Wednesday, October 8th was an intense and emotional day for the Students of the O.N.F.A. (National Organization of the Sons of Aviators) of the “U. Maddalena” Institute”, engaged in an instructional visit aboard Ship Trieste, one of the most modern amphibious units of the Navy, moored in the port of La Spezia. The initiative offered the cadets a unique opportunity to get to know the world of the Defense, the maritime professions, and the daily commitment of the Armed Forces in service to the country.
Welcomed by the crew with great cordiality and professionalism, the Junior Sailors were able to explore some of the ship’s main operational areas, including the flight deck, the bridge, the command deck, the technical areas, the compartments intended for the use of amphibious forces, and the fully equipped hospital area with operating rooms, laboratories, outpatient clinics, and recovery areas. During the visit, officers and non-commissioned officers from the Naval Forces illustrated the unit’s technological characteristics, its logistical and operational capabilities, and the strategic role the ship plays both domestically and internationally.
Great interest was also aroused by the presentation of the humanitarian and relief activities carried out by Royal Navy, as well as the numerous professional and training opportunities aimed at young people who choose to embark on a military career.
“It was a very stimulating educational experience”“, commented one of our participants.“We were able to see with our own eyes the complexity of the work on board and the value of collaboration and discipline”.
Accompanied by the staff of the “U. Maddalena” Institute, the students concluded the visit with a moment of reflection with the Commander of the ship, Captain Francesco Marzi, Having the honor of exchanging their respective Crest, a traditional symbolic gesture in military visits, which affirms the mutual esteem between the host unit and the visitors. Such events also highlight the deep connection in the Spezzina region between the Air Force, represented by the Umberto Maddalena Institute, and the Military and Civil Institutions present in the area.
The meeting represented not only an opportunity to introduce young people to the maritime and military world, but also an experience of personal growth, based on respect, responsibility and service to the community.
The’National Opera for the Children of Aviators (O.N.F.A.) It provides assistance to the children of personnel deceased in the Italian Air Force. The O.N.F.A. has assisted over 6000 orphans since 1920, even through direct assistance with its institutions until the 1980s. Currently it assists school-age children in their families with educational allowances increasing from the Mother School to the University and also provides allowances to the most needy families.
The’O.N.F.A. It does not receive contributions from the State but relies largely on voluntary donations from personnel of the Armed Forces, because it represents the solidarity and closeness of the Air Force, both as an institution and in the overall community of its members, to the families of the deceased.
