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In February 1980, the author assumed the post analogous to our Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hast year, while he was Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, he spoke to his Naval Academy midshipmen and described for them the duty and sacrifice, the “heritage of honor and purity” that would be theirs as officers.
eaving the academy at the termination o ^ years of study, you will have your f>r*c ^ assignment—your primo imbarco. I remem j own primo imbarco: a cruiser. She was most cert ^ different from your first ships, yet many of periences will be identical to mine: the first wa0I1. the first contact with the crew, the first r sibilities, the first decisions to make, and t e the first uncertainties and the first errors. ^
You will discover that life on board is neine
nor comfortable. You will realize that in
order
maintain efficiently the weapons, instruments
even
to
aP'
the
paratus, and machinery of those ships - t0 most modern and beautiful—you must pu,
overcome the difficulties that often derive rof reaucratic red tape, the absence of spare p ^ yoU from other causes, permanent or circumstan will realize how limited is the physical SP ^ which you have to live and work, not temp ^ but permanently. You will realize that your ^ y0u ity and influence will depend greatly upon 1 relate to and lead the personnel entrusted to y° ’ ,
on how you demonstrate your preparation, y°u ^fSt cern, and your capability. The impact of y°l assignment will, to a certain degree, have a ic effect on your personality.
Here at the academy, the officers, the teaC 1v0f)< in petty officers, the aides, and the seamen who v jj, this institution are all here to give you sornet^ ^ ^
traiin^'
the
your first assignment on board, it will have to who gives. This will be your first tour of LlCy’ you will notice, as you continue in your career^ you will always be called on to give more. t>rjzed The first years of vour career will be chan \
squ»«
by duty on board our ships or with our air tons, along with periods of study for working ^ ^,jjl
10W< er<
:cii
work of a technical-operational nature wifi 1o|Tgov'
a degree, or for updating or specializing. be many dynamic years during which the sp
Erevan
but these years will not lack work in the area u erning men—those whom you must instruct,^^ guide, administer, and often also assist,
encourage, and judge.
rice'
These will be years of a rich and varied apP ship which will help you acquire the experief skill necessary for the command of a ship °r' jal case of technical corps officers, for the fifSt .jj responsibilities. This milestone, which you ^ ^ 0{ achieved after about eight career years, will e ^ the most important. I am referring, above a jtionalfi’’ officers destined for naval command. Tra ps0[ute the command of a ship implies an almost • jgp' responsibility, more diverse than any other ment, binding the captain to his ship and lay1
all his...
tha qualities and capabilities. The captain feels are . e lrnrnediate and major responsibilities at sea is aSe s'tuations which confront his men. But this ^ith ' at‘Vely ^S^t burden if one is prepared to deal chau^' ^°r t^10se y°u w^° will certainly meet this
fromnSe prepared, it will be an exalting experience alone y°u w*^ mature, an experience which
sj0riCould give you a concrete sense of your profes-
In this
^hich
era of great technological development in
lc ls nevertheless essential not to lose contact Win e human element, the leadership tasks which c0rpss° entrusted to the officers of the technical The he assignments of considerable demand.
pre6 ass‘gnments will put your technical-scientific the testl0n and your human quality and character to
As th
ass; e years progress, leadership assignments or j)reVail ents in the Navy Department will begin to gressiv’ a^Ways less at sea and more ashore. The pro- asSj Ve detachment from operational and specialized on board ships is an inevitable fact
Cl
Mi
you
ce
y°u suffer, initially perhaps with a little reluc- and certainly with much regret. Everywhere
atij \ rec°gnize that in order to make a complex Ml Stlnct organization such as the Navy function Sthir 1C ta^es continuous training, organizational, inStUd ■ °a ’ anc^ administrative work in planning, in y‘ng» and so on. All of this requires active man-
a8e.
new fact for naval officers, you will notice that a social solidarity has developed which helps to reduce the difficulty and alleviate the sacrifices. The frequent transfers are made acceptable for us by the fact that wherever we go, we find colleagues, friends, and old acquaintances.
In the end, there is an aspect that we cannot ignore. This type of career does not pay well. But this is not new. The salaries have always been relatively modest, and are now so more than previously, although—and I can speak from personal experience—in the past, there were extremely hard periods, of almost hunger. But then—in truth—a large part of Italy was in hunger. This profession will never give material riches, and indeed, your lives will never be free of difficulty.
It almost seems that I want to describe for you an unattractive future. That is not true. In any case, the economic restrictions that can sometimes worry you are only a part of life. The difficulties this life presents in some areas are balanced by other factors which, in the majority of cases, are so rewarding that there will be only a few of you who will, in time, regret your choice.
There is, above all else, the satisfaction of the qualifying tests which you will pass, advancing in your career. It is a renewal of that taste of challenge which has often played a part in human progress. The sea itself can constitute one of the most arduous tests. The sea holds within it all the forces and all the immensities of nature which often transform it into a hostile element we must dominate and overcome, thus providing us with the exact measure of ourselves.
There is also the challenge you will face as leaders of men and which, if met successfully, will repay your many efforts and sacrifices. There is for you, then, a variety of work which combines thought and action in the right proportions, and which can interest you deeply, stimulate your enthusiasm, and often entertain you. It is a work which, according to the circumstances, can be that of the specialist, sailor, technician, captain, diplomat, manager, technocrat, and, at times, also the sportsman.
Duty at sea can be tiring, but it is rarely monotonous. There are, in addition, more genuine human relations than one finds when simply working in an office ashore. I speak here of the long hours of watch passed together, the conversations (sometimes in silence), the strong friendships, the involvement in others’ anxiety, the confidences shared with simplicity. There are beautiful moments, the moments of concentration in the lowering of the flag at sunset, the raising of colors of daybreak, the vast sky
rial
. jUr development which, in the final stages of final Cafeer’ m'ght result in higher grade levels. The stages of naval command will always be more ng> but also more gratifying. And in the course
yoi
hi
of,
Cssi
tions’ y°u Mil often find yourself reliving the emo- ^ariclan<^ t*le exalting sensation of your first com- and your first assignment at sea.
CjSeCre wiH also be appointments abroad. In any
haV(;’ y°u wiH visit numerous foreign countries and Mbj recfUent contact with other navies. This will
The m ■ ■
Career ruajority of you, from the first years of your ^11 a ’.wdl have your wives and families beside you. 0qs1Ve and dynamic life, one that implies numer-
V,
ti0tls you to know other people and other organiza-
*S ( oJ 1 • 1 1 '
’ uuing to your experience and broadening your
0yes and which also carries with it frequent
fa^j^ons, could cut into the very nucleus of the
lted and
Mily , .
, It: is an aspect that must not be underesti-
Ms
on.
one that you must be prepared to meet The movements, the separations, the prob-
t^le home and the welfare of the children llort)e0ne encounters—in most cases, far from "-will carry problems, worries, renounce-
1),
and sacrifices. However, since this is not a
glittering with stars. I am, you see, a sentimentalist. But sentiment is a part of our lives, and no ideal motivation can survive without it.
Finally, there are also the more concrete things: the human quality improved by the experience of command, the knowledge of the world and of other people who enrich us with precious experience. But there will also come, for some of you, the moment of discouragement—above all, when a very selective career does not allow further progress, and the prospects narrow. Or even when, overwhelmed by the bureaucracy, you will feel like useless paper-pushers. You must find the strength to surpass such moments, and in this your consciousness and awareness will help you. It strengthens you, as the years go on, to live and work in a morally clean environment and a healthy organization in which, thank heaven, the feelings and the ideals hold a preeminent place in the spirit of men.
The life which you have chosen and which you are about to live is therefore a life which can give you many satisfactions—morally and spiritually more than materially. A life can be beautiful and pleasing, but if it is void of substantial content, it cannot constitute a durable choice.
Is the hard work we are doing a productive labor? Is the duty we accept a useful one? Does the Navy today serve a purpose, and what is that purpose? The changes in social and international relations which have taken place in the last 30 years have forced the military professional to justify or clarify the significance of his existence. This is particularly true in a country such as Italy in which changes have taken place in these 30 years, more upsetting than anywhere else, but luckily never directly or seriously involving us in the many crises and conflicts which have punctuated places all over the world during this long period of peace.
First of all, the liberty, sovereignty, independence, the certainty of work, and the governing of a people depend largely on an effective security system. Such a system both prohibits and foils any subversion, whether attempted or merely fomented by a foreign source. The hinge of our system is the Atlantic alliance, which has certainly diverted another world war from Europe by the power of dissuasion, based not only on the equilibrium of terror generated by the nuclear deterrent, but also on the soundness and operational readiness of complex conventional forces.
Into such a complex situation, the contribution of Italy is inserted. This means an indispensable contribution, not only because it concurs with the mainte
nance of the equilibrium which today is the on y M -ntees
real
the
guarantee of peace, but also because it £uafaovereign safeguard of our essential prerogatives as a state. We cannot pass on to others the resp°
of our own defense without contributing in a
sign"
fi-
out
^ Otherwise, we renounce sovereignty, and this is not acceptable, not the best of alliances. rhelesS
With respect to this need, Italy has neve i£fense
itedfor i(.n
;dus-
cant
way.
even
in
tried to contain the resources appropriated to permit easier economic and civil deve F . j the country. And it is true that among
• hich apPf0”
trialized Western nations, Italy is one wi ^ f0fces-
priates fewer resources than most to the ,arweemus‘be
In this policy of wisdom and budgeting, jy the
careful not to reach certain bottom limits- ^ ^
armed forces are unable to fulfill their PurP ^eatjng
will lose whatever credibility they once ha , ^jch
a weak point in the system of balance
peace is based. If that were to happen, we W j 0r, in
the very real risk of seeing ourselves threaten tjje
any case, the independence and sovereignty
nation diminished.
• frame'v0f^
Let us now see how, in this general ^ ^ace,
the role of the Navy takes shape. In the 10ften
let us remember some essential facts whi peg-
forgotten or the importance of which lS
lected or underestimated. , srnall's'
The Italian peninsula, with its large an
lands, is located in the middle of the Mediterra^^.^
and has about 8,000 kilometers of develope car)n°c
It is therefore almost foolish to assert fluid be
have important interests on the sea. It vv ^ ab°ut
enough to go back to the historical events t[ie
2,000 years ago to prove that the important-^
wealth of Italy, or of the Italian people, ^£sept,
connected strictly with their ability to an£a(iS&'
whatever the current issues, on the Meditetr c0m'
For Italy, the Mediterranean is a vital wa^ o0ds 'c
municating. Our country receives 95% 0se0ds c°
needs and exports 65% of the products hthl‘o *'lK
foreign countries via waterways. Of the . 0
tons of merchandise transported every year,
million are essentials. ollf &'
Our economic system—and, therefore, ^ secii'
istence as well—is based on the liberty vver<j
rity of our waterways. If our maritime e an1
blocked or hampered, the nation woul C°^0[e,
surrender in a short time. Survival, CrefleCtS
mands that we continue to use the sea. e3Cist
in very simple terms, the sailors are born a^efS fro111
permit use of the sea, and to prevent Inch ^
limiting, monopolizing, or infringing o
The Italian Naval Academy (above), located at Livorno, will be 100 years old in November 1981. Midshipman Giovanni Torrisi (inset) was no more than 17 when this photograph was taken during his first year at the Academy.
te)tt °e must, then, add that, in the strategic con- an<j ’ e Mediterranean, as a way of communication Oty an operational theater for the defense of its is a drawing board of vital impor- statl(J0r NATO as well. We have just said that peace alSo °n a delicate system of balance, and we have th. ^ ■’
.„CriSa*^ t^lat such balance is often threatened. Well, ^edi r0rn t^1‘s P°‘nt v*ew> the situation of the ity. therranean presents different reasons for instabil- Cert ■ Uneasiness and the political and military un- datp !nties tvhich characterize the not yet consoli-
■
tan
rjCa^ structure of diverse Mid-Eastern and North Af-
p>eriodC°UntrieS; r^e recurrent Arab-Israeli crisis; the anj ‘tally acute tension cycle between the Greeks Coo,. e ^Tirks; and the birth of contrasting motives Wate<a t0 the exploitation of water and underresources.
of
Th tes.
e Mediterranean is, therefore,
an environment
Cert°tent'al conflicts. The nuclear risk has congealed traOsf Sltuatt°ns in the central continental areas, Nrjh^rrinS possible tensions and friction against the ofi ' ' at>d or,
leral regions and the seaways, where objectives | .p ec* character can be pursued with minor risks,
to
Hi
%
Such is the case, abandoned without prejudice angerous conditions.
^ L
rr^ nave to remember, finally, the wars and the . °'l that continue to follow one upon another in
Parts of the world. They could broaden in an
uncontrollable way, influencing international relations on the world level. The primary role of the Navy, then, is the military role, which is turned not only to the guarding of peace, but which also tends to make the management of this peace easier. It is a role which fulfills itself through a persuasive naval instrument able to assure a credible presence in places where it is possible to guarantee in periods of tension, emergency, or conflict, the control and the protection of the paths of communication and of the maritime frontier. In order to be able to accomplish the tasks which we have accepted, the naval instrument, even if limited in composition, must be modern, efficient, operationally ready, and well trained. And this is what the Navy always pursues with tenacity. It does so, at the cost of much sacrifice by its men, in order to honor, in the end, the burdensome obligation that this essential role carries.
There is another role of great importance that the Navy has always played effectively, that which we can call the politico-diplomatic role. The Navy can, and does, contribute to the political initiative that Italy pursues. In that role, which is consistent with our foreign policy, the Navy establishes and maintains good relations with Mediterranean coastal states through the visits of Navy units made in accordance with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Visits are also frequently made to other parts of the world, some-
times in the farthest corners. These visits are not only for reasons of Italian prestige, but also to make the development of economic-commercial dealings easy through the image of the elevated technological level of our ships. These foreign visits serve moreover to maintain living bonds with our many countrymen who have emigrated overseas. Those of you who have been fortunate enough to visit countries where there is an Italian colony are able to understand what it means and how very important the role of these periodic contacts is. Finally, in the context of our international relations, the Navy plays an active part also through agreements of technical collaboration with emerging nations—a role which assumes a relevant political meaning.
Beyond these two roles already considered, there is, then, a third important role that the Navy plays and which is destined to enlarge with the evolution of maritime law. This role extends much farther than territorial waters any prerogatives of the coastal states. We are speaking of that which can be defined as the role of the police of the high seas. The activity connected with this role, which today is carried out essentially in the area of fishing surveillance, certainly embraces the problems which will arise from the exploitation of underwater resources or through preservation of the environment and control of pollution, for example. Certainly, with the probable institution of the exclusive economic zone which can extend itself to 200 miles, the controversies on the sea are destined to multiply and the tasks of the Navy to grow.
Italy is a sea country. Always remember that! It is a country that, despite its many problems, is one of the principal industrialized Western nations. It must, for that reason, find a way to coordinate needs, favorably distribute resources, and confront the obligations which derive from its position and from the weight of its economy. Italy cannot downgrade itself to the point of renouncing its safeguard of vital prerogatives. That is why, without wanting to entertain foolishly ambitious dreams of grandeur, a country like ours has to have naval power which although not large in size, is of substantial quality, has internal accord, and is complete in its essential components. It should be flexible and qualified in its structure, and it should be backed and sustained by an efficient organization directed by capable and prepared men.
You must be firmly and deeply convinced of that. Do not allow yourselves to stray because of the rhetoric and manipulation of impromptu strategists. Be conscious of the validity of this institution despite the knowledge that you will inevitably have to con-
irnes
front difficulty, skepticism, criticism, and of
less than friendly attitudes; this is always t soldiers during times of peace. , ^ fed'
Although it weighs to a certain degree in ^jch eral budget, beware that this instrument,
by
the
today is held at an adequate level more passions of its men than by the wealth of lts s
provides the nation with a great many use u jn
and acts as a stimulus to progress and pro L some highly qualified sectors of the economy- tj,e
Among the services that the Navy provi es ^£S masses, I remember briefly its intervention of natural disaster; the activity of fishing lance; the technical-scientific activity of r e jnSti' graphic Institute and the Naval Architecrura tute; the supplying of water to the sma ofi
their assistance at sea; the recovery and rec ^0t- of the residue of wars in cleaning the coasts tom of the sea; the training and formation o _ tjje ous specialists who then find work in civilian services of lighthouses for navigation, other frequent and countless contributions given freely and openly when needed.
But that which is the greatest credit to t to from the standpoint of the advantages and the national economy are the renovation Pc0tf)- projected and already under way. The fl°w jvel/ merce primed by the Navy, although quanti ^01 limited, has an elevated technological quality has permitted important sectors of interna dustries to put themselves in a position w . a can make a great leap in quality, hig*ef
point where they can propose projects o 0duCe technical-operative validity, where they can £
Jf>
ide
instruments and merchandise highly compe the international market. All this has °Pen^oSpeCt5 the favorable industrial and commercial P
101
10<>
create a large demand from abroad. he ’ therefore, believe that the Italian citizen should
cienc6^^ r^e wor^ r^'s Navy, with the effi- ^ ^ chis organization, with the efficiency of its per^ ds a°d the importance of its tasks, be they 1V|1jcl^nent or temporary, and finally, of the way in Co11 accomplishes them. The Italian citizen who Catl ^ utes to the support of the Navy with his taxes Prod 6 SUfe t^lat money *s being spent wisely and Pro UCtIVely- He can be certain that the funds ap- Secu ,ated to the Navy are repaid, be it in terms of stj service, research, or the development and as j ^ Us °f qualified industrial production. All this, c0r[iVe Steady emphasized, is due essentially to the spjr^etence> capability, seriousness, dedication, and t0(j°f sacrifice of the men of the Navy. Those who and^ ^ f’art °f rhe Navy, those with preparation rest ?ass*0n> know how to provide for the inevitable lctions that often worry us. But, above all, for
th
tbeir ^ave taben Part in the past, who, with tracj. Worb and with their examples, have produced a refeltl0n for all of us, there is a constant point of vjtaj Ce’ a spiritually secure address, a firm and to In°ral bond. It is a tradition which you began tH0lrnilate in this Naval Academy from the first Vou p011’ because here, more than any other place, of ^ Ve> breathe, and feel the spirit and continuity evetl(.e b^avy. Here memories and the testimonies of itig S Wbich have preceded you live with you, pass- idea[°n t0 you their faith and their belief in those V-hich will guide and sustain yours, even if you atuj ^ be called to give your own life for the good Th 6 ^reec^orn °f your country. naijste mernories of war are always painful. A jour- sp°ndan<f writer, Vero Roberti, who was a corre-
flict- Cnt vv*th the Navy during the last world con- • Writes;
/bbe Navy and her men have done more than Uuty. ... I am fully convinced that, from 0£ VVar °n the sea until the armistice and the war our 6 Sab°rs °f ban Marcos for the liberation of c°untry, there is a bitter continuity, logical,
h
'storical
, and political, which is supported by the
fo
Cr ■ r ' x x /
lc and sometimes desperate sacrifices per-
that true motivation, firm and deep, for which we are looking. We saw from the beginning the good that this life has to offer. We then saw what the intrinsic validity of the Navy is and how concrete is this institution which serves well the interests of Italy. Finally, we saw what the ideal character should be, which the men of the Navy have shaped, protected, and passed down through the years—the ideal character within us today which constitutes the moral support which our profession so often needs.
Midshipmen of the Naval Academy, the career of a Naval officer today is certainly more difficult than in the past. The limited size of the Navy can sometimes make us aware of the disproportions existing in our duties and the means available for accomplishing these duties. But this has to revive and reinforce our own love and determination. It does not have to lead us to resignation and despair. Yes, the Navy of years to come will be a small Navy, but it will be endowed with modern and updated means, armed and equipped by prepared personnel, able and seriously motivated. It will be your job to keep this organization maintained efficiently and functionally ready until it must effectively serve, as it has always done in the past, the interests of our country. This is the challenge on which you should concentrate in order to achieve the level of your predecessors.
The life which you are about to confront will not be an easy one, but it will be a very stimulating and often beautiful one. The tasks which will be entrusted to you are useful. Your purpose will continue to be an important one; your service will continue to be an essential service for this nation. Always be aware of this, rejecting the skepticism which will sometimes try to breach your convictions. Always be firm in respecting the traditions; be proud of what was done by those who, with their labors, have passed on to you a heritage of honor and purity. Always protect and defend this heritage. This is one of the most valid reasons for your vocation in the Navy.
(Translated by Susan Wranik of the naval attache’s staff, Italian Embassy, Washington, D.C.)
r,Oed by the people of our Navy.” uhousrVi
haVe1 °ugh painful, the memories of war therefore ^Sso ^ Unsuppressible ethical value and are often a then °f life. Roberti’s words contain the synthesis of which is passed on to us by all those areln whose names the tombstones in your chapel sac p ecb is a message which speaks of duty and I,ce- This is the essence of our tradition.
here emerges the third essential component of
Admiral Torrisi is a 1939 graduate of the Italian Naval Academy at Livorno. During World War II, he served on board the cruiser Gorizia, destroyer Turbine, and battleship Dulio, taking part in several actions in the Mediterranean. After the war, he taught ordnance at the Naval Academy, served in various assignments on the Navy general staff, and commanded the corvette Abba, frigate Cigno, and guided missile cruiser Garibaldi. He was head of the Plans and Operations Department of the Navy and the head of naval personnel. From August 1977 to January 1980, he was the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy.