Frigates: Bergamini Class

[Brian James]

Bergamini Class Frigate ITS Virginio Fasan pictured in 1967 and post refit in 1971.In the late 1960s, the Marina Militare adopted the Bell AB.204 as its standard shipboard helicopter. In order to accommodate the larger helicopter, a larger helicopter deck and hangar (which was still collapsible) was fitted, which in turn required removal of the aft 76 mm gun.She was stricken from the register in 1988.