ITS Comandante Bettica, third Unit of the “Comandanti” class, represents the technical evolution of the second line fighting platforms of the Italian Navy. This Unit has been designed for “medium-range” operational activities and can operate up to 10 days with no refueling. These activities include: surveillance, monitoring and deterrence, safeguard of national interests and intervention in rescue operations. The Unit is armed with a “Super Rapido” Oto-Breda 76/62 gun and two Oerlikon KBA 25/80 machine guns that guarantee speed and accuracy in short range shots to protect the ship. It is also possible to take aboard an AB212 or a NH90 model helicopter to support surveillance and patrolling of merchant vessels.

The motto: “Con ardire e con tenacia” is a clear reminder of the determination and great “valour” (ardire) proven by Commanding Officer Ener Bettica when, facing an enemy battle group, repeated with “tenacity” (tenacia) his attacks, until the ship under his command was seriously stricken and eventually sank.

In the foreground of the Crest is the silhouette of the sailing Unit, highlighting the “stealth” geometries of the hull. In the background is a lightning above the profile of another ship, a reminder of Commanding Officer Ener Bettica’s heroic deed when he confronted the enemy formation on board ITS Folgore.

Lieutenant Commander Ener BETTICA
Gold Medal to Military Valour (posthumously awarded).

“A Senior Officer with high combative skills, he insisted on embarking on torpedo boats although, due to his highly qualified technical skills, he was meant to stay ashore.

As Commanding Officer of a torpedo boat, during a night fierce fight against an enemy formation consisting of cruisers and torpedo-boats, he twice bravely attacked the enemy units and, reckless of the harsh reaction, with cold audaciousness and skill, destroyed one of the enemy ships launching deadly torpedoes at close range. His unit was fatally hit while amidst the enemy formation and although the torpedoes had run out, for over half an hour he carried on his fight with a cannon.

After leading to safety his crew, he sank his ship, sacrificing his life for the Navy, his Country and progress.”

(Sicily Channel, December 2, 1942)
(R.D. May 18, 1943)