L’impiego del cielo a sostegno delle esigenze operative della Marina ha radici molto lontane e risale agli inizi dello scorso secolo, quando i primi audaci pionieri iniziarono ad impiegare con grande lungimiranza palloni frenati, aeronavi, dirigibili ed idroplani. Dopo l’embrionale organizzazione risalente al 1907 ed in risposta alla rapida evoluzione del settore, il 27 giugno 1913 l’Ammiraglio Paolo Thaon di Revel costituì, presso il Reparto Mobilitazione dello Stato Maggiore, la 3^ Sezione – Aeronautica, deputata ad affrontare le questioni aeronautiche ed i relativi studi ed istituì il “Servizio Aeronautico della Regia Marina”. Il 25 agosto dello stesso anno venne istituita la “Regia Scuola di Aviazione della Marina”, per l’addestramento del personale Pilota, Tecnico e Specialista, mentre al contempo avvenne la divisione tra la componente aerea dell’Esercito e quella della Marina e venne istituito il “Quadro del Naviglio Aereo”, ove le aeronavi al servizio della Regia Marina furono iscritte in uno speciale elenco, equiparandole alle navi iscritte nel “Quadro del Naviglio di Guerra dello Stato”.
Di qui le ragioni per cui il 1913 è stato preso a riferimento quale anno di nascita dell’Aviazione Navale.
Nel “logo” scelto per la celebrazione del Centenario, al di sotto delle ali che simboleggiano l’era moderna dell’Aviazione Navale, spicca il deciso richiamo alle origini rappresentato dallo storico emblema della Prima Squadriglia Navale Siluranti Aeree, raffigurante lo sperone di una nave sorretto da due ali di aquila. Tale emblema fu realizzato dall’artista Adolfo de Carolis, su richiesta di Gabriele D’Annunzio, cui fu affidato il comando di quella leggendaria Squadriglia nel marzo del 1918. Nella simbolica unione della nave e delle ali, l’Aviazione Navale riconosce la sua più profonda natura ed i suoi valori identitari, perché in Marina l’Aeromobile è fuso nel ferro della nave, costituendone un irrinunciabile e fondamentale sistema d’arma, nonché moltiplicatore di forze e braccio lungo della Flotta.
Nel moto regalato dal Vate a quella intrepida Squadriglia risuonano l’essenzialità e la concretezza dell’uomo di mare, che si accontenta di due parole: “Sufficit Animus” – “Basta il Coraggio”. Serve dunque una sola qualità al personale appartenente all’Aviazione Navale, ma non è poco, perché il Coraggio non è imprudenza né incoscienza. Il Coraggio appartiene ai Grandi e presuppone il possesso di molte altre qualità: l’amor di Patria, la professionalità, la competenza, lo spirito di servizio e di appartenenza, l’abnegazione, la lucidità nella gestione del rischio, la chiara visione della priorità e la prontezza all’estremo sacrificio quando il dovere chiama.

Le Origini
La storia dell’Aviazione Navale ha origini lontane e risale agli inizi dello scorso secolo, quando si cominciò ad ipotizzare l’impiego bellico delle prime macchine volanti: palloni frenati e dirigibili.
Il Tenente di Vascello Mario Calderara, fra il 1906 e il 1907, costruì presso l’Arsenale Marittimo della Spezia un “idroveleggiatore”, ossia un vero e proprio “idroaliante”, con il quale compì una serie di prove sperimentali facendosi rimorchiare dal cacciatorpediniere Lanciere.
Con lungimiranza, già nel 1907, nella Sezione Trasporti del “3° Reparto del Ministero della Marina, un “Ufficio di Aeronautica”, avente il compito di occuparsi delle questioni aeronautiche e dei relativi studi.
Nel 1909 Wilbur Wright iniziò le dimostrazioni di pilotaggio al campo di Centocelle (Roma), addestrando il Sottotenente di Vascello (STV) Mario Calderara, Ufficiale di Marina e pioniere dei cieli, che il 10 maggio del 1910 ottenne il primo Brevetto di Volo nazionale.
Il 1911 vide l’esordio degli idrovolanti, con il Capitano del Genio Navale Alessandro Guidoni, che il 5 novembre volò con un biplano Fareman da lui trasformato in idrovolante, e con Calderara, che realizzo presso l’Arsenale della Spezia il più grande aereo al mondo e primo idrovolante nazionale, che pilotò in data 8 giugno 1912.
Il 1911 segnò anche il battesimo del fuoco in occasione del conflitto italo-turco in Libia, durante il quale aerei e dirigibili furono impiegati per dirigere il tiro dal mare e per attività di bombardamento leggero e si affermò l’importante figura di Osservatore Aereo.
Lo stesso Guidoni con grande preveggenza, nel 1912, concepì il primo progetto di unità di appoggio idrovolanti, prevedendo la trasformazione in unità portaeromobili dell’incrociatore Piemonte, che tuttavia non fu approvata.
Il 27 giugno 1913 l’Ammiraglio Paolo Thaon di Revel costituì, presso il Reparto Mobilitazione dello Stato Maggiore, la 3ª Sezione – Aeronautica ed istituì il “Servizio Aeronautico della Regia Marina”.
Il 25 agosto dello stesso anno fu creata a Venezia la “Regia Scuola di Aviazione della Marina”, mentre avveniva la divisione fra la componente aerea dell’Esercito e quella della Marina. Era ormai ufficialmente nata l’Aviazione Navale!
Nel 1914 l’incrociatore protetto “Elba” venne convertito in nave hangar per imbarcare gli idrovolanti Curtiss Flying Boat e Guidoni lanciò, primo al mondo, un simulacro di siluro da un idrovolante.

Le due Guerre Mondiali
La neo costituita componente aerea della Marina ebbe un fortissimo sviluppo durante la Prima guerra mondiale e dagli iniziali 38 piloti, 396 uomini di supporto, tre stazioni di idrovolanti, tre dirigibili e 15 aerei idrovolanti alla fine del conflitto arrivò a 791 piloti, circa 10.000 uomini di supporto, 25 dirigibili, 552 idrovolanti e 86 aeroplani, con punte massime di 1.100 idrovolanti e 130 aerei durante il conflitto.
Al termine della guerra le aeronavi della Marina avevano compiuto 1.355 missioni di esplorazione e 68 di bombardamento, mentre gli idrovolanti avevano effettuato 1.884 missioni offensive e 1.500 di ricognizione. Le perdite complessive furono pari a 391 aeroplani e sette aeronavi ed a 40 idrovolanti persi in combattimento corrisposero ben 130 idrovolanti persi dagli austriaci.
In totale morirono 120 uomini, di cui 51 Ufficiali, per quanto concerne i Reparti aerei e 27 uomini, di cui 14 Ufficiali, per quanto riguarda le aeronavi.
Fra le principali onorificenze spiccano le due Medaglie d’Oro al Valor Militare guadagnate dai Tenenti di Vascello Giuseppe Garassini Garbarino ed Eugenio Casagrande, oltre a 187 Medaglie d’Argento e 216 Medaglie di Bronzo.
La Bandiera della Forza Aerea della Regia Marina fu insignita, l’8 ottobre 1920, da parte del Re Vittorio Emanuele III, della Medaglia d’Argento al Valor Militare con la seguente motivazione: “Per l’eroico ed indomito valore dei suoi combattenti dette, sempre e ovunque, magnifico contributo di ardimento, di tenacia e di sacrificio alla causa della Patria, recando al conseguimento della vittoria il più fervido ausilio” (1915-1918).
Nel 1916 vi fu l’istituzione, presso l’Ufficio del Capo di Stato Maggiore, dell’Ispettorato dei Sommergibili e dell’Aviazione, mentre nel 1917 venne costituita la 1ª Squadriglia Navale di Siluranti Aeree, che fu comandata dal marzo 1918 da Gabriele D’Annunzio, che ne coniò il motto: “Sufficit Animus”.
Nel 1921, alla conferenza navale di Washington, l’Italia ottenne che le fosse concesso di costruire una Portaerei con il dislocamento equivalente ad almeno due navi e fu così che nel 1923 entrò in linea la Regia Nave Appoggio Aerei Giuseppe Miraglia, ovvero una “porta-idrovolanti”. Tale unità, pur rimanendo in linea fino al 1950, rimase tuttavia un esperimento senza seguito, anche a causa dell’entrata in vigore della Legge N.645 del 28 marzo 1923, con la quale venne istituita la Regia Aeronautica.
Con la Legge N.220 del 23 febbraio 1937 e la conseguente costituzione della Aviazione per la Marina, parte integrante dell’Arma Aeronautica, la Marina - al pari dell’Esercito – venne a perdere per oltre 50 anni la propria autonomia nella gestione degli aerei.
Di conseguenza, durante la Seconda guerra mondiale, il personale della Marina partecipò alle imprese aviatorie soltanto con gli Ufficiali qualificati Osservatori, con il conseguimento di otto Medaglie d’Oro al Valor Militare da parte dei Tenenti di Vascello Salvatore Gattoni, Antonio Forni, Leonardo Madoni e dei Sottotenenti di Vascello Giuseppe Majorana, Giorgio Martucciello, Gino Nais, Goffredo Franchini e Bruno Caleari.
Soltanto il 28 marzo del 1941 a valle delle prime durissime esperienze del conflitto, fu finalmente autorizzata la trasformazione delle navi passeggeri Roma ed Augustus rispettivamente nelle portaerei Aquila e Sparviero, che tuttavia non entrarono mai in servizio.

Il 31 ottobre 1964 la risorta Aviazione Navale subì un colpo durissimo, a causa di una devastante tromba d’aria che distrusse gli hangar e gli elicotteri, azzerando in un baleno l’appassionato e solerte lavoro di quegli anni. Ma l’Aviazione Navale non si perse d’animo, sorretta da una Marina di cui era parte integrante, che si affrettò a riacquisire rapidamente le preziose capacità elicotteristiche.

L’era moderna
Il 1968 può essere preso a riferimento quale inizio dell’Era Moderna dell’Aviazione Navale, in tale anno vi fu l’acquisizione dei Sikorsky SH 3D Sea King, considerati i più avanzati elicotteri antisommergibili del mondo occidentale, assegnati al 3° Gruppo Elicotteri costituito presso Maristaeli Catania il 30 aprile, e la realizzazione della Stazione Elicotteri di Luni, i cui lavori furono completati a novembre, consentendo al neo costituito 5° Gruppo Elicotteri di iniziare ad operare.
Il 27 gennaio 1971 il 1° Gruppo Elicotteri venne trasferito a Luni, per soddisfare le esigenze operative nell’Alto e Medio Tirreno.
Con la “Legge Navale” (Legge N.57 del 1975), promossa dal Capo di Stato Maggiore della Marina pro tempore Ammiraglio Gino De Giorgi, fu avviato l’ammodernamento della Flotta, che portò anche alla realizzazione della Portaeromobili “Giuseppe Garibaldi”, unità che consentì alla Marina di effettuare un salto capacitivo epocale.

Il futuro
La principale sfida futura per le Forze Aeree della Marina è il rinnovamento della linea aerotattica imbarcata sulla Portaerei Cavour, con la graduale sostituzione degli AV 8B Harrier II+ con il JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) nella versione (F 35B) a decollo corto ed appontaggio verticale (STOVL – Short Take Off and Vertical Landing), in modo da acquisire la capacità iniziale di impiego operativo con il nuovo velivolo presumibilmente nel 2023. L’acquisto del JSF è strettamente connesso al mantenimento della pregiata capacità di proiezione di potenza sul mare e dal mare esprimibile dalla Portaerei. L’F 35B è l’unico aereo di 5ª generazione che può essere imbarcato sulla Portaerei Cavour, in quanto, a causa delle ridotte dimensioni non dispone di cavi di arresto e della catapulta e quindi è vincolata ad impiegare aerei STOVL.
Il JSF è un aereo dalle rivoluzionarie capacità operative che sarà supportato da un sistema logistico di portata globale, consentendo alle Forze Aeree della Marina di fare un salto nella 5ª generazione dei velivoli da combattimento conseguendo capacità all’avanguardia nei settori aria-aria, aria suolo, anti nave e Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR).
Si consideri inoltre che il JSF consentirà alla componente aerotattica imbarcata, e quindi alla Portaerei, di disporre di capacità che prima non aveva, quali ad esempio la SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence, ossia la soppressione delle difese aeree del nemico).
In tal modo la Cavour sarà in grado di costituire un “pacchetto” di velivoli capaci di intervenire in piena autonomia anche nei contesti operativi più complessi.
E’ prevista l’acquisizione di 15 aerei, a partire dal 2017, da assegnare al Gruppo Supporto Aerei Imbarcati di stanza a Grottaglie.
Il nuovo velivolo è dunque destinato ad operare sul mare e dal mare e sostituirà l’AV 8B Harrier II+, in modo da assicurare alla Portaerei Cavour un nuovo e più potente sistema d’arma per consentire alla nave di rimanere al passo con i tempi e di essere in grado di interoperare con le Marine più avanzate al mondo, contribuendo a consolidare la credibilità e l’efficacia di intervento del nostro Paese nei difficili teatri operativi dei giorni nostri.
Un'altra fondamentale sfida per le Forze Aeree della Marina è costituita dall’integrazione a bordo delle Unità Navali di aeromobili a pilotaggio remoto, i cosiddetti Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), sistemi in continua e forte espansione. Tali assetti non sono destinati a sostituire gli aeromobili pilotati ma ad integrarne le capacità, esprimendo preziose capacità di Intelligence, Surveillance e Reconnaissance (ISR), a tutto vantaggio dell’efficacia e della sicurezza degli equipaggi e dei mezzi, soprattutto quando impiegati in attività rischiose, quali le missioni di contrasto alla pirateria, minaccia subdola e occulta.

SCAN EAGLE
Nell’ottobre 2010 è stata valutata l’acquisizione di due sistemi UAS tattici Scan Eagle – analoghi a quelli imbarcati sulle Unità dell’US Navy impiegate in bacino somalo – costituiti ciascuno da cinque velivoli ad ala fissa che si prevede di impiegare sulle Unità Navali già a partire dal 2014. I sensori disponibili e l’intrinseca modularità/versatilità d’impiego, rendono tale UAS utilizzabile in un’ampia gamma di missioni marittime, fra cui di supporto alle operazioni delle forze speciali ed anfibie.

CAMCOPTER
Nell’aprile 2012, nel Golfo di La Spezia, è stato sperimentato a bordo di Nave Bersagliere l’impiego del Camcopter S-100.
I risultati delle prove sono stati assolutamente confortanti, tanto da spingere lo Stato Maggiore Marina ad avviare l’acquisizione in leasing di un sistema costituito da due elicotteri a pilotaggio remoto da utilizzare a bordo delle Unità Navali impegnate nei difficili teatri operativi dei giorni nostri, ed in particolare nelle attività antipirateria.

Testo di / text by Marina Militare
Un ringraziamento speciale a Ugo Crisponi (Aviationgraphic.com) per aver concesso l'utilizzo delle litografie riproducenti i velivoli dell'Aviazione Navale.

La parte finale della mattinata si è svolta nella parte antistante il Comando della Stazione Elicotteri dove è stato eretto il Monumento ai caduti dell’Aviazione Navale.

English translation

The use of the sky to support the operational needs of the Marina (Italian Royal Navy) has very distant roots and dates back to the beginning of the last century, when the first daring pioneers began to employ with great foresight balloons, airships, airships and seaplanes. After the embryonic organization dating back to 1907, and in response to the rapid evolution of the sector, on 27 June 1913 Admiral Paul Thaon of Revel constituted, at the Reparto Mobilitazione dello Stato Maggiore (Mobilization Department of the General Staff), the 3ª Sezione - Aeronautica (3rd Section - Air Force), appointed to address aeronautical issues and related studies and established the "Servizio Aeronautico of the Regia Marina". On August 25 of the same year the "Regia Scuola di Aviazione della Marina" was established, for the training of the Pilot, Technician and Specialist personnel, while at the same time the division between the air component of the Esercito (Italian Royal Army) and that of the Marina was established and the "Quadro del Naviglio Aereo", where the airship to the service of the Regia Marina were inscribed in a special list, equating them to the ships enrolled in the "Picture of the Naviglio di Guerra dello Stato".
Hence the reasons why 1913 was taken as the year of birth of the Aviazione Navale (Naval Aviation).
In the "logo" chosen for the celebration of the Centenary, under the wings that symbolize the modern era of Aviazione Navale, stands out the strong reference to the origins represented by the historic emblem of the 1ª Squadriglia Navale Siluranti Aeree (1st Flight Naval Torpedo Aviation), representing the spur of a ship supported by two eagle wings. This emblem was created by the artist Adolfo de Carolis, at the request of Gabriele D'Annunzio, who was given command of the legendary Squadriglia in March 1918. In the symbolic union of the ship and the wings, the Aviazione Navale recognizes its deepest nature and its identity values, because in the Marina the aircraft is fused in the iron of the ship, constituting an indispensable and fundamental weapon system, as well as Fleet’s force multiplier and long arm.
In the motion given by the "Vate" to that intrepid Squadriglia resonate the essentiality and concreteness of the man of the sea, who is content with two words: "Sufficit Animus" - "Enough Courage". Therefore, a single quality is needed to the personnel belonging to the Aviazione Navale, but it is no small thing, because Courage is neither recklessness nor recklessness. Courage belongs to the Great and presupposes the possession of many other qualities: the love of Fatherland, professionalism, competence, the spirit of service and belonging, self-sacrifice, lucidity in risk management, the clear vision of priority and readiness for extreme sacrifice when duty calls.

The Origins
The history of Aviazione Navale has distant origins and dates back to the beginning of the last century, when it began to assume the use of war of the first flying machines: balloons and airships.
Lieutenant Mario Calderara, between 1906 and 1907, built at the Maritime Arsenal of La Spezia a "hydrosailer", or rather a real "hydrosailer", with which he performed a series of experimental tests by being towed by the destroyer Lanciere.
With foresight, already in 1907, in the Section Transports of the "3° Reparto del Ministero della Marina (3rd Department of the Ministry of the Navy), an "Office of Aeronautics", with the task of dealing with aeronautical issues and related studies.
In 1909 Wilbur Wright began piloting demonstrations at the Centocelle (Rome) camp, training the Second Lieutenant of Vessel (STV) Mario Calderara, Naval Officer and pioneer of the skies, who on May 10, 1910 obtained the first National Flight License.
1911 saw the launch of the seaplanes, with Naval Engineer Captain Alessandro Guidoni, who on 5 November flew with a Fareman biplane which he transformed into a seaplane, and with Calderara, who built at the Arsenal of La Spezia the largest plane in the world and the first national seaplane, which flew on June 8, 1912.
1911 also marked the baptism of fire on the occasion of the Italian-Turkish conflict in Libya, during which planes and airships were used to direct the shooting from the sea and for light bombing activities and the important figure of Air Observer was established.
Guidoni himself with great foresight, in 1912, conceived the first project of seaplane support units, providing for the transformation into mobile carrier units of the cruiser Piemonte, which was not approved.
On 27 June 1913, Admiral Paolo Thaon di Revel established the 3ª Sezione - Aeronautica (3rd Section - Aeronautics) at the Reparto Mobilitazione delle Stato Maggiore (General Staff Mobilization Department) and established the "Servizio Aeronautico della Regia Marina" (Regia Italian Navy Aeronautical Service).
On August 25 of the same year the "Regia Scuola di Aviazione della Marina" (Italian Royal Navy Aviation School) was created in Venice, while the division between the air component of the Esercito and that of the Marina took place. Naval Aviation was officially born!
In 1914 the protected cruiser "Elba" was converted into a hangar ship to board the seaplanes Curtiss Flying Boat and Guidoni launched, first in the world, a simulated torpedo from a seaplane.

The two World Wars
The newly formed air component of the Marina had a very strong development during the First World War and the initial 38 pilots, 396 support men, three seaplane stations, three airships and 15 seaplane planes at the end of the conflict reached 791 pilots, about 10,000 support men, 25 airships, 552 seaplanes and 86 airplanes, with maximum peaks of 1,100 seaplanes and 130 planes during the conflict.
At the end of the war the Marina airships had accomplished 1,355 exploration missions and 68 bombing, while the seaplanes had carried out 1,884 offensive missions and 1,500 reconnaissance. The total losses amounted to 391 aircraft and seven aircraft and 40 seaplanes lost in combat were 130 seaplanes lost by the Austrians.
A total of 120 men died, of which 51 were Officers, as far as the air units were concerned and 27 men, of which 14 were Officers, as far as the Airships were concerned.
Among the main awards stand out the two Gold Medals for Military Valor earned by the Lieutenant Giuseppe Garassini Garbarino and Eugenio Casagrande, as well as 187 Silver Medals and 216 Bronze Medals.
The flag of the Air Force of the Regia Marina was awarded, on 8 October 1920, by King Vittorio Emanuele III, the Silver Medal of Military Valor with the following motivation: "For the heroic and indomitable value of his fighters he gave, always and everywhere, a magnificent contribution of daring, tenacity and sacrifice to the cause of the Fatherland, bringing to victory the most fervent help" (1915-1918).
In 1916 the Office of the Chief of Staff established the Inspectorate of Submarines and Aviation, while in 1917 the 1ª Squadriglia Navale of Torpedoes (1st Naval Flight) was established, which was commanded from March 1918 by Gabriele D'Annunzio, who coined the motto: "Sufficit Animus".
In 1921, at the Washington Naval Conference, Italy obtained permission to build an aircraft carrier with a displacement equivalent to at least two ships and so in 1923 entered the line the ship Giuseppe Miraglia, or a "seaplane carrier". This unit, while remaining in line until 1950, remained an experiment without sequel, due to the entry into force of Law N.645 of 28 March 1923, with which it was established the Regia Aeronautica.
With the law N.220 of 23 February 1937 and the consequent constitution of the Aviazione per la Marina (Navy Air Force), an integral part of the Arma Aeronautica, the Marina – like the Esercito - lost for over 50 years its autonomy in the management of the planes.
As a result, during the World War II, the Marina personnel only participated in the aviation enterprises with qualified Observer Officers, with the achievement of eight Gold Medals for Military Valor by the Lieutenant Salvatore Gattoni, Antonio Forni, Leonardo Madoni, Giuseppe Majorana, Giorgio Martucciello, Gino Nais, Goffredo Franchini and Bruno Caleari.
Only on 28 March of the1941 a valley of the first hard experiences of the conflict, was finally authorized the transformation of the passenger ships Rome and Augustus respectively aircraft carriers Aquila and Sparviero, which however never entered service.

The post-war
At the end of the war, the reconstruction process began and in May 1950 the Inspector’s Office for the Marina was established, waiting to acquire from the USA an aircraft carrier within the framework of the MDAP (Mutual Defense Assistance Program). In view of this goal, which was however not achieved the Marina sent to the Naval Air Corpus Christi station (Texas), for training purposes, a group of officers and non-commissioned officers.
Among the aid for Italy was also planned a batch of 24 Curtiss S2C-5 Helldiver aircraft for the establishment of an Autonomous Anti-submarine Flight Department for the Marina. Into September 1952 the United States Navy delivered the first two aircraft, marked by numbers 101 and 102, that on November 10, piloted by two Navy officers, embarked on the Midway aircraft carrier. The two aircraft landed in Naples Capodichino, but remained in the field of the US Navy until August 1953, when they were taken in charge by the Aeronautica Militare, to be classified in 86° Gruppo Autonomo Antisom (86th Autonomous Antisom Squadron). To understand what happened, it must be kept in mind that on September 1, 1956 the so-called "law of 1,500 kilos" was issued, which assigned to the Aeronautica Militare the management and piloting of all military aircraft with fixed wing with a weight of over 1,500 kg. The law nr. 968 of 7 October 1957 also gave birth to the Antisubmarine Aviation, under the Aeronautica Militare but operationally employed by the Marina, with the use of mixed crews of both Armed Forces.
The Marina had understood since ancient times the great potentialities of the rotating wing and already from 1919 had announced the contest for the realization of a helicopter, however it must wait for 1935 to assist the first supports and takeoffs of the autogiro "La Cervia" aboard the Regia Nave Fiume. The turning point was reached in the summer of 1953, with the activities of an AgustaBell AB 47G aboard the cruiser Garibaldi, an event that opened the way to the establishment of the 1° Gruppo Elicotteri (1st Helicopter Squadron), on August 1st, 1956.
The Squadron was equipped with seven AB 47G and was located at MARIELIPORT Augusta, the first Helicopter Station of the marina, located within the Arsenal. At the same time, studies continued to prepare the ships with the flight deck and the hangar, implementing a forward-looking choice that was followed by all the major navies in the world.
In March 1958, with the law n.247, was approved the establishment of helicopter departments under the Esercito and Marina and the 1° Gruppo Elicotteri in August 1959 moved to Catania-Fontanarossa.
The first frigates designed for the boarding of the helicopters were the four units of the Bergamini class, equipped with flight deck and telescopic hangar, and on 15 December 1961 was activated, with the embarkation of an AB 47J on the frigate Luigi Rizzo, the first flight service on board. A significant qualitative leap was made with the acquisition of the first three Sikorsky HSS-1 (renamed SH 34J Seabat), equipped with Sonar AQS4 and MK3 torpedoes. This helicopter demonstrated its versatility and was also used in support of the San Marco Battalion and Marina raiders. The need to have a compact helicopter, which can be boarded on anti-submarine frigates and equipped with sonar and torpedoes, led to the acquisition of AB 204B, in 1964, and the subsequent establishment of the 2° Gruppo Elicotteri on the air base of Catania.
In the same year, following the rapid development of the helicopter sector, the Helicopter Inspectorate (MARELICOT) was established, entrusted to the Captain of vessel Osservatore Giovanni Fiorini, to centralize all responsibilities (operational, training, technical and logistic) related to the management of the rotary wing, both on board and ashore. On October 31, 1964, the resurrected Aviazione Navale suffered a severe blow, due to a devastating tornado that destroyed the hangars and helicopters, zeroing in a flash the passionate and diligent work of those years. But the Aviazione Navale did not lose heart, supported by a Marina of which it was an integral part, which hurried to quickly regain the valuable helicopter skills.

Modern era
1968 may be taken as the beginning of the Modern Era of the Aviazione Navale, in that year there was the acquisition of the Sikorsky SH 3D Sea King, considered the most advanced anti-submarine helicopters in the western world, assigned to the 3° Gruppo Elicotteri constituted near Maristaeli Catania 30 April, and the realization of the Stazione Elicotteri Luni (Station Helicopters of Luni), whose intense activities were completed in November, allowing the newly constituted 5° Gruppo Elicotteri to begin to operate.
On January 27, 1971, the 1° Gruppo Elicotteri was transferred to Luni, to meet operational needs in the Upper and Middle Tyrrhenian.
With the "Naval Law" (Law n.57 of 1975), promoted from the Chief of Staff of the Marina pro tempore Admiral Gino De Giorgi, the modernization of the Fleet was started, that it carried also to the realization of the Aircraft Carrier "Giuseppe Garibaldi", a unit that allowed the Marina to make an epochal capacitive jump.
In 1976 the AB 212 ASW entered service, replacing the AB 204, allowing the Marina to have a compact twin-engine helicopter with anti-submarine and anti-submarine capabilities, available on all naval units. Thanks to its versatility, the new helicopter was also made in versions “GUFO” (Electronic War) and maritime Eliassalto, the latter still in line. The new helicopter was given in the 4° Gruppo Elicotteri, formed on March 1, 1976 at the base of Grottaglie (TA), which in 1979 officially became the third Stazione Elicotteri of the Marina.
In 1989 it was approved the law n. 36, which allowed the Marina to equip itself with the multi-role aerotactical component to be embarked on the Aircraft Carrier Garibaldi, whose seat was located near Grottaglie, which was subsequently renamed Stazione Aeromobili (Aircraft Station), like the 6° Reparto dello Stato Maggiore (6th Department of the General Staff), renamed Reparto Aeromobili (Aircraft Department).
On February 1, 1991, with Marina Order No. 96 of December 12, 1990, the Gruppo Supporto Aerei Imbarcati (GRUPAER, Airborne Support Group) was formed and on August 23, 1991 embarked on Garibaldi Ship, moored at Norfolk, the first two-seater trainer aircraft (TAV 8B). The first National Multi-Role Airborne Group was born, which acquired a total of 16 combat aircraft equipped with radar (AV 8B PLUS), capable of carrying out air defense, ground attack and reconnaissance missions. In April 1994 was delivered the first single-seater fighter aircraft and in January 1995 Garibaldi ship with the first three AV 8B PLUS, departed for Operation Somalia 3, giving immediate start to operational activities of the new component. In 1999, with the participation of the aerotactical component embarked on Nave Garibaldi in Operation Allied Force, the AV 8B PLUS had their baptism of fire, participating in the ground attack missions of NATO.
The new horizons opened both in the helicopter sector and in the fixed wing led, on the threshold of the new millennium, to an epochal reorganization of the Aviazione Navale with the establishment, January 1, 2000, of the Comando Forze Aeree (COMFORAER, Air Force Command), following a radical restructuring of Aviazione Navale aimed at the maximum rationalization of human and material resources available, so as to ensure the most effective response to new operational needs. The Command, placed under the direct control of the Command in Chief of the Squadra Navale (Naval Group), is headed by an Admiral who, in a double hat, is also entrusted with the task of Chief of the 6° Reparto Aeromobili of the Marina General Staff. This innovative organizational solution allows to reach the maximum synergies under the aegis of the univocity of direction and action, allowing to focus the attention on the quality of the "product", expressed in terms of readiness, efficiency and effectiveness of the airborne components to be embarked and risk in operating theatres. From COMFORAER depend the Stazioni Elicotteri of Catania and Luni, the Stazione Aeromobili of Grottaglie, the Sezione Aerei P-180 (Pratica di Mare) and the Eliassalto Unit (Luni).
On 19 March 2001, the EH 101, the most advanced and modern multi-role helicopter on the market, entered service. The helicopter is available in the variants Maritime Patrol Helicopter MPH (for surveillance and contrast to surface and underwater units), Helicopter Early Warning (HEW) (for aerial and surface long-range surveillance and support to the airborne component) and Assault Support Helicopter (ASH) (for the transport of troops, vehicles and materials, as well as for medical evacuation).
On October 4, 2001 was delivered the first aircraft Piaggio P 180 intended to start operations of the Sezione Aerei P 180 deployed to Pratica di Mare, that now has three aircraft to meet the needs of support to experimental activities and verification of systems of naval units, the logistic needs of the Armed Force and, thanks to the availability of the system FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red) and a medical evacuation kit (MEDEVAC), also for maritime patrol and medical transport missions. On June 10, 2005, the Comando delle Forze Aeree received the War Flag during the parade in Naples, which celebrated the Marina Day.
The entry into service of the EH 101 stimulated the constitution, January 1, 2006, at the base of Luni Centro Sperimentale Aerotattico (CSA, Experimental Aerotactical Center).
This Centre, which is employed by the 6° Reparto Aeromobili of the General Staff, is an essential tool for, playing the Marina a leading role in the development of new programs and in all study activities, operational evaluation, testing and modification of helicopters, with particular reference to aspects related to the specific maritime environment and the use on board of Naval Units.
In 2011, the SH 90A multi-role helicopter, which can be used both for maritime patrolling and for support of Special Forces, was commissioned to replace the AB 212ASW helicopter and a real technological jewel (first helicopter in the world to exploit fly-by-wire technology). The project, the result of European multinational cooperation, was carried out by AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Fokker. The helicopter will soon be available also in the marine helix assault version, equipped with a rear ramp.

The future
The main future challenge for the Forze Aeree of the Marina is the renewal of the aerotactical line embarked on the Aircraft Carrier Cavour, with the gradual replacement of the AV 8B Harrier II+ with the JSF (Joint Strike Fighter) in the version (F 35B) to short take off and vertical support (STOVL - Short Take Off and Vertical Landing), so as to acquire the initial operational capability with the new aircraft presumably in 2023. The purchase of the JSF is closely linked to the maintenance of the high-quality power projection capacity on the sea and the sea expressed by the Aircraft Carrier. The F 35B is the only fifth generation aircraft that can be boarded on the Cavour aircraft carrier, because, due to its small size, it does not have stop cables and the catapult and is therefore bound to use STOVL aircraft.
The JSF is an aircraft with revolutionary operational capabilities that will be supported by a global logistics system, allowing Forze Aeree of the Marina to jump into the fifty generation of combat aircraft achieving state of the art capabilities in the air-to-air, air-to-ground, anti-ship, and Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) sectors.
Consider also that the JSF will allow the airborne component embarked, and then the Aircraft Carrier, to have capabilities that had not previously, such as SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defence), the suppression of air defenses of the enemy.
In this way the Cavour it will be able to build a "package" of aircraft able to intervene in full autonomy even in the most complex operating contexts.
It is planned to acquire 15 aircraft, starting in 2017, to be assigned to the Gruppo Supporto Aerei Imbarcati stationed in Grottaglie.
The new aircraft is therefore destined to operate on the sea and from the sea and will replace the AV 8B Harrier II+, in order to ensure that the Aircraft Carrier Cavour has a new and more powerful weapon system to enable the ship to keep up with the times and be able to interoperate with the most advanced Navies in the world, helping to consolidate the credibility and effectiveness of our country’s intervention in today’s difficult operating theatres.
Another fundamental challenge for the Forze Aeree of the Marina is the integration on board of naval units of remotely piloted aircraft, the so-called Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), systems in continuous and strong expansion. These arrangements are not intended to replace piloted aircraft but to complement their capabilities, expressing valuable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, to the benefit of the effectiveness and safety of crews and equipment, especially when employed in risky activities, such as piracy-fighting missions, stealth and stealth threat.

SCAN EAGLE
In October 2010 is estimated the acquisition of two systems tactical UAS Scan Eagle - analogous to those boarded on the units of the US Navy employed in Somali basin - constituted each from five aircrafts to fixed wing that is previewed to employ on the Naval Units already to leave since 2014. The available sensors and the intrinsic modularity/versatility of use, make this UAS usable in a wide range of marine missions, including support to the operations of special forces and amphibians.

CAMCOPTER
In April 2012, in the Gulf of La Spezia , the use of the Camcopter S-100 was tested aboard Bersagliere.
The test results were absolutely comforting, so much so as to push the Marina General Staff to start the leasing of a system consisting of two remotely piloted helicopters to be used on board the Naval Units engaged in the difficult operating theaters of today, and in particular in anti-piracy activities.

Friday 28 June, in the presence of the Commander of General Staff (CSM) of the Marina Admiral Giuseppe De Giorgi, the Commander of the Naval Squadron Admiral Filippo Maria Foffi and the Commander of the Forze Aeree Admiral of Division Paolo Treu, and with the presence of civil and military authorities, the ceremony was held to celebrate the centenary of the constitution of the Aviazione Navale.
The first to speak was the current Forze Aeree Commander, Admiral Treu: "We have a strong sense of responsibility left to us by our ancestors and that we have an ethical but also an operational duty to enhance and preserve for the good of the Marina and the country. I respectfully pay homage to the War Flag of the Forze Aeree of the Marina, symbol of our identity values and of our union, where the Gold Medal of Marine Valor recently awarded by the President of the Republic, whose unanimous gratitude goes. I extend a heartfelt and heartfelt embrace to the fallen of the Aviazione Navale. Their immortality will always burn in our hearts.".
"I thank the authorities and in particular the CSM of the Marina whose presence full of significance this ceremony not only for the prestige of his office. Admiral De Giorgi in her the staff of the Forze Aeree recognizes a leader with an unparalleled passion for the profession with the eagle planted in the chest and the Aviazione Navale in the heart able to dare the inhospitable and always audere. From January 1, 2000 in the first Commander of the renewed Forze Aeree, she carried out an ambitious and epochal reorganization of the air sector of the Armed Force. From that moment on, the fleet was assured the best product at the best price in terms of competent, efficient and effective airborne components. Admiral De Giorgi you secured the maximum thrust to catapult the Aviazione Navale into a new era and we are all forever and infinitely grateful. To the Commander in Chief of the Squadra Navale (Naval Group) goes our appreciation for the attention reserved to the airborne members boarded and in particular to the emphasis turned to the abilities of the aircraft in the net-transformation centric for a shared and synergic use of information and operational capabilities crucial to ensure success in modern operating theatres. Admiral Foffi his presence is for us all a clear and appreciated sign of the closeness of the Squadra Navale to the Forze Aeree personnel on this memorable occasion. In the sea of change and evolution the route of Aviazione Navale has always remained unchanged bet on the traditional stars of reference Love of Homeland, Courage, Professionalism, Spirit of self-denial, Loyalty and Readiness to the extreme sacrifice when duty calls. A last and sincere thanks goes to the Commander and master Barbagallo who wanted to take with great enthusiasm and involvement the challenge to compose our hymn expressing in the universal and penetrating language of music the spirit and identity of the truest Aviazione Navale. Admiral De Giorgi trusting in the two fold strength of our double vocation that unites us to the sea and to the sky we renew before her our commitment to launch the Heart beyond the Obstacle to push us higher and more beyond taking that message of exhortation to aviators of D'Annunzio.
W Naval Aviation, W the Marina.”
A follow was the turn of the Commander of the Squadra Navale Admiral Foffi: " the Aviazione Navale is here all represented to celebrate the first century of life of the most innovative of its operational articulations. A team of naval aviators that is since its birth an integral part of the Squadra Navale, a true multiplayer force. In my more than 40 years of service to the Armed Force I have always appreciated in the personnel of the aircraft component the audacity, the strong determination, the admirable momentum and the total availability that hundred years ago characterized the action of the founding fathers".
Their crews and flight component personnel are an essential part of the crews of naval units with capacity and potential for projecting from the sea and the sea that have become increasingly significant over time, I would like to conclude by recalling the interventions of the Aviazione Navale during the latest international crises in hostile environments, assuring the Squadra Navale, both from the sea and from the ground, an extremely flexible, reliable and ready instrument; an essential component if not protagonist in every intervention of the Marina in times of peace that of war, for the security and the safeguard of the nation".
The final part of the interventions was held by the Commander of General Staff Admiral De Giorgi:
"The component has achieved over the years absolutely incredible results compared to the available economic resources and the number of people. We are in all 2,200 men and women distributed in three bases that carry on a component that is about 70 flying machines and then these numbers per se, together with the very high standard of flight safety and the very high standard of operational efficiency and operational effectiveness of the component, speak better than any speech. We are few, we are cohesive, we have a strong passion we are sailors of the sky. We have the values of the sailor who join those of the aviator and together, in my opinion, give life to an extraordinary result.
But it is clear that we cannot continue, we are talking about planes, helicopters, we are talking about personnel without whom we could not do what we have done; much has been lost from salaries, housing, enlistment and the status of sailors, officers and NCOs in general. On this I commit myself to carry out a close discussion with all those who must decide for the improvement. Without the fleet there are no planes and helicopters, without the fleet there is no Aviazione Navale. We’re the Marina’s main weapon system, were the Marina beyond the horizon. Having such a small budget for such a long time we are faced with a dramatic loss of capacity for the country, because we are faced with the disappearance of more than 50 ships in 10 years, 30 of these radiations will take place in the next five years, against only 11 ships entering service. A residual fleet of 20 ships is not a fleet, if we consider maintenance and failures we risk becoming absolutely irrelevant as an operational component of the country. Just when the global scenario is absolutely and unequivocally maritime and this is not only because Italy has always lived thanks to the sea and its security depends on what happens on the sea, but because the very prosperity of the nation is based above all on the possibility of using the sea for the arrival of materials, for our exports and not only the Mediterranean but also the distant seas that apparently do not concern us. But then we must not be discouraged by the apparent impossibility of solving this problem as our admirals who have preceded us in past years did not discourage. The situation is similar because after 40 years we are suffering the same kind of condition. In the last 10, 20 years twenty ships have gone away and ten have entered and therefore since the Nation cannot accept not to have a Marina I am sure that the Italian people and the Parliament will absolutely want that the Marina save not only but the national marine strategic capacities which are also made up of shipyards and all related industries. We have a duty to fight, not to fight for a corporation, to fight for an Armed Force, but I would say to fight for our nation to have what is indispensable for its security."
Source Marina Militare via Stefano Monteleone (Aviation Report)

As a corollary of the Centenary there were other events of not secondary importance. The first was the inauguration of the Memorial to all the fallen of the Aviazione Navale. An exciting moment instead was the naming of the building of the AV 8B simulator room in memory of Lieutenant Severino Fallucchi and the Conference Room in memory of the 1st. Marshal Paolo Di Giuseppe.
Also surrounding the Centenary there were two passages of significant historical importance, the first step sanctioned the withdrawal from active service of the stainless SH 3D Sea King from the flight line of the Aviazione Navale, I remember that the last examples still present in the inventory of the Marina were in the version NLA (Eliassalto) and were in charge to the 4° Gruppo Elicotteri of Grottaglie.
The SH 3D Sea King is an United States medium-heavy twin-engine helicopter developed and built by the American Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation as a natural evolution of the mono turbine S 62, exclusively designed for naval use made its first flight in 1959 as XHSS-2, later designated HSS-2 entered service in 1961 with the US Navy, in 1962 the SH 3A designation was changed, starting version for a helicopter that over the years has been updated and modified in many other versions.
The helicopter is characterized by a hull-shaped fuselage that allows it to lower and float, also to allow the shelter on ships the Sea King can fold the rotor blades and tail to decrease the surface and length.
In Italy the Sea King was built under license by Agusta di Cascina Costa and the version adopted by the Marina Militare was SH 3D standard. The italian Marina Militare received 36 originally in the ASW/ASuW version (Anti Submarine Warfare/Anti Surface Warfare) that with the arrival of the replacement EH 101 many examples were progressively removed.
The SH 3D NLA (Nucleo Lotta Anfibia) were equipped with seats for armored pilots, anti sand filter to protect the air intakes, indoor and outdoor lighting NVG (Night Vision Goggles) and can mount two MG 42/59 branded machine guns.
The equipment also includes the SIAP (Integrated Passive Self-protection System) with anti-missile sensors and automatic launching system of false radar targets (chaffs) and IR (flares). The helicopter is able to carry 16 operators of the Reggimento San Marco or Special Forces.
The other passage that developed during the day was the achievement of the remarkable milestone of the 100,000 hours of flight accomplished by the 4° Gruppo Elicotteri since the day of its establishment (March 1, 1976), although the date of commencement of operation with own helicopters dates back to 12 April 1977, more than 36 years of service in favour of the Italian population and beyond.
Currently the 4° Gruppo Elicotteri has twenty helicopters for most of the model AgustaBell AB 212, almost equally divided into versions ASW-ASuW and NLA. Like all the Gruppi Elicotteri of the Naval Air Force also the 4° and' called to compete with their staff and their means to integrate the "SEZELICOT" (Sezione Elicotteri or Section helicopters) deployed on board ships.

Maristaeli Luni
Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September was staged on the Stazione Elicotteri of Luni the second part of the celebrations for the 100 years of the Aviazione Navale.
The appointment on Friday, held in private, saw the succession of three distinct moments, the first dedicated to the celebration of the important anniversary; the second, very touching, for the dedication of the Center of Forced Ditching Training to the memory of Lieutenant Commander Vincenzo Simonini; while the final phase of the day was represented by the inauguration of the memorial dedicated to the Fallen of the Aviazione Navale.
For the day of Saturday was scheduled the opening of the Stazione Elicotteri to the public.
Friday morning with the entrance of the War Flag of the Marina followed by the Commander of the Forze Aeree Rear Admiral Giorgio Gomma and the Commander of the Stazione Elicotteri Captain Stefano Dell'Alba, Inside the large hangar that usually houses the helicopters of the 5° Gruppo Elicotteri, the ceremony has in fact begun. The greeting to the deployment and guests was brought by Commander Dell'Alba who in his speech retraced these memorable hundred years of the Aviazione Navale history.
The second intervention was carried out by the new Commander of the Forze Aeree (COMFORAER) Rear-Admiral Giorgio Gomma, for information purposes the CA Gomma has just taken over the position in place of the Admiral of Division Paolo Treu.
"No more than a week ago, I was appointed Commander of the Forze Aeree and Chief of the 6° Reparto Aeromobili of the Marina General Staff. A prestigious assignment that places me at the helm of a Component of men and women inspired and animated by the passion for the sea and for flight.
Today, I have the privilege and honor of attending the celebration of the Centenary of Aviazione Navale, I have the honor of remembering the hundred years of our history.
I respectfully pay homage to the War Flag of the Forze Aeree of the Marina, symbol of our identity values of our union, decorated by the Gold Medal of Marine Valor, Medal awarded by the President of the Republic on the occasion of the Feast of the Marina on 10 June in Rome.
I greet and thank the civil, religious and military authorities, the very kind guests and colleagues who have spoken on this occasion.
Today, my first thought goes to all the fallen of the Aviazione Navale, it goes to all those men who already from the early years of the '900 ventured boldly towards the first flying machines, laying the foundations of our glorious history; my heart is close to all those who in a hundred years of history have sacrificed themselves in missions of war and in the fulfillment of their duty.
In memory of their generous sacrifice, today we will inaugurate a monument and we will call the Lieutenant Commander Vincenzo Simonini the "Training Center to the forced landing" where our friend Vincenzo recently passed away, while operating in support of training personnel. I greet with affection the families of our colleague who are here with us today for this important celebration.
May the sacrifice of these men be a perennial example for the present and future generations of the Forze Aeree of the Marina.
I extend a grateful greeting to the staff no longer in service: to those who lived the very difficult years of the Marina reconstruction, who saw their air skills gradually regained their own in response to the harsh lessons learned during the Second World War; to those who have contributed to the extraordinary technological and operational development of the Marina aerial instrument, through a crescendo of increasingly advanced and sophisticated machines.
One hundred years of extraordinary progress, of great technological innovation, but always with the beacon focused on traditional reference values: love for the Motherland, courage, the spirit of self-denial, loyalty, honor and readiness for extreme sacrifice.
Noble values and ideals that are part of the genetic code of all of us, men and women of the Forze Aeree, united by a dual vocation, for the sea and for flight, always ready to face with the heart beyond the obstacle all the challenges that the future will want to reserve us.
With our hearts beyond the hurdle, this is our inspiring motto, and that’s how we decided to name the Forze Aeree of the Marina anthem.
The hymn, composed by the Commander and master Antonio Barbagallo whom I thank on behalf of all interprets through the penetrating language of music, the spirit and the truest identity of the Aviazione Navale.
And I would like to conclude my speech with the execution of our anthem, as I wish for another hundred years of glorious history."
Long live Aviazione Navale. Long live Marina.

The second part of the morning was the most touching, in the presence of the family members of Lieutenant Captain Vincenzo Simonini, Rear Admiral Gomma, In a very moving speech, he recalled his unfortunate colleague who died on April 19, 2012, during a simulation ditching exercise with Helo Dunker (read Helo Dunker). Simonini was stationed at Luni Military Base as a Safety Procedure Instructor on the new NH 90 helicopter, During a routine dive in the tank of the ditching Center was the victim of a sudden death to which not even the emergency medical staff avoided the worst. In the presence of the military chaplain, was discovered the plaque that bears the title of the structure to Simonini.
Here is the reading of the reasons:
"An officer of exceptional human qualities and professional skills, he began his career in the Marina obtaining the demanding qualifications of diver and diver, working later on board Nave Anteo in such peculiar specializations. Later in his career, combining his initial passion for the sea with that for flying, he obtained a military pilot’s license and became part of the Forze Aeree of the Marina.
Naval aviator animated by inexhaustible determination and passion for the profession emerged as Crew Chief brilliant, extremely capable and absolutely scrupulous.
In his activities as an embarked pilot, he constantly expressed excellent results and high professionalism on board the Squadra Navale units, participating in the main operations of recent years, including "Enduring Freedom" and "Unified Protector". In every circumstance he did his utmost to provide the highest level of support to the activities of the Command of belonging, receiving unanimous approval from his superiors and colleagues.
From 2010 in strength to 5° Gruppo Elicotteri, it was particularly useful in the delicate phase of entry into line of the new helicopter SH 90, demonstrating qualities not easily found among the peers.
For the admirable work carried out, the extraordinary and loyal dedication to service, a perennial example for future generations of Officers and Pilots of the Marina, the CC Pil.E. r.s. Vincenzo SIMONINI is entitled, The Forced Landing Training Center located inside the Stazione Elicotteri of Luni, where it was also missing, while it was preparing to support the personnel in training".
The final part of the morning was held in front of the Command of the Stazione Elicotteri where the War Memorial of the Aviazione Navale was erected.

Description Memorial
"Metal puffs with oxidized bloom that symbolize the sea but also the pages of life. Irregularly cut sheets to signify the unpredictability of life and the evanescence of the memory of those who left us.
The sheeting to climb upwards symbolizes the elevation of our feelings towards those who gave their lives for their homeland.
The curl of the leaf at the bottom is colored red to symbolize the passion of the Aviators of the Marina who sacrificed themselves by pouring, with generosity, their blood for the homeland. Red is also the color with which something significant and important stands out.
The choice of iron, as the primary material for this monument, symbolizes the indissoluble bond between the Forze Aeree of the Marina and Naval Units. The white marble of the tombstone instead represents the nobility and purity of mind of our heroes whose names are written, in eternal memory, indelibly on the tombstone and in our hearts".

To end the day the guests and the military were invited at the officers' club to admire the historical exhibition curated by the Captain of Frigate Gianluca Arlotta and 1st Marshal Luigi Casotto where, in a historical journey studded with models, photographs, relics and documents, the succession of events in the history of Aviazione Navale has been reconstructed, from its origins to the present day with a leap into the future. The exhibition opens with the description of the "Logo of the Centenary" and the story of the first pilot "TV Mario Calderara". The exhibition was represented in three themed rooms: room n°1 "With the salt on the wings", room n°2 "The heroes and the illustrious characters", room n°3 "From the origins to the future".

On Friday 11, as part of the events held for the Centenary of Aviazione Navale, MARISTAELI Catania, in the presence of COMFORAER, Rear Admiral Giorgio Gomma, as well as military, civil and religious authorities celebrated fifty years of service.
The ceremony saw the naming of the hangar of the 2° Gruppo Elicotteri to Chief Davide Di Cara, who died in December 2009, and the inauguration of the monument that recalls those who have sacrificed their lives, in war and peace, in the ranks of the Specialty; This consists of the tail beam of an AB 212, at the end of which is the vertical tail of a seaplane M5, in front of which there are two stone slabs one of which bears the motto of the Aviazione Navale "Sufficit Animus" "Enough Courage", behind the whole is placed a plaque bearing the names of the fallen.
In context, publish a volume and patch dedicated to the Fiftieth Anniversary.
Saturday, October 12, MARISTAELI Catania was opened to the citizens who visited the training and training areas, the static helicopters AB 212, SH 90 and EH 101 (also present an AB 412 of the Guardia Costiera or Coast Guard) and the historical exhibition of aircraft and naval models but also of objects and images related to Aviazione Navale witnessing, moreover, demonstrations of forced ditching at the Dilbert Dunker structure; on the occasion of a popular stand of the Marina Militare.