ITS Capri is the latest in a class of 6 units, featuring transport of vehicles and materials, as well as coastal logistics, in areas hard to be reached by land or by sea with different units. This type of vessels are sometimes included in the family of amphibious operations units, since they feature a continuous deck hull, and a high forecastle, whilst the aft upper deck – used as stowage plan, can be joined to piers or beaches through a retractable ramp allowing the handling of vehicles and materials. The unit is also equipped with an emergency room and is capable of carrying vehicles for medical services in case of need.

The unit was laid on the stocks on December 19, 1985 at the CN Mario Morini, Ancona; launched on June 18, 1987 with the name “MTC 1016, and then commissioned to the Italian Navy on September 16, 1987. On April 19, 1985 the Navy Staff decreed that the Unit should be given the name MTC (Coastal Motor-Transport) Capri.

In September 1987, MTC Capri starts her long lasting activity at sea, undocking from Ancona harbour for her first training trip; the following month the Unit is assigned to Venice. On October 22, 1987 MTC Capri moves on to Taranto – registry seat of the unit, and in November, after a stop in the Puglia berth, she moves on to Naples, her assignment seat. Sailing from this harbour, in the first years of her long lasting career, MTC Capri carries out many intensive activities including: logistic support through interdepartmental transport of vehicles and materials, a participation in the training sessions of the Naval Command School (during which she is worked by attending Lieutenants close to their first Command experience), promotion and representation activities, as well as exercises.

By the end of the 1980’s the different operational requirements determine a change in the assignation port, and the Unit is moved from Naples to La Spezia, her current seat of displacement. During the 90’s, MTC Capri performs an intense activity at sea carrying out national and international operations. As a matter of fact, since April 16, 1992 the Unit is engaged in the Albanian coastal patrolling, collaborating with the 22^nd Naval Group during the “Albanian Guard” operation.

These operations ended in August 1992 and MTC Capri resumed her main task of Vehicle Transport Ship carrying out duties of logistic support between the main Italian harbours. Since March 1997 the Unit has participated in the “Alba-Neo”, “Alba” and “Alba 2” operations in Albania. On April 15, 1997 is created the COMGRUPNAV 28, comprised of MTC Capri and her sister units Capreraand Tremiti – this latest unit is also the seat of Command, which, besides carrying out her primary task of logistic support, takes part in many national and NATO exercises, such as DESTINED GLORY 2005 and ITALIAN MINEX 2006.

Finally, she takes part in assistance and support activities to the new SCIRÈ submarine. Recently her crew has adopted a student symbol to represent the Unit: a witch riding a broom, to mean that, old as she is, MTC Capri still has the strength to “fly” far, just like a witch.