Lagunari 'Serenissima': handing over the green beret to the new Lagunaris

Venice - An intense and meaningful day saw the Lagunari of the 'Serenissima' Regimentcombining the solemnity of the ceremony and the rigour of operations in a single event. The Chief of Staff of the Army, Army General Carmine Masiello, paid tribute to the Italian Army's only amphibious infantry unit, visiting the regiment's facilities and attending the Green beret ceremony for new Lagunaris in the historic setting of the Ducal Palace.

From the heart of the Serenissima to operational reality

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

The Chief of the EMS personally witnessed the high level of operational readiness of the Lagunaris, praising the personnel for the professionalism and spirit of sacrifice they demonstrated on a daily basis.

Handing over the Green Basque: the christening of the Lagunaris

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 cadets of the 94th Amphibious Qualification Course 'Alpha' received the green beret from the hands of General Masiello.

"As of today, you become part of an elite, but above all, you confirm that you take responsibility for defending the Republic and guaranteeing peace and security, whatever the price may be. Welcome Lagunari to the big Army family," said the Chief of EMS, addressing the new members of the unit with words full of meaning.

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

The 'Serenissima' Regiment: guardians of water and tradition

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

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

The Recon Platoon: the elite of the elite

The Recon Platoon, the Regiment's elite operational core, deserves special mention. Its members, selected from the most experienced Lagunaris, are trained in special operations, raids, sabotage and deep reconnaissance in amphibious contexts. Each Recon operator is an amphibious scout, parachutist and, in some cases, a COMSUBIN-qualified diver.

Looking to the future

The 'Serenissima' Regiment is today at the centre of important strategic and logistical considerations. The need to unify the operational sites and improve the infrastructure is urgently felt, as is the need to equip the department with new modern amphibious means such as the Amphibious Armoured Vehicle (VBA), which is essential to guarantee 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 of the evolution of the Italian Army in an inter-force perspective

Source: https://www.esercito.difesa.it/comunicazione/Pagine/Visita-al-reggimento-lagunari-%E2%80%9CSerenissima%E2%80%9D-e-consegna-del-basco-di-specialita-250407.aspx