Sharm El Sheikh – On September 10, General Giovanni Maria Iannucci, Commander of the Joint Operational Command (COVI), concluded his visit to Egypt, where he met with Italian troops deployed in the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) mission and attended the final phase of the multinational exercise Bright Star 2025.
Welcomed in Sharm El Sheikh by Defense Attaché Captain Andrea Micheli and Coastal Naval Group Ten Commander Captain Gianmaria Sorrentino, General Iannucci visited the South Camp base and met with MFO Force Commander Major General Michael Edward Garraway. Their discussion centered on the mission’s role in ensuring compliance with the peace accords between Egypt and Israel, and on Italy’s contribution through the Coastal Patrol Unit (CPU).
During his visit with the Italian contingent, the General received a briefing on CPU activities to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Strait of Tiran. Addressing the troops, he said: “Be proud to wear the Italian flag on your shoulder and mindful that you represent our nation’s defense in a mission of great importance for security and international cooperation.”
The visit continued aboard Nave Vedetta, an Explorer-class coastal patrol vessel, and then at the Mohamed al Naguib base in Hammam, where he attended the closing phase of Bright Star 2025, co-organized by Egypt and the United States under USCENTCOM to strengthen international cooperation and regional stability. Italy contributed more than 1,000 troops from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Before returning to Italy, General Iannucci paid tribute to the fallen at the Italian Military Memorial in El Alamein, laying a wreath in remembrance and respect.