| Marina
Militare Italiana [Italian Navy] Training Ship SAN GUISTO is a very
interesting and versatile ship, resembling as she does a miniature aircraft
carrier. However, though primarily equipped as a training ship she can
function as a Landing Platform Dock for amphibious forces.
Visitors to the vessel on Navy Days were
given conducted tours by the midshipman trainees, this tour included the dock
/ hangar / vehicle deck. When functioning as an LPD SAN GUISTO can embark 316
men with equipment. When used as a training ship she carries 266 trainees. The
ship's complement is 180.
She has the cpacity to carry 34 ACVs in the
hangar and on the flight deck. Her dock can accomodate three landing craft,
normally carried on side davits. Here flight deck can handle medium
sized helicopters she can carry up to 6. She also has an extensive onboard
hospital and medical facilities which make her useful as a rescue ship when
needed to provide relief support following disasters.
The plaque visible in the second row second
from left reads" CORAGIO NO MANGA CO SEMO NEL GIUSTO" It means
"Courage cannot fail when you are right" a witticism in the dialect
of Trieste. |
