ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) is the second ship of the FREMM (European Multipurpose Frigate)-class frigates and the first of the series in ASW configuration. Built at Fincantieri Shipyard, Riva Trigoso, the vessel was launched on March 31, 2012, transferred to Muggiano shipyards, where she completed her fitting out and underwent sea trials. Commissioned by the Italian Navy on December 19, 2013.

In the past, the first vessel to bear the same name served in the Italian Navy in the ASW configuration, from 1960s to 1980s. Constructed at Navalmeccanica shipyards, Castellammare di Stabia, the frigate was launched on October 9, 1960 and commissioned on October 10, 1962. With a displacement of 1,526 tons and a 94 metres length, the ship could reach a 26 knots speed.

Armament consisted of three 76/62 MMI guns, an anti-submarine depth-charge mortar and six triple torpedo-tubes; the ship was propelled by diesel engines. The Bergamini-class frigates, which included ITS Virginio Fasan (F 594), were the first ASW helicopter-capable ships. Their flight deck was considerably extended to carry out helicopters operations.

The present multirole frigate is manned by a crew complement of 167 men and women, the same number of crewmembers embarked on the old ship Fasan - 50m shorter and 5,000 tons lighter than the present frigate. Personnel reduction has been offset by the high automation level of the onboard systems featuring the modern multitasking vessels.

The Crest, shared by all three FREMM-class frigates, depicts the silhouette of the ship to highlight her state-of-the-art systems (sensors and gunnery) and stealth characteristics.

On a blue background are inscribed the optical badge and the Latin Motto: "In aleis strenua, in pugna invicta", meaning: 'Valiant in risky situations and invincible during the battle'. On the left is the effigy of the WWII Gold Medal Virginio Fasan. The crest is surmounted by the name of the Unit and the towered crown with rostra symbolizing the Italian Navy.