Italian officers attending a preflight course at the academy gave Midshipmen 3rd Class Michael Balistreri, Michael Costelloe, Ryan Matti and Gia Mancini a tour of the institution, which is located in Tuscany between the cities of Florence and Pisa. The preflight course, which includes intensive training in the English language by a U.S. naval officer, is followed by training at the U.S. Navy flight school in Pensacola, Fla.

This visit marks the first significant exchange between the two academies in several years. During the tour, the midshipmen visited the academy’s sea-navigation simulator, academic classrooms and planetarium. Their guides gave a presentation about the Italian Naval Academy and its history in order to educate the midshipmen and practice their English. The midshipmen also participated in a noon meal formation and enjoyed an Italian meal in the mess hall.

“It was an eye-opening experience to dine with the third class Italian midshipmen,” said Balistreri. ‘‘We realized we aren't all that different from one another. Our curiosity about Italy was matched by their curiosity about the States.“

The midshipmen met two Italian ensigns who were scheduled to attend the Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Council two weeks later. Hopefully, their visit will foster an increase of communication and cultural exchange between the two Academies.

Before the midshipmen departed to return home, they presented the Commandant of the Italian Naval Academy with a signed photograph of the Italian-American Club and the Brigade of Midshipmen Flag.

Since returning to the U.S., the midshipmen have continued to communicate with the Italian midshipmen they met on the trip.

“I have been in contact via Facebook with many of the Italian midshipmen we met in Livorno,” said Balistreri. ‘‘While there, and from my conversations since, I've realized we all have similar struggles to overcome, regardless of national borders.“