Yesterday morning, almost 200 (194 to be exact) young men and women from the tenth Initial Term Volunteers (VFI) course were sworn in at the Non-Commissioned Officers School in La Maddalena, in front of their commanders, the civilian military authorities and almost 800 family members (parents, girlfriends, boyfriends, brothers, sisters and friends), who had come to the island from all over Italy.

The school's commander, Francesco Maffiola, addressed the parents in particular, thanking them "for entrusting us with these splendid young people, who represent the future of our country. Their successes are the result of your strength and dedication."

"Be proud of their life choices, of their commitment to the Navy, to serving others, the community, and their country," said Commander Maffiola, "keeping in mind that the contribution each of them will make will intertwine with that of others, strengthening the solid foundation that protects our Republic."

For the jurors and their families, a concert had been organised the day before in the church of Santa Maria Maddalena, held by the Band of the Naval Academy of Livorno, which at the end opened the large and cheerful "retreat" towards the barracks.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Commander of the West-Cagliari Navy, Admiral Enrico Pacioni, the Mayor of La Maddalena, Fabio Lai, the Deputy Mayor of Palau, Dario Campesi, the Parish Priest of La Maddalena, Father Umberto Deriu, and other civil and military authorities. Also present were children from several elementary school classes at the San Vincenzo Institute, carrying tricolor flags.

Yesterday's swearing-in, the last of four this year, 2025, marked the conclusion of an intensive eight-week basic training program. The students will now continue their training with specific modules, aimed at developing the skills required for their respective categories; some of these will take place in La Maddalena or other locations.

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