The "Serenissima" Lagunari Regiment is the only amphibious assault infantry unit of the Italian Army. The Lagunari is the youngest specialty of the Infantry Arm, having been established on January 9, 1951.
The unit trains in the Venice lagoon and along the Adriatic coast. Together with the "San Marco" Marine Brigade of the Navy, it forms the sea projection force, the amphibious component of the Italian Armed Forces.
History
The Lagunari are the only amphibious assault unit of the Italian Army, while the Marines of the 1st Regiment of the "San Marco" Marine Brigade are part of the Navy. However, there is both a commonality of employment (they are amphibious units) and a commonality of symbols (the symbols of Venice) between the two units.
The Lagunari trace their maritime traditions back to the marine infantry of the Serenissima Republic of Venice established by Doge Enrico Dandolo in 1202 and transformed into Fanti da Mar during the 16th century. This illustrious tradition is highlighted by the insignia that the Lagunari wear on their uniforms, representing the winged lion of Venice seen from the front (in moleca).
In addition to the symbols on the uniforms, the modern Lagunari use the battle cry "San Marco!" which they have been shouting since 1951 when presenting arms (the "Fanti da Mar" used to shout "Viva San Marco!" after every victory on the battlefield). The establishment of the "Fanti da Mar", which can be traced back to the early 16th century, was made necessary by the central role played by the "Serenissima" in the international context and the need to defend overseas domains from potential attacks from the Ottoman Empire. This reference to the strong Venetian overseas is currently reflected in the official heraldic symbol of the regiment.
During World War II, for the planned invasion of Malta, the Supreme Command in 1942 envisaged a landing force that, together with the San Marco Regiment of the Royal Navy, included a landing unit of the MVSN, the "M" Battalion Group of Blackshirts Landing and the Superga Infantry Division (91st and 92nd Infantry), which trained in Corsica for several months.
The Lagunari Forces Sector
In the post-war period, on January 15, 1951, an interforce unit was established: the "Lagunari Forces Sector" comprising personnel from the Army ("Piave" and "Marghera" battalions and Amphibious Vehicles Company) and the Navy ("San Marco" Battalion), with command entrusted to a Rear Admiral. The "marò" of San Marco constituted the "pure" amphibious component, while the Army Lagunari were the mechanized amphibious component. During the Cold War, the function of the Lagunari was mainly to protect the lagoon and marshy coasts of the Venetia and the Upper Adriatic from potential amphibious threats from neighboring Warsaw Pact countries and to conduct amphibious flanking along the Italian sector of the Adriatic. For this reason, the Lagunari units have been equipped since 1951 with LVTP 4 amphibious assault vehicles (the first amphibious assault vehicles were the American Mk4 "Buffalo" used by the American Marines in the Pacific during World War II).
On July 1, 1957, the "Lagunari Forces Sector" lost all Navy components, which were replaced by the "Isonzo" Battalion.
On September 1, 1957, the sector, while retaining the same operational tasks, changed its organization, assuming the name "Lagunari Group" structured on Command, Command Company, Training Company, Communications Company, two amphibious lagunari battalions "Marghera" and "Piave" and the motorized "Isonzo" Battalion structured in turn on two motorized companies and an amphibious company.
On May 1, 1958, the Lagunari Support Unit was established with amphibious armored vehicles and boats companies (landing craft, inflatable boats, etc.).
On October 25, 1959, in Piazza San Marco in Venice, the Lagunari Group was solemnly presented with the War Flag.
The regiment
On October 25, 1964, the "Serenissima" Lagunari Regiment was established, composed of Regiment Command, Regimental Company, and Communications Company based at "G. Pepe", Amphibious Transport Company based on the island of S. Andrea and Cà Vio detachment; three amphibious battalions "Marghera", "Piave" and "Isonzo", based respectively in Malcontenta, Mestre, Villa Vicentina, and finally the XXII Tank Battalion "Serenissima", based in San Vito al Tagliamento, heir to the XXII Tank Battalion "Maggiore Coralli" of the Royal Army active from 1935 to 1944, which during World War II was deployed in Libya participating in the North Africa campaign. The "Marghera", "Piave" and "Isonzo" battalions were each equipped with M113 APCs and alternatively an amphibious vehicles and boats platoon. With the amphibious vehicles platoons of the battalions stationed at the Cà Vio base and with the boats platoon of the same battalions, together with the boats platoon stationed on the island of Sant'Andrea, the Amphibious Transport Company is formed.
The Lagunari of the Army received from the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, General of the Army Corps Aloia, the designation of Reggimento Lagunari "Serenissima", along with the task of guarding and preserving the traditions of the embarked militias of the Serenissima Republic: the "Fanti da Mar" who fought for Venice for 800 years. In fact, the symbol of the Lagunari is the lion of Venice holding a sword and keeping a paw on the closed book. At the "Andrea Bafile" barracks in Villa Vicentina, the training base of the San Marco Battalion, the Navy sent the conscripted personnel recruited and assigned to the 13th group of the Navy (the Marò of the "San Marco" Battalion) until the second contingent of 1963.
On September 1, 1975, following measures consequent to the restructuring of the Italian Army, the "Marghera" Battalion was dissolved and on October 20, the Reggimento Lagunari was also dissolved to form the "Comando Lagunari Truppe Anfibie", structured on the Lagunari Command Company "Truppe Anfibie", amphibious Battalion "Sile", formed by transforming the Transport Company, while the "Piave" Battalion, assuming the structure of a mechanized battalion, gave life to the 1st Lagunari Battalion "Serenissima" which inherited the War Flag of the Regiment. The "Isonzo" Battalion, in turn, assumed the structure of a mechanized battalion, changing its name to the 41st Mechanized Battalion "Modena" and was incorporated into the newly formed Mechanized Brigade "Gorizia", into which the XXII Tank Battalion renamed 22nd Tank Battalion "M.O. Piccinini", reconfigured from a lagoon-tank battalion to a purely tank battalion, which during the 1976 Friuli earthquake distinguished itself in rescue operations for the injured and survivors and in the removal of debris, limiting the damage of the severe disaster.
On June 25, 1984, with D.P.R., the recognition of the "Lagunari" Specialty was sanctioned starting from January 9, 1951, and on August 26 of the same year, the Military Ordinary for Italy declared Saint Mark the patron of the "Amphibious Troops".
In 1992, still within the framework of ordering measures concerning the reorganization of the Army, the Lagunari Battalion "Serenissima" and the Amphibious Means Battalion "Sile" were suppressed and the Reggimento Lagunari "Serenissima" was reconstituted, structured on: Regiment Command and Command and Services Company, based in Venice Lido, Command of the I Lagunari Battalion, with three Rifle Companies and a Heavy Mortar Company based in Malcontenta di Mira, Nautical Means Company based on the Island of Vignole. Still within the same Army restructuring project, the 22nd Tank Battalion "M.O. Piccinini", heir to the XXII Tank Battalion "Serenissima", in 1992 gave life to the 2nd Tank Regiment.
The Reggimento Lagunari "Serenissima" was placed under the direct dependency of the 5th Army Corps of Vittorio Veneto until December 1997, when, after receiving, among the first Army units, volunteer personnel in place of conscripted personnel, it passed under the dependency of the Projection Forces Command.
The restructuring
Within the framework of the organic restructuring, which provided for the transformation of the Regiment into a light infantry unit and the relocation to three locations, from May 18, 1999, the regiment command, the "Venezia" command and services company, and the "Adria" heavy mortar company were relocated to the new "Matter" barracks in Mestre, the Command of the I Lagunari Battalion, the 1st Amphibious Company "Marghera", the 2nd Amphibious Company "Piave" and the 3rd Amphibious Company "Isonzo", were located in the "Bafile" barracks in Malcontenta di Mira, while the "Sile" nautical means company was located in the "S. Andrea" barracks on the Island of Vignole. Still within the reconfiguration project, on September 1, 2000, the anti-tank company was established at the "Matter" barracks in Mestre.
From December 1, 2000, the Lagunari Regiment is framed in the cavalry Brigade "Pozzuolo del Friuli" placed under the dependency of the 1st Defense Forces Command based in Vittorio Veneto.
Since 2007, it has been operationally part of the large inter-force unit Sea Projection Force with the Marine Brigade "San Marco".
Organization
Today the Regiment is entirely composed of volunteer personnel. The Regiment Command, the Maneuver Support Company, and the Command and Logistic Support Company are located at the "Matter" barracks in Mestre. The Battalion Command, the 1st Amphibious Company "Marghera", the 2nd Amphibious Company "Piave" and the 3rd Amphibious Company "Isonzo", are located in the "Bafile" barracks in Malcontenta; the Amphibious Tactical Support Company is located at the amphibious base of S. Andrea in Venice on the Island of Vignole:
- Regiment Command (Mestre)
- Command and logistic support company
- Amphibious reconnaissance company
- Amphibious tactical support company (Isola delle Vignole)
- Courses company
- Lagunari battalion (Venice Lagoon)
- 1st Amphibious Company "Marghera"
- 2nd Amphibious Company "Piave"
- 3rd Amphibious Company "Isonzo"
- Maneuver support company
Vehicles
As an infantry unit, the Regiment is still equipped with VCC2 tracked vehicles and is capable of performing all the typical roles of a mechanized infantry unit. However, due to the recent reorganization program, the Regiment is transforming into a light infantry unit equipped with VTLM wheeled vehicles.
As an amphibious unit, the Regiment is equipped with AAV7 (a specific tracked troop transport vehicle with full amphibious capability and the ability to carry up to 21 soldiers), landing craft, rigid motorboats, inflatable boats (Zodiac Marine and Pool), and kayaks used for amphibious operations. These operations are carried out through landings on hostile beaches or alternatively amphibious raids and other operations conducted by specialized elements. To fulfill these tasks, soldiers of all ranks assigned to the Regiment must pass a specific qualification course to obtain the necessary skills to face the typical challenges of amphibious operations.
Military Unit Description
The Lagunari are capable of operating fully autonomously on any type of terrain and, thanks to amphibious and special vehicles and specific training, the Lagunari Regiment is a key element of the Italian Defense's rapid deployment forces, capable of quickly reaching and being immediately ready for combat on any type of territory worldwide. The Lagunari are a unit specialized in amphibious operations. They have assault craft and amphibious vehicles. The Lagunari Regiment "Serenissima" is particularly trained to act in contexts where the presence of two elements (land and water) limits the use of regular infantry regiments. Operational mobility in water is the main characteristic of the Lagunari units. The Lagunari can easily operate in inland waters in classic "riverine" operations (rivers, lakes, and lagoons) and at sea and perform the typical tasks of amphibious assault infantry (Marines) in various operational contexts. For this reason, obtaining the Amphibious Qualification certificate is essential for remaining in the Lagunari Regiment.
The Regiment, being of a dual-purpose nature, cooperates with other units of the Pozzuoli del Friuli brigade and with the amphibious component of the Navy.
Overseas Operations
The Regiment has also participated in combined exercises on national or foreign territory, where the Lagunari have operated in almost all environments, from European valleys, Canadian forests, Mediterranean beaches, the Egyptian desert, and Estonian swamps to the snowy Alps. As a conscript unit, the Regiment was involved in almost all natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, operations in support of the Police in the fight against organized crime. Having become a professional unit, the Regiment began to project itself into operations outside the national territory.
From June to December 1998, the 3rd Amphibious Company took part in the operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo as part of the Italian contingent in the NATO/SFOR operation (Constant Forge).
From October 1999 to February 2000, the entire Regiment was redeployed to Đakovica, Kosovo for the NATO/KFOR operation (Joint Guardian). From February to June 2001, it was employed in Peć and Klina, Kosovo (Consistent Effort).
From November 2002, the regiment was again deployed in the Kosovo area in the municipalities of Peć, Klina, and Goraždevac for the operation "Decisive Endavour".
From June 2003 to May 2005, units of the Regiment at platoon or company level took part in the operation "Ancient Babylon", in the city of Nassiriya, Iraq.
The entire Regiment was employed from May to September 2004 in the Dhi Qar governorate in southern Iraq; in this last operation, Captain Massimo Ficuciello and 1st Corporal Major Matteo Vanzan lost their lives.
On June 21, 2006, the Lagunari Regiment "Serenissima" was awarded the Army Silver Medal for valor for activities carried out from 1951-2003.
From September 2006 to April 2007, the Regiment was engaged in Operation "Leonte", in southern Lebanon, to ensure the security and stability conditions necessary for the implementation and respect of United Nations resolution 1701.
On June 25, 2008, with a solemn ceremony in Piazza San Marco in Venice, the Regiment's War Flag was awarded the Army Gold Medal for valor for the events of August 2004 in Iraq.
From 2008 to 2009, the Regiment was again engaged in Operation "Leonte", in southern Lebanon.
In 2010-2012, it was employed in the ISAF Operation in Afghanistan in the province of Farah where it operated for six months.
In 2013 the Regiment operated again within the framework of Operation "Leonte", in southern Lebanon.
In 2019 the Regiment was deployed again in Afghanistan in the operation "Resolute Support"
Lagunare on mission in Lebanon poses behind an AAV7
In 2020 - 2021 it was deployed with small units in Venice and Genoa in Operation Strade Sicure in support of the Law Enforcement.
In 2022 the Regiment was deployed both in Lebanon and Somalia. In southern Lebanon leading "Unifil Italbatt" under the UN flag to monitor compliance with the ceasefire and the Blue Line (Resolution 1701 of August 11, 2006, United Nations Security Council), In Somalia within the "EUTM-S Mission with Advising, Mentoring and Training activities, it contributes to the development of territorial control capabilities by the Somali Security Forces.
Patron and Corps Celebration
The patron is Saint Mark (April 25).
On June 25, the anniversary of the recognition of the Specialty (1984) is celebrated, which recognizes, with a decree of the Minister of Defense of June 25, 1984, the Lagunari Specialty from the date of its establishment on January 9, 1951.
On March 7, 2011, with a solemn ceremony in Farah, in the Afghan operational theater, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Army, General of the Army Corps Giuseppe Valotto, presented the new specialty beret to the Lagunari. The green beret recalls the color of the Venice lagoon "which for over 800 years saw the Fanti da Mar of the Serenissima depart for overseas missions".
Honors
Knight's Cross of the Military Order of Italy
Regiment deployed in Afghan territory, in a region characterized by extreme instability and continuous state of conflict, conducted numerous daring operations achieving brilliant operational results, demonstrating unwavering dedication, initiative, and insightful military action. Operated with valiant commitment, offering a constant example of the highest professionalism, firmness, and enthusiasm. Regiment guardian of extraordinary values has contributed to the prestige and honor of Italy in the international context, earning the appreciation of the Nation and the recognition of allied countries.
Farah (Afghanistan), 2010-2011 - Herat (Afghanistan), 2019
Gold Medal for Army Valor
Infantry regiment, participated in the operation "Antica Babilonia 4" in Iraq as part of the Italian Joint Task Force. Deployed in a theater characterized by harsh and widespread violence, it wrote indelible pages of military valor and generous altruism. With selfless feelings of dedication and enthusiasm supported by the highest ideals of human brotherhood, it conducted humanitarian and assistance activities bringing relief to the Iraqi population, countering, on several occasions and with vehement courage, repeated and unpredictable attacks to which it was subjected by hostile forces that treacherously prevented their realization. Continuously engaged in the training activities of the 604th Battalion of the Iraqi National Guard, it devoted, with convinced dedication and determined participation, every resource to the preparation and training of the units of the new Iraqi army, achieving in a short time brilliant results unanimously recognized within the coalition and local authorities. In particular, during the clashes on the night between August 5 and 6, 2004, following attacks launched by militiamen entrenched on the right bank of the Euphrates River in the city of An Nasiriyah, it intervened, with the ardor and dedication of its Lagunari, in defense of local institutions for the restoration of constituted authority, forcing the adversaries to request a ceasefire. Undisputed example of a cohesive and highly motivated unit, which provided further and undisputed proof of professional capability, courage, moral firmness, and extraordinary military virtues, contributing significantly to enhancing the prestige of the Army in the international context.
An Nasiriyah (Iraq), August 5-6, 2004
Silver Medal for Army Valor
The "Serenissima" Regiment, guardian of the traditions of the "lagunari" soldiers, has been engaged in multiple rescue interventions for civilian populations affected by severe natural disasters and in numerous international rescue operations, during which it has always demonstrated generous enthusiasm and an uncommon sense of participation. In such circumstances, even when subjected to extremely tough operational cycles and intense workloads, the personnel of the Regiment demonstrated unparalleled expertise, the highest sense of duty, and an elevated spirit of sacrifice, not devoid of singular courage in carrying out the most dangerous activities. With the tenacity and unwavering will always put into action, the Lagunari Regiment has earned the unconditional praise, unanimous gratitude, and unlimited admiration of the rescued populations as well as the absolute esteem of all the contingents of foreign nations that have operated with the unit in international missions. A significant example of high civic and military virtues, as well as courageous altruism and outstanding professionalism that has brought honor to the Italian Army, elevating the nation's image even in the international context
National Territory and Balkan Theater, 1951-2003
Silver Cross of Army Merit
Infantry regiment, part of the "Joint task force - Lebanon", heir to the glorious traditions of the "Fanti da mar" of the Serenissima Republic of Venice, was deployed in the Lebanese theater of operations in a region characterized by instability and latent conflict. With the determination and enthusiasm of its soldiers, it decisively contributed to writing brilliant pages in peacekeeping operations. Thanks to deep feelings of dedication and enthusiasm, supported by high ideals of human brotherhood, it became a protagonist in conducting humanitarian and assistance activities in favor of the local population, gaining unconditional approval everywhere. Its lagoon troops, always present since the beginning of operations, were the main actors in the complete construction of the "United Nations 2-1" base in the Mara La area, offering an example of high professionalism and tireless sense of duty. The "Serenissima" lagoon regiment contributed, through the work of its personnel, to bringing honor to Italy and the Army, elevating the prestige of the Nation and the Armed Forces in the international context.
Shama (Lebanon), November 9, 2006 - April 13, 2007
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