Lagunari “Serenissima”: green beret ceremony for new Lagunari

Venice – An intense and meaningful day saw the Lagunari of the “Serenissima” Regiment as protagonists, combining the solemnity of the ceremony and the rigor of operational readiness in a single event. The Chief of Staff of the Army, General of the Army Corps Carmine Masiello, paid tribute to the only amphibious infantry unit of the Italian Army, visiting the regiment's facilities and attending the green beret ceremony for the new Lagunari in the historic setting of the Doge's Palace.

From the heart of the Serenissima to operational reality

The visit began at the “Miraglia” barracks, the amphibious base of the regiment, where Colonel Leandro Corina illustrated to General Masiello the operational capabilities and peculiarities of the amphibious specialty, as well as the training and logistical activities carried out by the unit. The tour continued to the “Matter” barracks and then to the “Bafile” barracks, where a new light workshop for vehicle maintenance was inaugurated, built by the 5th Infrastructure Department. Also present at the ribbon-cutting was Brigadier General Stefano Martinelli, along with representatives of the involved companies.

The Chief of Staff was able to personally witness the high level of operational readiness of the Lagunari, praising the personnel for their professionalism and spirit of sacrifice demonstrated daily.

Green Beret Ceremony: the baptism of the Lagunari

The most solemn moment of the day took place in the Sala dello Scrutinio of the Doge's Palace, a symbolic place of the Republic of Venice. In the presence of civil and military authorities, the newly qualified members of the 94th Amphibious Qualification Course “Alpha” received the green beret from General Masiello's hands.

“From today you become part of an elite, but above all you confirm your commitment to defend the Republic and ensure peace and security, whatever the cost. Welcome Lagunari to the great family of the Army,” declared the Chief of Staff, addressing the new members of the unit with words full of meaning.

The “Alpha” course, selective and rigorous, represents the formal entry into the specialty and prepares the Lagunari to face future operational challenges with readiness and competence, both nationally and internationally.

The “Serenissima” Regiment: guardians of the waters and tradition

Direct descendants of the Fanti da Mar of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, the Lagunari operate in riverine, lagoon, and maritime environments, with a unique amphibious capability within the Italian Army. The Regiment is part of the Cavalry Brigade “Pozzuolo del Friuli” and is one of the pillars of the National Sea Projection Capability (CNPM).

Equipped with a modern and flexible structure, the “Serenissima” has Amphibious Companies, tactical support units, and a highly specialized Training Company. Its men and women train hard to maintain very high standards in every operational area, from urban combat (CQB) to amphibious reconnaissance, to aerial insertion with fast-rope techniques.

The Recon Platoon: the elite of the elite

Special mention goes to the Recon Platoon, the elite operational core of the Regiment. Its members, selected among the most experienced Lagunari, are trained for special operations, raids, sabotage, and deep reconnaissance in amphibious contexts. Each Recon operator is an amphibious scout, paratrooper, and, in some cases, a qualified diver at COMSUBIN.

Looking to the future

The “Serenissima” Regiment is currently at the center of important strategic and logistical considerations. The need to unify operational sites and improve infrastructure is felt urgently, as is the need to equip the unit with new modern amphibious vehicles like the Amphibious Armored Vehicle (VBA), essential to ensure mobility and protection in increasingly complex future scenarios.

Despite the challenges, the regiment continues with determination in its mission, with the awareness of being heirs to a glorious tradition and at the same time protagonists in the evolution of the Italian Army in an interforce perspective.