The Italian Navy vessel ITS Etna made a five day port call in Dublin from 14 to 18 August 2026, docking at Deep Water Quay, Berth 47. The visit was part of the training campaign for second year cadets of the Italian Naval Academy in Livorno.
On Monday 17 August, Italian Ambassador to Ireland Nicola Faganello visited the vessel, accompanied by Captain Alessandro Morosini, Deputy Defence Attaché at the Italian Embassy. He was welcomed by ITS Etna Commanding Officer Captain Alessandro De Lucia, Captain Valeria Maurizi, officers, crew members and Naval Academy cadets.
The visit was followed by a buffet dinner reception on the flight deck, attended by Dublin Lord Mayor Daryl Barron, Irish authorities, representatives from the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs, members of the Oireachtas, diplomats, academics and members of the Italian community.
Three speakers addressed the gathering: Ambassador Nicola Faganello, Dublin Lord Mayor Daryl Barron and Captain Alessandro De Lucia.
Ambassador Faganello highlighted the role of naval diplomacy in strengthening dialogue, mutual understanding and cooperation. He also stressed the importance of protecting critical maritime infrastructure and maintaining freedom of navigation for European security and stability.
He noted the particular significance of ITS Etna’s visit during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which places maritime security, resilience and European cooperation among its priorities.
The Ambassador also recalled the longstanding ties between Ireland and Italy, including the friendship and cooperation pact between Dublin and Pompeii signed in February at Mansion House, as well as the Italy and County Meath pairing initiative linked to the Irish EU Presidency.
Dublin was the fourth stop of the training campaign, following Livorno, Tangier, La Coruña and Brest. The ship will continue to Portsmouth, La Palice, Lisbon and Cagliari before returning to Livorno.
ITS Etna was also open to the public from 15 to 17 August. On Sunday 16 August, the ship hosted a Catholic Mass on board.
Pinocchio Magazine would like to thank Ambassador Nicola Faganello for the invitation to the reception and for the opportunity to experience the atmosphere on board ITS Etna.
From the moment we stepped aboard, the welcome was warm and personal. Captain Alessandro De Lucia greeted us with the words, “Welcome to Italy,” a simple gesture that immediately set the tone for an evening marked by openness, courtesy and a strong sense of community. For us, it was also a particularly meaningful moment of Italian pride.
Pinocchio Magazine interviewed Captain Alessandro De Lucia, Commanding Officer of ITS Etna, and Commander Ceccolini, responsible for the second year Naval Academy cadets.
Both officers stood out for their kindness, professionalism and ability to communicate the values behind their work. Their approach showed how discipline, teamwork and high standards can come together with a genuinely friendly relationship among the members of a crew.
Their example offered a clear picture of how a strong and disciplined team can also be built around trust, respect and a positive human connection.
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