Naval Command College Visits Italian Warship ITS Alpino

BOSTON – A delegation from the U.S. Naval War College’s Naval Command College (NCC) visited the Italian Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Alpino (F 594) in Boston during the warship’s port visit there on Thursday, Feb. 26.

“The visit underscored the enduring partnership between the Italian Navy and the U.S. Navy, reflecting the broader spirit of cooperation that characterizes allied naval forces operating together in training and operational environments,” said Capt. Francesco Rima of the Italian Navy, president of the NCC class of 2026. “For the international officers attending the Naval Command College, the experience provided valuable insight into allied naval capabilities and reinforced the importance of coalition maritime operations in addressing contemporary security challenges.”

The International Programs department’s eleven-month NCC program is designed to prepare senior officers for the highest levels of command and is open to international naval officers in the grades of O-5 and O-6 – navy commanders and captains and their equivalents. Since its founding in 1956, more than 2,100 officers from 91 nations have completed the NCC program, with more than half reaching the rank of general or admiral in their home militaries.

The NCC contingent that visited Alpino included senior officers from 44 different countries and was led by U.S. Navy Capt. Mikael Rockstad.

The Alpino commanding officer, Cmdr. Sara Vinci, provided an overview of the frigate’s state-of-the-art sensors, combat systems, and operational concepts designed to counter modern submarine and undersea threats with advanced technologies.

The visit offered participants, a firsthand opportunity to engage with the operational capabilities of the Italian Navy and to observe the advanced systems that support the ship’s anti-submarine warfare mission and current relevance of undersea warfare. The discussions also highlighted the Italian Navy’s strong commitment in the multinational cooperation, interoperability, and collective maritime security.”

While enrolled in NCC, students pursue senior level core curriculum alongside their U.S. counterparts in courses such as Strategy & Policy and Joint Maritime Operations, in addition to specialized electives and field studies excursions.

"I'm thrilled that our Naval Command College was able to visit the Italian ship Alpino,” said NWC President Rear Adm. Darryl Walker. “The warfighters enrolled in all of our programs remain engaged with operational forces in myriad ways during their time here. These interactions ensure they're applying the latest in technology, tactics and procedures when working through the curriculum, and I offer my deepest gratitude to Cmdr. Vinci, the crew of Alpino and the Italian Navy for welcoming our officers aboard."

Established in 1884, NWC informs today’s decision-makers and educates tomorrow’s leaders by providing educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop their ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfighting advantage.