The first unit to bear the name Etna was a wooden corvette in service between 1863 and 1875. The second Etna was a ram destroyer in service from 1887 to 1920. The third was an AA cruiser launched in 1942, but before entering service was sabotaged and seized by the German army. The hull was later found in 1945 in the waters off Trieste and demolished. The fourth Etna was a former US (WITHLEY) AKA launched in 1944, was in service until 1955 and condemned in 1960. After being reinstated in 1962, she remained in service until 1977 and finally demolished in 1979.

The current Etna is the fifth unit of the Italian Navy to bear this name. She was built at the Riva Trigoso Shipyards, launched on July 12, 1997 and delivered to the Italian Navy on July 29, 1998. ITS Etna has been the first logistics unit of the Italian Navy and her great flexibility of use makes her fit to multiple uses:

As a complex command platform, up to MCC level thanks to fully equipped two Staff Rooms, Operations Command, a command and control integrated system; all these features allow dual-use capabilities to support public agencies, as well as private organizations in case of emergency.

As a replenishment tanker, for transport and oil, lubricant, food, medicines and support materials supply. She is fitted with a flight deck that can operate "light", "medium lift", and "heavy lift" helicopters, a hangar that can hold an AB-212/SH-3D/ NH-90/ EH-101 helicopter. The load-unload management is fully computerized and can be used to provide assistance to populations in distress.

As logistics support, with three workshops for helicopters, mechanics and electro-mechanics to provide technical assistance to other units at sea. All features can be used to provide assistance to populations in distress in case of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and so on.

As health support, with a Role 2 + medical treatment facilities (according to NATO classification) that can perform:

• Medical exams, outpatients and emergencies therapies;
• Emergency dental care;
• X-rays and lab tests;
• Lifesaving and Limb-salvage surgery;
• Early treatment of burns;

Health care is provided by an emergency surgery team which includes an anesthetist, a surgeon, an orthopedic and a dentist, they can guarantee medical care for 20 days in a row to a naval group of 1,800. The equipment, medical skills and premises meet the highest efficiency standards.

According to Greek mythology, Aetna was a Sicilian nymph, daughter of Gaia and Uranus. Mount Etna in Sicily was believed to have derived its name from her. 

In the upper part of the Crest is Aetna half-length with a shield and a spear; on her right is a Greek brazier with a flame representing her power over fire. The lower part depicts the profile of the sailing unit, passing over the edge and creating heavy seas. On the bow is the optical badge (A5326).

The circular crest is surmounted by the crowned tower with rostra of the ancient Roman seamanship to bear witness of the honour and valour conferred to the dukes of naval deeds, conquerors of lands and cities overseas. Within two five pointed stars, to represent her belonging to the Armed Forces, is the motto: "Tenacemente Ovunque" on top and the name of the unit "Nave Etna" below.