U.S. and Italian Navies Unite for Joint High-Seas Operations

In a significant maritime operation, the U.S. Navy joined forces with the Italian Navy for extensive training exercises. The participating vessels included the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), the flagship of the Italian navy aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (CVH 550), and the Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Alpino (F 594).

“The multilateral operations we conduct with our allies and partners in this theater are strengthening our capabilities and keeping our skillsets sharp,” stated Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet. Emphasizing the importance of operational readiness, Kacher highlighted the recent collaboration with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group and Italy’s Cavour Carrier Strike Group as testament to the crucial role navies play in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The combined naval forces engaged in a series of fixed-wing air defense training sessions and anti-submarine warfare exercises, as well as subject matter expert exchanges aboard the participating ships. Rear Admiral Giancarlo Ciappina, commander of the Italian Carrier Strike Group, noted their readiness to operate alongside allies globally, citing shared tactics and communication systems as key enablers.

Beyond training, the vessels also conducted formation exercises and communication drills designed to enhance mutual understanding and trust during complex maneuvers. “Any time we have an opportunity to train together with our partners and allies, it goes a long way in enhancing our ability to exchange information and operate cohesively,” remarked Cmdr. Nicholas Maruca, commanding officer of the USS Dewey.

Such bilateral operations underscore the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a rules-based international order and provide valuable opportunities for enhancing tactical interoperability with allied navies in the Indo-Pacific. Rear Admiral Ciappina echoed these sentiments, praising the USS Dewey interaction as a fruitful exercise that reinforced both nations’ ability to operate together seamlessly.

The USS Dewey is forward-deployed and assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the U.S. Navy’s largest DESRON and the principal surface force of the 7th Fleet. Regular operations with allies in the Indo-Pacific illustrate the shared dedication to maintaining a free and open region.