The first unit to bear the name Scirocco was a “Venti Class” destroyer of the Italian King’s Navy built at the Trigoso Shipyards. Was launched on April 22, 1934 and was sunken on March 23, 1942 for a breakdown of the propulsion system after fighting in the Sirte battle.

The current ITS Scirocco was launched on April 17, 1982 at the Cantieri Navali Riuniti di Riva Trigoso (Genova), and delivered to the Italian Navy on April 23, 1983.

Between 2005 and 2007 ITS Scirocco underwent a thorough modernization program involving the Combat and Platform systems to meet technology and capacity requirements necessary to her service life.

ITS Scirocco has proven great flexibility in performing different tasks in various environments. Her natural vocation as ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) unit makes her fit as:
Complex Command Center: following the upgrading, the unit is equipped with a Control Room where personnel can operate through satellite computer systems to tackle military and non-military events.

Medical Support: with a hospital equipped with a Role 1 NATO first aid to treat casualties. Aircraft onboard can also be used to transport the most serious cases to specialized centres.

SaR: to carry out search and support activities thanks to a number of sensors. Thanks to these features, during Operation Mare Nostrum, ITS Scirocco has been able to rescue and provide assistance to around 400 migrants in one day.

Its Scirocco, like the rest of the Italian Navy ships, has been planned for dual-use capability to be able to perform non strictly military tasks.

Scirocco is a warm, humid southeast wind. In the Mediterranean regions it blows from the Sahara desert and northern Africa towards the Italian and French coasts.

In the Crest are depicted three horses galloping in the African desert, as to symbolize where the wind origins, and the impetuous strength of the sea. The horses progress regularly as one, while their manes billow like the seething sea. In the upper part is the name of the unit, and in the lower the motto: “acriter in hostes” (with vim against the enemy).