Italian Navy photo

“Height 30, 40, 50, 60…”. “Vehicle 2 meters from the bottom”. “I’m turning on the light”. Short sentences, concise words were exchanged aboard the minesweeper Viareggio by the specialists busy projecting the image of the abyss of water below at a depth of about 100 meters.

In just over 52 meters, this ship houses 44 people, sharing tight spaces for intense periods of between 2 and 4 months, with a ‘mission within a mission’: to protect the strategic underwater infrastructures on which almost all of the essential services for our daily lives depend within the scope of Operation Safe Seabed (OFS), included within the larger Operation Safe Mediterranean (OMS), aimed at maritime presence and surveillance activities to guarantee freedom of navigation and trade.

And it is, in fact, a story told by many voices, that of the 18th OFS rotation. Voices of returning to port in La Spezia, which – each for its specific competence, all from a different and fascinating point of view – give us the pulse of monitoring, events, sacrifices and even sensations added together to give life to the final result: from 26 October to the end of December 2024, the Viareggio has patrolled 2000 of the 6000 nautical miles traveled in total by the units of the Navy that, since 2015, have passed the baton of OMS. Stretches of sea affected by the presence of submarine cables, without forgetting the 4800 miles monitored in parallel by air assets.

“Commanding a minesweeper is an immense source of pride,” explains the ship’s Commander , Lieutenant Riccardo Lenti, “ because in a world where the quality of our lives depends on what travels underwater, such as gas pipelines , telephone and internet cables, having the institutional task of ensuring their safety and integrity pushes us to operate with perseverance and dedication. We are the invisible guardians of what is invisible: far from the coast, unseen, but more than ever connected inside the homes of every Italian. This is the reason that gives meaning to the sacrifice of being far from our families.”

We don’t always rationalize that to turn on the light, send an email, make an online payment or even make a simple phone call, we are taking advantage of essential and not at all obvious benefits . In other words, we are taking advantage of that 99% of data traffic that makes its way underwater , thanks to industry professionals who ensure its continuity from the sea to our homes, offices, hospitals, train stations, and, more generally, wherever there is a need. “Since September 2022, the date of the accident involving the North Stream 2 gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, the protection of these ‘critical’ infrastructures from natural accidents, physical or cyber attacks has taken on essential importance: the Italian Navy entrusts the responsibility to the minesweepers, 8 Gaeta-class units plus one Lerici-class unit, all located in the Ligurian base under the command of the Mine Countermeasures Forces Command”, specifies Second Lieutenant Antonio Nevola , Head of the ship’s Operations Department, an officer specialized in mine warfare and underwater control, who assists and advises the Commander in the operational/training conduct of the unit and in the use of the embarked vehicles, relating to all aspects of the mine countermeasures (CMM) dimension, as hidden as it is fascinating.

These ships are, in fact, designed primarily for mine warfare, the other great threat lurking in the depths. Built in fiberglass, they boast the amagnetic nature of wood and the shock resistance characteristic of steel: they are thus able to resist the shock wave generated by explosives without any damage to the vessel or the crew. The Engineer of the Viareggio, Chief First Class Giampiero Treglia , responsible for the operational efficiency and safety of the unit, describes them as follows: “They are ships with unique characteristics compared to other ships in the Navy, distinguished above all by the need for a very low magnetic signature, given the particular environment in which they may be called upon to operate. Mines, in fact, are particularly sensitive to magnetism or vibrations, which is why it is also necessary to be as silent as possible. Hence the use of fiberglass and amagnetic material, together with the Degaussing system , in order to be able to almost eliminate the magnetic trace of the vessel. Special measures limit vibrations and noise to the maximum: the propulsion engine, for example, is not supported directly on the hull, but anchored to a special structure, so as to reduce the transmission of vibrations. For the same reason, the Diesel alternators are installed on the upper deck, and when operating on a minefield, a restrictive magnetoacoustic trim is assumed, which involves the exclusive activation of the essential equipment. Another distinctive feature of minesweepers is the auxiliary propulsion, consisting of three hydraulic thrusters, two at the stern and one at the bow, normally stowed in the hull, and lowered into the water during operations: all this serves to maintain ‘point holding’, that is, to remain still at a certain point in the sea, so as to be able to operate on a target acquired by sonar or reported, without the current moving the ship”.

Units like the Viareggio are equipped with a high-frequency sonar that, tethered by a cable, can be extended up to depths of over 200 meters from the surface and at least two ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) fiber optic wire-guided vehicles: the PLUTO PLUS and the PLUTO GIGAS. They are both piloted by a qualified on-board operator, and record and transmit images of interest in real time. However, while the former is capable of navigating safely up to 300 meters above sea level for approximately 6 hours, the latter has greater autonomy, up to 8 hours, and greater power, so much so that it can reach a maximum speed of 7 knots and a depth of 600 meters. Outside, in a small container, there is the decompression chamber used by the Special Forces of the Navy’s Underwater Operations Group (GOS), the divers belonging to the “Teseo Tesei” Underwater and Raiders Group Command (COMSUBIN) of La Spezia.

To carry out the tasks of Operation Safe Seabeds, these ships scan the underwater ridges (so-called ‘ bottom survey ‘) and verify, through sonars and ROVs, the good condition and correct functioning of the networks of interest. In essence, it is a matter of carrying out a real ‘ultrasound of the seabed’, and at the same time acting as a deterrent against any threats, precisely by virtue of the presence and surveillance at sea and the air contribution of the assigned aircraft. “A memory that fills me with pride – adds Lieutenant Nevola – dates back to September 2022. I was on board the Numana, sister ship of the Viareggio, on an operational stop in the port of Taranto. Suddenly the day was enlivened by the order to cast off to undertake bottom survey activities on the gas pipelines. At that time, no member of the crew would have ever thought of starting what is now Operation Safe Foundations, and of acquiring the pipeline for the first time with sonar. Today, I can proudly say, we continue our silent but highly professional work in the service of the country”.

But how is it possible to identify the exact point to investigate starting from the surface of the water? It all depends on the detailed knowledge of the underwater network that surrounds our country (and not only), made accessible by a constantly updated database . Once the pipeline is located, technologically advanced underwater vehicles come into play, capable of translating the sound pulses of the echosonar into high-definition images: a full-fledged scan, which is analyzed by echogoniometrists, experts in the immediate evaluation of the objects observed, and responsible for communicating any anomalies to the operation’s chain of command. “Sonar is what physically allows us to ‘see’ underwater. It detects threats invisible to the naked eye, such as naval mines. My team and I precisely distinguish harmless objects from potential dangers. A mistake can be costly, but training and experience allow us to face every challenge with determination. Sailing has never been just a matter of sails and engines; “Today the real beating heart of maritime operations is technology”, explains 1st Lieutenant Dino Rizzo , Sonar Component Chief and Adjutant of the Viareggio Minehunter, a key figure for the safety of our waters with respect to what lies beneath the surface, essential for the crew of a minehunter. The technological equipment therefore provides an “extremely clear photograph of our sea – continues Commander Lenti – which incredibly replaces the idea of ​​a black, dark, lightless abyss, associated with the underwater world by the common imagination. Everything becomes extremely clear, our systems can provide an absolutely perfect vision of what happens at prohibitive distances, otherwise inaccessible to our gaze. A mystery revealed, a very strong emotion”.

Any dangerous objects are removed by a special vehicle called MULTIPLUTO, the third ROV on board, equipped with manipulator arms, HD camera and operating up to about 2000 meters above sea level: in this way the safety of the cable and therefore the related service is guaranteed. Monitoring a single submarine cable requires several days of activity, because it is an operation that must be conducted slowly.

The use of wire-guided vehicles also extends to the search for planes that have fallen into the sea, sunken ships and archaeological finds, illicit objects thrown into the water, as well as, clearly, the location and clearance of explosives, thanks to the possibility of being equipped with so-called counter-mining charges. Silent and precise – just as required by mine warfare , which is ‘surgical doctrine’ – they proceed with the so-called ‘blasting’, a controlled and safe explosion: they release the charge near the mine and return towards the ship, which remains approximately 1,000 metres away. It is an extremely expensive job, which requires high standards of training and concentration; on the other hand, it increases the level of guaranteed safety: after the passage of a minesweeper, the explored portion of sea no longer presents any dangers for navigation. In other circumstances, the clearance is carried out by divers, who physically place activation charges on the mine to neutralise it.

“The team of divers on board – says Ivano Destratis , Chief First Class PA/EODN , Head of the Mine Deactivation Component of the Viareggio ship – is a real backbone, essential for carrying out mine counterloading activities. To get certified, the course to pass is exhausting, the selection is long, but the goal is a very precious cultural and professional baggage. I joined this glorious category 32 years ago: I was very young, I was 18, and I remember perfectly the emotion of my parents who came to La Spezia from Taranto when I received the prestigious blue beret in the Varignano area, COMSUBIN barracks. At the time I couldn’t explain how exceptional I found our work: using self-contained air, oxygen, mixtures, diving suits and explosives, venturing into the depths of the sea where no one had ever been, for me it was something exceptional, unimaginable. We do incredible things, many years of sacrifice and distance from family on one hand, and many satisfactions, an immense pride on the other. The Navy has given me this wonderful opportunity, along with many stories to tell my grandchildren, like in the best storybooks”.

As always, teamwork wins: the reclamation and safety of the seabed is possible thanks to the perfect synergy between divers and personnel assigned to driving the ROVs. An exhilarating result, shared by the entire crew, that goes beyond the technical aspect of the mission completed. “The excitement of the first boarding, the first blasting, the comparison with the operational responsibilities and the joint action of colleagues – says 1st Lieutenant Rizzo – made me understand that on the Minehunters I would experience the sea not only on the surface but also below the surface. ‘Safe Seabeds’ is not only a duty, but a commitment to protect the sea, a precious resource and symbol of freedom. In this sense, the passion for my work grows every day”.

On ships, the human and professional past of each becomes inspiration and motivation for all. Depending on the experience, the years spent at sea, there are teachings to impart and lessons to treasure, in that kaleidoscope of stories, faces, suggestions that draw the mosaic of each crew, and enrich each mission with that personal charge that makes it unique, different from all the others.

“Operation Fondali Sicuri was not at all simple – recalls Salvatore Esposito , Second Class Municipality at his first experience aboard the Viareggio – there were ups and downs, but we achieved important results thanks to the commitment of the united team. Minehunters are extraordinary ships, they make you discover the wonder of the submerged while the crew naturally carries out complicated operations, such as the use of vehicles used for underwater investigations. Here on board a beautiful ‘little family’ was created that welcomed me, making me immediately feel part of a well-structured, friendly organization. For this, I thank the crew and especially the Commander, for his availability and his attention to all of us”.

Behind every operation completed, every goal achieved, there is a guide who charts the course and acts as a glue for the entire team , at the end of that wonderful and all-encompassing journey that transforms a Navy officer into a Commander. “The journey that leads to wearing the famous cap with fronds – concludes Commander Lenti – begins from the first days of the Naval Academy, where the values ​​of homeland, honor, sense of responsibility and spirit of service form the basis of our ‘sailor’s bag’. After leaving the Academy, the bag continues to fill up more and more. In my case, the years spent aboard various Navy ships have given me the opportunity to live unique and priceless experiences, to meet colleagues from all over the world, all while holding increasingly demanding and stimulating positions. To become the Commander of a minesweeper, given the extreme specialization of the vessel, the complexity of the embarked systems and the uniqueness of the assigned missions, additional know-how is required in addition to the necessary tactical, technical, administrative and legal knowledge. Future Commanders of ships such as the Viareggio are required to attend an integrative seminar at the Mine Countermeasures Forces Command in La Spezia (MARICODRAG), where they come into contact for the first time with experts in the seabed world and acquire awareness of a domain that until then had been too submerged to be known. This type of training is also a ‘journey within a journey’, an unforgettable experience” .