Germany quickly vetoed both their own participation and that of the European Union as a whole. Nato, the UN and the Organisation for Co-operation and Security in Europe did not want to touch Albania until they were satisfied that one country - Italy - was bearing full responsibility for the enterprise.

Even the Albanians have had their moments of doubt. "When are the Americans coming?" they ask. In truth, the Americans are much more involved than they look, reasoning that the Italians are better placed, logistically and politically, to take on the task, and offering full support from the sidelines. Washington is also likely to provide satellite pictures and Awacs aircraft to boost the operation's intelligence-gathering arm.

As for the operation itself, it has overcome diplomatic wrangling to establish a reasonable list of aims. "Essentially, two objectives have been finalised, the distribution of humanitarian aid, ... and assistance to the Albanian government to regain control of flashpoints on its territory and to get state institutions working again," Italy's deputy foreign minister, Piero Fassino, said in an interview.

Mr Fassino sees Operation Alba and the Fino government each helping to strengthen and ensure the success of the other. For now, the international force will concentrate mainly on protecting ports, roads and the main Tirana airport to ensure the safe arrival of essential food and medical supplies. But as time goes on and confidence increases, they could be involved in anything from buying or bartering weapons back from rebels, to supervision of polling stations on election day.

Of course, the danger of tying the fortunes of the operation to a fragile national unity government is that it can all quickly end in tears. Already, the Albanian Socialist Party has threatened to pull its members, including Mr Fino, out of the government as a means of pressuring President Berisha to resign. The Italians, in response, have made clear to the Socialist Party's leader, Fatos Nano, that without a Fino government there will be no Operation Alba.

Albania is not the only country with problems of political fragility. In Italy, the spectre of a government crisis is looming because of the refusal of one party in the ruling parliamentary majority to endorse the Albanian mission. The obstructive tactics of Rifondazione Comunista, a hard-left party outside the government but whose votes are crucial to its survival, are unlikely to block Alba altogether but could severely weaken its authority.

Rifondazione argues that the intervention will only prop up the man who in their view bears most responsibility for the crisis, President Berisha. The argument is not without merit. By sticking to a policy of political objectivity, Alba risks being unable to condemn and stop unacceptable behaviour out of fear of being seen to be taking sides.

But the mission is hardly indulgent towards President Berisha, who has largely been kept out of the diplomatic loop. Mr Fino is the international community's point of contact, and Mr Fino's government the institution it is working to support. The Rome government's private calculation is that the President will become more and more irrelevant, to the point where he will quietly disappear after the election.

Given Mr Berisha's past behaviour, that may be an optimistic outlook.”

http://www.militaryperiscope.com/weapons/ships/carriers/w0001474.html

GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI (C-551) class

EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Ships -- Aircraft Carriers COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy

PICTURES OF: GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI (C-551) class

SHIP LIST

1 GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI class AIRCRAFT CARRIER (CV)

Name Pendant Launched Commissioned Status GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI C-551 June 4, 1983 Sept. 30, 1985 Active

DESCRIPTIONGIUSEPPE GARIBALDI is the first aircraft carrier ever built for and commissioned in the Italian navy. She was ordered on Feb. 20, 1978. The GARIBALDI replaced the cruiser VITTORIO VENETO as flagship for the Italian Mediterranean fleet. GARIBALDI, in turn, is expected to be replaced by the CAVOUR as the Italian flagship.

The carrier is capable of anti-submarine warfare, command-and-control, area surveillance, convoy escort, special operations and fleet logistic support operations.

HULL: A compact design, the GARIBALDI has a large island, full flight deck with no angle, elongated octagonal aircraft elevators on the starboard side ahead and abaft the island, and sponsons at the stern for the four, double-stacked Otomat Teseo anti-ship missile launchers, although these were removed during a 2003 refit. Two were fitted on the port side and two on the starboard side. The superstructure is of steel construction. The ship was designed with a "ski-jump" sloped at 6.5 degrees to facilitate operation of heavily loaded vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) aircraft. GARIBALDI's hull is fitted with two pairs of fin stabilizers to ensure stability for helicopter operations in rough weather. There are five decks: the flight deck; hangar deck, which is also the main deck; and two decks and a platform below the hangar deck. She also has 13 watertight compartments that divide the ship into 14 sections and can be sealed against nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) contamination. The ship carries two 15-ton capacity elevators measuring 59.1 ft. x 32.8 ft (18.0 m x 10.0 m). The carrier no longer carries personnel transport launches MEN 215 and MEN 216.

The flight deck is 570 ft 3 in (173.8 m) long. There are two elevators, one forward and one abaft the island, and six flight-deck spaces for flight operations. A Marconi deck approach projector sight (DAPS) landing aid was fitted in 1994.

ARMAMENT: The ship can carry up to 16 Sea King (SH-3D) ASW helicopters, with four on deck and 12 in the hangar, or 18 EH101 helicopters (12 in the hangar, six on deck), or 12 Harrier II V/STOL aircraft and one Sea King (SH-3D), or any sort of mix required by a particular mission. In practice, only four Otomat anti-ship missiles, not eight, have been carried due to top weight constraints. The GARIBALDI is equipped with the Albatros surface-to-air missile system for point defense. Eight-cell Albatros launchers are installed on the roof decks at the forward and aft end of the island. The system fires Aspide missiles. Fire control is provided by three Selex NA-30 radar/electro-optical directors and the Selex RTN-30X fire-control radar. The carrier is also armed with three Oto Melara twin 40-mm/70-caliber guns. Two ILAS 3 triple tube torpedo launchers are also fitted. The tubes can fire U.S. Mk 46 or MU-90 torpedoes.

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS: The ship utilizes the IPN 20 command and control system supplied by Selex Sistemi Integrati (formerly Alenia Marconi Systems). The IPN 20 gathers information from the ship's sensors and communications and data networks, compiles it and displays the tactical situation. It includes 13 consoles and can handle 200 threat tracks simultaneously. Communications systems include Marisat high-frequency satellite communications and can utilize Link 11, Link 14 and Link 16. The vessel has also been upgraded with a new wide area network (WAN).

The GARIBALDI possesses the Elettronica Nettuno SLQ-732 radar warning receiver and jamming system and comes with a SLQ-25 Nixie torpedo decoy system. It also has two Oto Melara SCLAR naval decoy launcher systems which deploy chaff dispensers, infrared decoys or illuminating flares. The SCLAR is a 20-barrel 105-mm system that provides confusion, distraction and seduction mode jamming. Italy also plans to fit the SLAT anti-torpedo system being developed by Euroslat.

The ship's long-range air-search radar is the MM/SPS-768 (RAN 3L) operating at D band which has a range of more than 124 mi (200 km). The three-dimensional long-range surveillance radar, AN/SPS-52C, operates at the E band with a range of more than 249 mi (400 km). The SPS-774 medium-range air- and surface-search radar operates at E and F bands and has a range over 93 mi (150 km). The carrier also has the MM/SPS-702 surface search and targeting radar, MM/SPN-749 navigation radar and the MM/SPN-728 aircraft control radar, all of which operate at the I band. The GARIBALDI was also fitted with the DE 1160 LF bow-mounted active-search sonar, although this was replaced during the 2003 modernization.

ENGINEERING: The ship's propulsion system is a combined gas turbine and gas turbine (COGAG) arrangement. The system is based on four LM2500 gas turbine engines. The LM2500s are rated at a sustained power of 81,000 hp (60 mW). The propulsion system provides a maximum speed of 30 kts (35 mph, 56 kmh) and, at a speed of 20 kts (23 mph, 37 kmh), it has a range of more than 7,000 nautical miles (8,055 mi, 12,964 km).

MODERNIZATION: The GARIBALDI underwent a refit and modernization in 2003. The program included installation of a new command, control, computers, communication and intelligence (C4I) system, featuring a new satellite communications (SATCOM) system, Link 16, MCC data system and an optronic tracker system. Improved flag and command facilities were provided, resulting in the loss of one helicopter parking space in the hangar. The Teseo surface-to-surface missiles were removed and replaced with a SATCOM system and radome. The original sonar system was replaced with the DMSS-2000 and the SPN-728 radar by an optronic tracker. There are also plans to replace the SPS-774 system with the AMS SPY-790 EMPAR radar.

PICTURES

STATUSThe GARIBALDI is in active service and home ported in Taranto. The carrier is scheduled to be retired in 2016.

BUILDER(S) Italcantiere, Monfalcone, Italy

USERS/PLATFORMS Italy

CHARACTERISTICS CREW Vessel 550 total Air group 230 total Flag staff 45 total

DISPLACEMENT Standard 10,100 tons Full load 13,850 tons

DIMENSIONS Length overall 591 ft 2 in (180.2 m)

waterline 570 ft 3 in (173.8 m) perpendicular 534 ft 1 in (162.8 m) Beam overall 99 ft 9 in ( 30.4 m) waterline 78 ft 1 in ( 23.8 m) Draft overall 22 ft 0 in ( 6.7 m) over sonar 26 ft 9 in ( 8.2 m) Flight deck, length 570 ft 2 in (173.8 m) width 99 ft 7 in ( 30.4 m) Hangar deck, length 360 ft 9 in (110.0 m) width 49 ft 2 in ( 15.0 m) height 19 ft 7 in ( 6.0 m)

PROPULSION Engines 4 x General Electric/Fiat LM-2500 gas turbines; Power 81,000 total shp (60 mW) Propellers 2 x five-bladed

PERFORMANCE Speed 30 kts (35 mph, 56 kmh) Range 7,000 nm (8,055 mi, 12,964 km) at 20 kts

ARMAMENT Fixed wing 10 x Harrier II (AV-8B); or Helicopters 16 x Sea King (SH-3D) ASW (to be replaced by EH101) Missiles 2 x eight-cell Albatros launchers for Aspide SAM missiles [48 total carried] Guns 3 x twin 40-mm/70 cal. OTO/Breda Dardo AA Torpedo tubes 2 x ILAS 324mm triple-tube torpedo launchers, Mk 46 or MU-90 torpedoes ASW weapons Unknown no. U.S. Mark 46 Mod 5 ASW torpedoes

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS Radars 1 x U.S. AN/SPS-52C 3-D air search 1 x SPS-768 (RAN-3L) early warning air search 1 x AESN SPS-774 (RAN-10S) air-search 1 x SMA SPN-702 surface search 2 x SMA SPN-749(V)2 navigation 1 x SRN-15A tactical air navigation; Type 718 beacon Fire control 3 x AESN SPG-74 (RTN-20X) gun fire control 2 x AESN SPG-75 (RTN-30X) missile fire control Sonar 1 x WASS DMSS-2000 EW 1 x Elettronica Nettuno SLQ-732 integrated jammer/receiver system 1 x SwRI Seagle D/F with AS-505 antenna 2 x two-round SCLAR-D 105-mm decoy launchers 1 x U.S./AN-SLQ-25 Nixie towed torpedo decoy

ISSUES AND NOTESThe exclusive operation of fixed-wing aircraft over 1.5 tons by the Italian air force, established in the 1923 Air Force Law, was long challenged by the navy. The navy's case was buttressed by the inability of land-based aircraft to provide air cover during the 1983 evacuation of Italian peacekeeping forces from Lebanon.

In January 1989, the Italian Senate finally passed a law permitting the navy to operate VSTOL aircraft from the GARIBALDI. The 16 Harrier aircraft are controlled and operated by the navy, with the air force providing training, maintenance and additional pilots as needed. As part of a compromise between the two services, the air force can reassert operational command over the air wing in time of war.

In 1992, after a competition between the British Sea Harrier and the American AV-8B Harrier II Plus, the decision was made to award the contract to the U.S. aircraft. Sixteen AV-8Bs and two trainers were delivered by 1997.

OPERATIONAL NOTESThe carrier took part in operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990-1991.

GARIBALDI's deployments demonstrate the increasing linkage between European navies and international operations. The carrier took her turn in support of Operation Sharp Guard (CTF 440) Adriatic patrol in late 1993. She transited the Suez Canal on Feb, 22, 1994, as part of five-ship Italian task force to support the Italian contingent's withdrawal from Somalia. GARIBALDI returned to Somalia at the end of February 1995 as part of Operation United Shield, the withdrawal of the last U.N. forces from that country.

Her first deployment with VSTOL aircraft (3 AV-8B Harrier II Plus) came in January 1995.

GARIBALDI also participated in NATO's Kosovo operations in 1999.

In November of 2001, the GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI was placed at the U.S.'s disposal for operations in Afghanistan.

In 2002, Italy designated a naval task force centered on the GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI for the European Union's Helsinki Force Catalog. This is a list of forces at the E.U.'s disposal to conduct humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

In August of 2006, the GIUSEPPE GARIBALIDI led the Italian contingent to Lebanon to take part in the U.N. peacekeeping mission there.

LATEST UPDATE: 1 February 2009

© 2011 Military Periscope. All rights reserved. Redistribution of content is prohibited without prior consent of Military Periscope.

http://www.militaryperiscope.com/weapons/ships/carriers/w0004944.html

CAVOUR (C-552) class

VARIANT(S) AND/OR ALTERNATE NAME(S):---- ANDREA DORIA (previous designation)

EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Ships -- Aircraft Carriers COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy

PICTURES OF: CAVOUR (C-552) class

SHIP LIST 1 CAVOUR-class V/STOL AIRCRAFT CARRIER (CVV) Name Pendant Keel Laid Launched Commissioned Status CAVOUR C-552 July 17, 2001 July 20, 2004 2007-2008 Trials

DESCRIPTIONThe CAVOUR, formerly known as the ANDREA DORIA , is the largest warship being built for the Italian navy since World War II. It is a multi-mission ship employable as an amphibious warfare asset, vehicle ferry, disaster relief ship, strike carrier or sea-control ship.

GENERAL: In keeping with the multi-mission nature of the ship, CAVOUR will carry a maximum landing force of 450 troops. The ship has full facilities for a landing force, including a hospital with three operating rooms.

HULL: The flight deck of the CAVOUR is equipped with a ski-jump take-off ramp on the port side of the flight deck. There are two 15-ton capacity elevators, one forward and one aft, providing access to the hangar. The ship has a full-load displacement of 27,100 metric tons. There are also two access ramps to move vehicles from pierside to the interior. The ship will be able to carry 12 60-ton Ariete tanks or 100 light tanks.

The original design called for a docking well measuring 82 ft (25 m) by 45 ft 9 in (14 m) in the stern that could carry four LCM(6)s or two LCM(8)s or one LCAC . This feature of the design was deleted in 2000.

ENGINEERING: The CAVOUR has combined gas turbine and gas (COGAG) propulsion provided by four GE Marine LM2500 gas turbine engines. The LM2500 turbines drive two gear units each providing 60,000 shp.

AIRCRAFT: The CAVOUR can operate short-takeoff vertical-landing (STOVL) fighters and helicopters, accommodating the aircraft in its 26,910 sq ft (2,500 sq m) hangar. The CAVOUR can support eight F-35B Lightning IIs or AV-8B Harriers, or 12 helicopters, or a combination of the two. A standard air group is expected to include five Harriers and nine EH101s. Helicopters that could be deployed on the CAVOUR include the AB-212, EH101, NH90 and the SH-3D. The ability to carry helicopters gives the CAVOUR both vertical and sea-surface amphibious insertion capability.

WEAPONS: Aster 15 missiles contained in a Sylver eight-cell vertical launch system will be used to arm the MBDA/Thales Eurosam SAAM/IT missile system. The CAVOUR is also equipped with two Oto Melara 76-mm Super Rapid guns, three 25-mm anti-aircraft guns, two anti-torpedo decoy launchers and two flare launchers.

SENSORS: Alenia Marconi Systems is integrating the CAVOUR's sensors, including the AMS Empar G-band multi-function phased array radar, which will be used as the primary sensor for the Eurosam system while also providing simultaneous surveillance, tracking and weapons control. The sensor suite includes the RAN 40L 3D D-band long-range radar, RASS surveillance radar, SASS (Silent Acquisition Surveillance System) infrared search and track system, IFF and navigation systems. The CAVOUR also has mine-avoidance sonar, an anti-torpedo towed array, a radar/electro-optic fire control system and infrared surveillance system.

NOMENCLATURE: The ship was originally designated the ANDREA DORIA . The Italian naval attache in Washington, D.C., confirmed that the CAVOUR was renamed at the request of Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. Its redesignation is in honor of Camillo Benso Cavour, a 19th-century statesman who was instrumental in the unification of Italy. The name ANDREA DORIA was transferred on the same date to the first of the "Horizon" destroyers now on order.

PICTURES

STATUSThe CAVOUR is engaged in trials prior to her formal delivery slated for late 2007. The vessel is expected to enter service in the second half of 2008.

The ship was officially launched at a ceremony in Genoa, Italy, on July 20, 2004.

The Italian navy awarded a contract to Fincantieri on Nov. 22, 2000, for the construction of a "new major vessel." Building began at Fincantieri's shipyards in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano in July 2001.

BUILDER(S) Fincantieri Riva Trigoso, Italy (bow section) and Fincantieri Muggiano Shipyard, La Spezia, Italy (stern and center sections)

USERS/PLATFORMS Italy

CHARACTERISTICS CREW

Flag officers and VIPs 5 Crew 486 Amphibious Task Force command group 140 troops 360 Aircrew 211

DISPLACEMENT Standard 22,290 tons Full load 27,100 tons

DIMENSIONS Length 800 ft 6 in (244.0 m) overall 707 ft 4 in (215.6 m) between perpendiculars Beam 127 ft 10 in ( 39.0 m) maximum Flight deck length 763 ft 1 in (232.6 m) width 113 ft 2 in ( 34.5 m) Hangar length 440 ft 3 in (134.2 m) height 19 ft 7 in ( 6.0 m) est width 68 ft 11 in ( 21.0 m) Elevators length 59 ft 1 in ( 18.0 m) est height 32 ft 8 in ( 10.0 m) est Docking well length 82 ft 0 in ( 25.0 m) est height 45 ft 9 in ( 14.0 m) est

PROPULSION Engine 4 x GE/Fiat LM-2500 gas turbines Power 118,000 total shp Shafts 2 x feathering controllable pitch propellers Auxiliary engine 1 x bow and 1 x stern thrusters

ELECTRICAL Generators 6 x Wartsila CW 12V200 sets Power 2,200 kW each

PERFORMANCE Speed 29 kts Range 7,000 nm at 16 kts

AIR GROUP Aircraft 8 x F-35 JSF or AV-8B Harrier II fighters and 12 x EH-101 or NH90 helicopters

WEAPONS Missiles 2 x Sylver VLS launchers [132 ASTER-15 SAM missiles carried] Guns 2 x 76-mm/62 cal OTO/Breda Super Rapid DP

3 x 25-mm/87 cal twin Oerlikon-Oto/Breda AA

Torpedo tubes 2 x twin fixed 324-mm (MU-90 torpedoes carried)

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS Radar 1 x AESN RAN-40S early warning 1 x AESN SPS-791 RASS surface search 2 x SMA SPN-753 navigation 1 x AN/SPN-41 landing radar 1 x SPN-720 precision approach radar Fire control 1 x AESN SPY-790 EMPAR target designation and tracking 2 x AESN AN/SPG-76 (RTN-30X/I) gun Sonars medium-frequency, bow-mounted high frequency, mine avoidance

PROTECTION EW 1 x passive intercept 1 x passive active Decoy 2 x SCLAR-H decoy rocket launchers 2 x SLAT torpedo decoy launchers towed acoustic torpedo decoy system

ISSUES AND NOTESThe CAVOUR is slated to be the first Italian ship equipped with the SAAM/IT missile system.

Italy is planning to acquire 22 F-35B STOVL fighters to operate from the CAVOUR.

OPERATIONAL NOTESNone.

PROGRAM COSTThe CAVOUR will cost about US$854 million, exclusive of missile system and air group.

LATEST UPDATE: 1 June 2007

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http://www.militaryperiscope.com/weapons/ships/amphib/w0001475.html

SAN GIORGIO (L-9892) class

EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Ships -- Amphibious COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy

PICTURES OF: SAN GIORGIO (L-9892) class

SHIP LIST

2 SAN GORGIO-class AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT DOCKS (LPD)

Name Pendant No. Launched Commissioned Status

SAN GIORGIO L-9892 Feb. 25, 1987 Feb. 13, 1988 Active SAN MARCO L-9893 Oct. 21, 1987 May 6, 1989 Active

DESCRIPTIONThese two Italian amphibious transport docks replaced two ex-U.S. DE SOTO COUNTY (LST-1171) class tank landing ships (LST). The SAN MARCO was paid for by the Ministry of Civil Protection and is configured for disaster relief service. Both ships have extensive medical facilities, with the SAN GIORGIO being equipped with a 62-bed hospital, an operating theater, two emergency wards and X-ray facilities. This feature was included primarily for civilian disaster relief. The SAN MARCO has more extensive medical facilities than the SAN GIORGIO. The SAN GIORGIO can carry 345 troops from the San Marco naval infantry battalion or the Army's Sernissima and Sile battalions.

HULL: The flight deck extends from the stern almost to the bow, with one helicopter landing area aft and one forward, and an island structure far enough starboard to allow movement of helicopters from one landing area to the other. Also on the flight deck are a 16-ton crane forward of the island and davits for three landing craft, vehicle, personnel (LCVPs) and a ship's launch. Two of the LCVPs are opposite the island and one is forward of it.

The 328 ft (100.0 m) by 67 ft 3 in (20.5 m) vehicle deck below can accommodate 36 armored personnel carriers (APCs). There are stern and side ramps, and a visor-like bow door for unloading. The midships elevator links the flight deck with the vehicle deck. Although the 30-metric ton capacity elevator is not large enough for helicopters, the 44 ft 3 in by 11 ft 5 in (13.5 m by 3.5-m) elevator allows additional vehicles (up to 42 APCs, plus 42 29 ft 5 in (9.0 m) long trucks or 30 medium tanks) to be transported on the flight deck.

The starboard side door is 16 ft 5 in (5.0 m) wide and is for vehicles, while the 4 ft 11 in (1.5 m) door on the port side is used for personnel. At the stern there is a covered, floodable, single-berth dock 67 ft 3 in by 22 ft 10 in (20.5 m by 7.0 m), the only exit not requiring a wharf or quay. Three LCMs can be carried on the vehicle deck, with one at a time being launched from the stern dock.

MODERNIZATION: Both ships have been modernized: SAN GIORGIO from 1999 to 2000 and SAN MARCO in 2001. Both were modernized at Taranto. During the modernization, the flight deck was enlarged by deleting the 76-mm extension of the flight deck to the bow, the addition of a 16 ft 4 in (5.0

m) sponson to port, providing spots fore and aft for EH-101 helicopters and two spots on the sponson for smaller helicopters. In addition, the original bow doors were welded shut, and the two LCVP site relocated below the sponson. The flight deck was fitted for night operations and aircraft support facilities enhanced.

PICTURES

STATUSBoth are active. They are based at Brindisi as part of the 3rd Naval Division. When not conducting amphibious operations, the SAN GIORGIO also serves as a midshipmen training vessel.

SAN GIORGIO: This vessel was ordered March 5, 1984.

L-9892 took part in the NATO exercise Destined Glory, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 16 in 2004. During the exercise, amphibious assault vehicles (AAV-7s) from the San Marco Regiment offloaded from the vessel and landed on Porto Scudo beach.

The SAN GIORGIO also took part in the NATO exercise Destined Glory/"Loyal Midas " from Sept. 29 to Oct. 14, in 2005.

SAN MARCO: L-9893 was ordered on March 26, 1985.

BUILDER(S)

Fincantieri, Riva Trigoso, Italy

USERS/PLATFORMS

Italy

CHARACTERISTICS DISPLACEMENT Light 5,000 tons Standard 6,687 tons Full load 7,665 tons Flooded down 8,400 tons

MANNING Crew 163 total (17 Off. + 146 Enl.) Troops 345 total

DIMENSIONS

Length 437 ft 3 in (133.3 m) overall Beam 67 ft 3 in ( 20.5 m) Draft 21 ft 3 in ( 6.5 m) maximum

PROPULSION Main 2 x Warsila NSD type A420-12 12 cylinder diesels; 16,800 total bhp; 2 x controllable pitch propellers; 4 x Fincantieri-GMT B 230.6 diesel generators; (3,080 total kW) Auxiliary 1 x 1,000 bhp bow-thruster

PERFORMANCE Speed 21 kts Range 4,500 nm at 20 kts; 7,500 nm at 16 kts

COMBAT SYSTEMS Helicopters 3 x Chinooks CH-47) or 3 x Sea King (SH-3D) or 5 x Agusta-Bell (AB-212) Guns primary 1 x Oto-Breda 76/62 gun secondary 2 x 20-mm/70 cal. Oerlikon (Mark 10) AA

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS Radars 1 x SMA SPS-702 search radar 1 x SMA SPN-748 navigation; 1 additional nav radar Fire control 1 x Elsag NA-21 fire control system with RTN-30X gunfire control radar EW SCLAR chaff launchers ESM/ECM 1 x Elettronica system

VARIANTS

Modified San Giorgio-classSee separate record for more information on the SAN GIUSTO (L-9894), a modified version of the SAN GIORGIO class.

ISSUES AND NOTESThe cost-sharing method of financing of these ships (the Ministry of Defense paid for the first ship, and the Ministry for Civil Protection paid for the second) proved to be an effective way of fulfilling both of Italy's amphibious warfare and disaster-relief requirements.

OPERATIONAL NOTESThe SAN MARCO was sent to the Red Sea in February 1991 as a transport and hospital ship. The deployment was part of Italy's contribution to operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. SAN GIORGIO helped inaugurate Italian participation in the U.N.'s Somali relief effort by transporting troops in December 1992. Both SAN GIORGIO and SAN MARCO journeyed to Somalia at the end of February 1995 as part of Operation United Shield, which oversaw the safe withdrawal of U.N. forces from that country.

LATEST UPDATE: 1 August 2006

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http://www.militaryperiscope.com/weapons/ships/amphib/w0006016.html

SAN GIUSTO (L-9894) class

EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Ships -- Amphibious COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy

PICTURES OF: SAN GIUSTO (L-9894) class

SHIP LIST

2 SAN GIUSTO class AMPHIBIOUS TRANSPORT DOCKS (LPD)

Name Pendant No. Launched Commissioned Status

SAN GIUSTO L-9894 April 14, 1994 June 11, 1994 Active

DESCRIPTIONModified version of the SAN GIORGIO-class . Ordered March 1991. She has extensive medical facilities. To receive a mid-life modernization overhaul around 2007.

HULL: The SAN GIUSTO can carry 349 troops. She has a broader island superstructure than the SAN GORGIO class. The boats are stowed on a sponson to port to restore flight deck area, providing a taxiway between the landing area at the stern and a smaller one at the bow. Up to six medium-sized helicopters can be accommodated on deck. The side-doors and ramps are larger than on the SAN GIORGIO class . The ship is able to carry 34 combat vehicles totaling up to 1,200 tons below decks, and additional lighter vehicles could be accommodated on the flight deck. The ship is equipped with a floo d able stern docking well measuring 67 ft 3 in by 22 ft 10 in (20.5 m by 7.0 m). Three 63-ton MTM series landing craft can be

accommodated in the well deck. Three 14 ton MTP series landing craft are carried in davits on the port side. About 85 tons (80 cubic meters) of combat stores and 30 tons of provisions can be accommodated.

ELECTRONICS:The ship is fitted with the IPN-20/SADOC-2 combat control system and to send and receive NATO Link 11.

PICTURES

STATUSActive. Based at Brindisi. Serves primarily as a training ship for the naval academy at Livorno.

BUILDER(S)

Fincantieri, Riva Trigoso, Italy

USERS/PLATFORMS

Italy

CHARACTERISTICS

Displacement: 5,600 tons standard 7,950 tons full load Dimensions: length 449 ft 5 in (137.0 m) overall beam 82 ft ( 25.0 m) draft 19 ft 7 in ( 6.0 m) maximum Propulsion: main 2 Fincantieri-DMD type A.420.12 diesels; 16,800 total bhp; 2 controllable pitch propellers auxiliary 1 1,000 bhp bow-thruster Performance: speed 20 knots range 4,500 nm at 20 kts.; 7,500 nm at 16 kts. Manning: crew 198 total (16 Off. + 182 Enl.) + 204 naval cadets and 62 instructors troops 349 (33 Off. + 316 Enl.) in lieu of naval cadets Combat Systems:

helicopters 3 Chinooks CH-47) or 3 Sea King (SH-3D) or 5 Augusta-Bell (AB-212) guns 1 76-mm/62 cal. OTO/Breda Compact DP 2 twin 20-mm/70 cal. Oerlikon (Mark 24) AA radars 1 SMA SPS-702 search radar 1 DMS SPN-753 navigation fire control 1 AESN SPG-70 (RTN-10X) system EW 1 AESN SLR-730 intercept 1 AESN SLQ-747 jammer

ISSUES AND NOTESNone.

OPERATIONAL NOTESNone.

LATEST UPDATE: 1 May 2004

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http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/san_giorgio/

LPD San Giorgio Class Landing Platform Dock, Italy

Related Projects

The three San Giorgio class amphibious transport dock ships in service with the Italian Navy were built by Fincantieri at their Riva Trigoso shipyard. The three ships are: MM San Giorgio (L9892) commissioned in 1987, MM San Marco (L9893), commissioned in 1988, and MM San Giusto (L9894), commissioned in 1994. The ships are based at the Brindisi naval base on the Adriatic coast.

The ships provide roll-on/roll-off landing capability for land embarkation; air lift through the use off high capacity aircraft such as Chinook-type helicopters; and transportation by sea to shore, using the ship's own systems and landing ships for landing on unprepared shores.

DESIGN

The San Giorgio class ships can lift a battalion of troops, with up to 30 medium tanks, or 36 tracked armoured vehicles. The stern floodable dock can accommodate three LCM (or MTM) landing craft, each capable of transporting 30t of material. Three davits on the main deck are provided for the deployment of three LCVP (or MTP) landing craft and a patrol boat.

San Giusto has a full load displacement 300t higher than her sister ships. The ship has no bow doors for beach landings. The three davits for the deployment of landing craft and the patrol boat are relocated to a sponson installed on the port side of the ship instead of on the flight deck.

San Giorgio and San Marco are to be modified to increase the flight deck for helicopter operations. The 76mm gun mount and two port side davits for LCVP's will be removed, giving space for a new central flight deck. This will allow two EH 101 helicopters and two medium helicopters (NH 90 or AB 212) to be launched at the same time. The LCVP's are to be moved to below the sponson and the bow doors will also be removed.

A 30t lift and a two-hook travelling crane, each hook rated to carry 40t, are installed on the ship providing the capability of autonomous loading and unloading operations completely independent of harbour facilities.

AIRCRAFT

The main flight deck which runs almost the length of the ship, has three helicopter landing spots. The ship can accommodate three Sea King SH-3D helicopters or five Agusta Bell AB-212 helicopters.

COMBAT SYSTEM

The ship has the IPN 20 combat data system and the NA 10 fire control system, both from Selex Sistemi Integrati (formerly Alenia Marconi Systems). It is also equipped with a telecommunications system from Elmer MAC.

http://www.militaryperiscope.com/weapons/ships/cruisers/w0001480.html

VITTORIO VENETO (C-550) class

----- ARCHIVED RECORD -----

EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Ships -- Cruisers COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Italy

PICTURES OF: VITTORIO VENETO (C-550) class

SHIP LIST

0 VITTORIO VENETO-class GUIDED MISSILE CRUISER (CG)

Name Pendant Launched Commissioned Status VITTORIO VENETO C-550 Feb. 5, 1967 July 12, 1969 Stricken

DESCRIPTIONThe design of this cruiser, sometimes referred to as a helicopter-carrying guided missile cruiser (CHG), was based on the design of the ANDREA DORIA -class cruisers. The ship can carry six Agusta-Bell (AB-212) helicopters compared to the ANDREA DORIA 's four, and she has more extensive facilities for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The VENETO was replaced as flagship of the Italian Mediterranean fleet by the helicopter carrier GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI .

HULL:Unlike the since-decommissioned DORIAs, which had a flush deck, the after two-thirds of the VENETO's weather deck is one deck higher than the forward third. The forward part of the hull has a clipper bow with some sheer beginning at the weather-deck break and a knuckle extending from the stem to abreast of the forward mast/stack ("mack"). The transom stern has a slight rake. The VENETO is fitted with two pairs of fin stabilizers to reduce rolling, thus making her a more stable platform for helicopter landings.

ARMAMENT:The twin-rail Aster missile launcher system, which can fire both Standard surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and ASROC ASW missiles, is mounted on the main deck forward of the reload house. Atop the reload house is a 76.2-mm single mounts flanking one of the RTN-20X Dardo gunfire control radars; ahead of the RTN-20X is one of the Breda 40-mm twin mounts added during a 1981/1983 refit. A 76-mm mount is on each side of the forward superstructure on the 01 level, ahead of the break in the weather deck. Abaft the break on either side of the superstructure are tandem bedplates for the Otomat TESEO anti-ship missiles. Two more 76-mm mounts are abaft the TESEO launchers; the seventh and eighth are on pedestals ahead of the centerline helicopter elevator. The second and third 40-mm mounts are sited on sponsons located outboard of the elevator.

ELECTRONICS:The two SPG-55 missile guidance radars are on stepped pedestals atop the bridge, abaft an RTN-10X radar (for the Argo fire control system) and ahead of the forward mack, which bears the 3D planar-array air-search radar. The after mack has the open parabolic antenna of the RAN-3L air-search radar. At the base of the after mack is the control position for the 131 ft 2 in (40.0 m) long by 60 ft 7 in (18.5 m) helicopter deck. The helicopters are transferred from the two-deck hangar 90 ft 2 in (27.5 m) by 50 ft 2 in (5.3 m) up to the flight deck on two elevators 59 ft 1 in (18.0 m) by 17 ft 4 in (5.3 m).

MODERNIZATION:The VENETO was modernized in 1981/1983, during which time the TESEO missile launchers and Breda 40-mm guns were added, and the SPS-40 long range search radar was replaced by the RAN-3L.

PICTURES

STATUSDISPOSAL:Decommissioned and stricken on Oct. 12, 2003. She is to become a floating museum at Taranto.

BUILDER(S) CNR, Castellammare, Italy

CHARACTERISTICS CREW Total 557 (53 Off + 504 Enl)

DISPLACEMENT Standard 8,130 tons Full load 9,500 tons

DIMENSIONS Length 589 ft 2 in (179.6 m) overall Beam 63 ft 7 in ( 19.4 m) Draft 25 ft 9 in ( 7.9 m) maximum Helicopter deck length 131 ft 2 in ( 40.0 m) width 60 ft 7 in ( 18.5 m)

PROPULSION Main 2 x Tosi geared steam turbines Power 73,000 total shp; 2 shafts Boilers 4 x Foster-Wheeler; 43 kg/sq cm, 450-deg. Centigrade

PERFORMANCE Speed 30.5 knots Range 3,000 nm at 28 kts; 6,000 nm at 20 kts

COMBAT SYSTEMS Helicopters 6 x Agusta Bell(AB-212) ASW or 5 x Merlin (EH-101) Missiles 4 x Teseo Mark II single launchers for Otomat SSM 1 x Aster twin launcher (Mark 20) system [40 Standard ER SAM and 20 ASROC ASW missiles carried] Guns 8 x 76-mm/62 cal. OTO/Breda Compact DP 3 x twin 40-mm/70 cal. OTO/Breda Dardo AA ASW weapons 2 x triple 324-mm Mark 32 tubes Radar 1 x Hughes SPS-52C 3D air search 1 x AESN SPS-768 (RAN-3L) early warning 1 x SMA SPS 702 surface search 1 x SMA SPN-748 navigation Fire control 2 x RCA SPG-55C missile fire control for Standard ER 4 x AESN SPG-70 (RTN-10X Orion for Argo system) for 76-mm guns 2 x AESN SPG-74 (RTN-20X Dardo system) for 40-mm guns Sonar 1 x Sangamo SQS-23G hull-mounted EW 1 x SLR-4 intercept 3 x SLQ-B jammers 2 x SLQ-C jammers 2 x 20-round OTO/Breda decoy/flare launchers 1 x AN/SLQ-25 NIXIE towed torpedo decoy system

ISSUES AND NOTESThis hybrid cruiser-carrier design successfully addressed many of the limitations of the earlier ANDREA DORIA class. The VENETO was steadier and had more deck and hangar space. She was nonetheless regarded as too small to serve as the only air-capable ship in a task force, a conclusion that led to the development of the VSTOL aircraft carrier GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI .

OPERATIONAL NOTESVITTORIO VENETO ran aground on April 21, 1997, at Vlore, Albania, but she was pulled off two days later. Repairs took about six months.

LATEST UPDATE: 1 June 2008

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