ITS Orione is the second unit of the "Costellazioni 2^nd series" class to be built at Riva Trigoso Shipyards using the same technologies used for the "Comandanti Class" ships.

Previously, three other units shared the same name:

•  An Aldebaran class coastal torpedo boat, (1883);
• An Orsa class high seas torpedo boat (1906);
• An Orsa class second series.

Main task of the unit is to protect national interests on the high seas. Specifically, the unit carries out patrol and surveillance activities and control of cargo ships, contrast to illegal trafficking, fisheries patrol and protection of the marine environment. Moreover, she can operate in autonomy as well as in cooperation with other assets in missions such as:

• Anti-pollution operations;
• Monitoring and data collection on marine pollution;
• Defence of platforms engaged in exploitation of the sea bottom;
• Search and Rescue, anti-fire support and medical assistance;
• Technical assistance to damaged ships.

Maximum autonomy at sea (without fuel or food supply) is about 14 days.

Concerning the defence of marine environment, the unit is equipped with antipollution systems for the retrieval of hydrocarbons spilled into the ocean and their dispersion by means of ad-hoc chemical agents. Her antipollution capabilities proved paramount during environmental emergencies, equalling the performances of specialized non-military units.

This kind of unit features high sea-keeping, great command capabilities, control and communication, further enhanced by the possibility of hosting a helicopter onboard, high readiness to provide technical medical assistance at sea.

Antipollution Capability

• Containment: the Units are equipped with a total of 250 meters of 25 floating inflatable barriers (10 m each) modular elements. These barriers are used to contain surfaced pollutants thus allowing their mechanical removal. Each inflatable element coincides with a 60 cm of an under-water barrier. These barriers' dimensions and characteristics are mostly suitable for waves under 60 cm. Each naval unit is equipped with two auxiliary water-jet ships used to tow the booms into the sea in order to facilitate the containment of pollutants.

• Removal of Pollutants: To retrieve oily substances from the ocean surface, a Discoil oil skimmer is used. The units are equipped with 6 boxes for storage of the substances retrieved form the surface. The total stowage capacity is 330 m3. The skimmer can retrieve between 30 and 50 m3/h depending on the type of substance, its viscosity, temperature and the sea conditions.

• Dispersants: The units are also equipped with a device to apply chemicals on the polluted water. The system includes two extensible pipes placed on each side of the bow and equipped with sprinklers. The unit can storage up to 32 m3 of dispersant.

• Analysis Lab: -Onboard the unit there is a chemical laboratory for expeditious analysis of the pollutants retrieved from the surface. The samples are collected with probes and Niskin Bottles, to be later analyzed with a combination of different reagents. Then, the data are processed by a dedicated software. The analyses lab is managed by a team of professionals.

The central part of the Crest depicts the stylized silhouette of the Unit in relief, with the optical badge in the foreground (P410). The prow ploughs the waves as to symbolize the constant presence of the ship on the oceans in homeland defence. On top of the circle is the coat of arms of the Italian Navy, with the emblems of the four Maritime Republics, as to remind to the noble origins of the Italian Navy, surmounted by the motto of the unit: "Lumen et Fides" (Light and Trust). On the top right is depicted Orion constellation, one of the oldest constellations known to the early Greek authors, such as Homer and Hesiod.

The crest is encircled by a hawser-laid rope and surmounted by the towered crown with rostra, a reminder of the origin and tradition of our seamanship, while in the lower part is the burgee reading the name of the unit between two five-pointed stars. 

ITN Orione is based in Augusta and belongs to the Second Flotilla Patrollers of the Patrol Forces Command for Surveillance and Coastal Defence (COMFORPAT).

The ship is the second unit of the Costellazioni" 2^nd series Class; was launched in 2002 and delivered to the Italian Navy in 2003.

The automatized and computer systems allow for a reduced personnel compared with same class but older generations units. The basic design is shared with other Comandanti class units, although the ship's bottom, the hull and superstructures have been built using up-to-date technologies.

Main activities:

• 2010 – River Lambro Emergency - Garibaldi Tall Ships - Operation HERMES 2010 - Exer IONIEX - Exer SQUAL;
• 2011 - Exer ADRION - Operation Cooperative Shield;
• 2012 - Costa Concordia Emergency - Exer VULCANO;
• 2013 - Exer ETNA.

Recent activities:

• Operations - Periodic Fisheries Control missions in territorial waters and adjacent regions;
• Training – Department training activities and antipollution exercises;
• Education – School of Naval Command sessions for Lieutenants approaching their first Command, and Sessions of Bridge Watch Qualification for younger Officers qualifying for Management of the Ship.
• Cooperation – Occasional training activities with foreign navies and participation to well established cooperation programs in the Adriatic Sea;
• Representation – Promoting national image before public and private authorities in national and international ports of call.