At the Navy Petty Officers School in La Maddalena, approximately three hundred students – a third of whom were women – uttered the traditional “I swear!” at the end of the formula read by the commander, Captain Francesco Maffiola .

Among the Institute's top figures was the Deputy Commander, Captain Paola Piroddi . The ceremony was attended by approximately a thousand family members, who had come from all over Italy to share, amidst emotion and celebration, the official induction of their relatives—daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, girlfriends, and boyfriends—into the ranks of the Armed Forces. After the swearing-in ceremony and the Commander's remarks, Admiral Enrico Pacioni , the commander of the Western Autonomous Maritime Command, spoke.

In attendance were Giuseppe Meloni , Vice President of the Sardinia Region; Fabio Lai , Mayor of La Maddalena; Federica Porcu , representing the province of Gallura; and Dario Campesi, representing the Municipality of Palau; as well as numerous civil, military, and religious authorities. Delegations from military associations also attended the ceremony, a testament to the bond with the Navy of those who, even on leave, "always remain sailors."

Yesterday's swearing-in ceremony was the most attended in La Maddalena since the abolition of military service. And the outlook indicates even higher numbers for the upcoming VFI (Volunteer in Initial Service) volunteer courses.

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