SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday hosted Chief of Italian Navy Adm. Enrico Credendino at the Pentagon for an office call, Sept. 7.
Gilday and Credendino discussed their visions to grow the already successful maritime partnership between Italy and the United States, emphasizing the need to strengthen the warfighting advantage in the region, maximize cooperative training opportunities, and improve capabilities sharing.
“An ally and partner like Italy is crucial to our success in the European theater,” said Gilday. “Our navies have a long and storied history together — Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group’s recent tri-carrier operations with ITS Cavour and FS Charles de Gaulle is a testament to the strength of our maritime partnership.”
“I’m incredibly thankful to Adm. Credendino and the Marina Militare for their leadership in the security and stability of the wider Mediterranean region,” Gilday added.
The two leaders also talked about the security environment in Europe, stressing the importance of continued interoperability among NATO forces. U.S. and Italian aircraft carriers have operated together this year in support of real-world contingency operations, and both chiefs expressed interest in expanding similar operations in the future.
“The U.S. Navy is the exemplary partner for Italian Navy – in bilateral cooperation, within the Alliance and in coalitions – for the sake of maritime security and the prosperity of our nations. Our relationship reflects the long-standing and strong bonds of friendship between our people and our countries,” said Credendino.
“That’s why I am deeply grateful to Adm. Gilday – the continuous effort in fostering cooperation is, indeed, the key to face present challenges to peace and stability, posed by the international scenario, in order to preserve our common reference values.”
The U.S. and Italian Navy regularly operate together around the globe. In addition to regional tasking earlier this year, the two navies have also participated in exercises and activities such as Neptune Strike 2022, Obangame Express, and bilateral drills. These exercises highlight NATO’s ability to integrate high-end maritime warfare capabilities to defend the alliance.
Italy hosts American Sailors at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Naval Air Station Sigonella, and NSA Naples Detachment Gaeta.
This was the first meeting between the two heads of navy. Gilday has previously met with Credendino’s predecessor, current Italian Chief of Defense Staff Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone.
Credendino will host Gilday and other heads of navy at the Trans-Regional Seapower Symposium in Venice, next month.