June 2021

RADM (ITA N) Stefano RUSSO ITALIAN Navy Commander Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group 2

Rear Admiral Stefano RUSSO was born in Taranto (Puglia) the 25th April 1969. In 1987 he got the High School diploma at the Scientific Lyceum “G. Battaglini” in Taranto and joined the Navy active service attending the regular Officer courses in the Naval Academy in Livorno from 1987 to 1991, getting graduated in Naval and Maritime Science at Pisa University. In May 1992 he got Submarine Qualification and in June 1995 the Submarine Specialization at Naval Academy. In 1998 he attended the Staff Officer Course at Naval Academy and in 1999 the 204° Naval Command Course in Augusta. Commanding Officer as Lieutenant in 2000 – 2001 of the Logistic Ship “BRADANO” he supplied the 28th Italian Naval Group in Albania (operation ALBANIA 2). From 2003 to 2005 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, he was the Commanding Officer of the Submarine “Salvatore PELOSI” a just refitted SAURO class. Under his command, the submarine reached the Full Operational Capability, participated to DOGFISH 04 with valuable results and operated in many ISR missions both under National and NATO OPCON. In particular, during the assignment to Nato Response Force (NRF) in 2005, he conducted three “Active Endeavour” FOCOPS in CENT and EASTMED. From 2008 to 2009 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander he was the Commanding Officer of the Submarine Group (COMGRUPSOM). From the 29th October 2015 to 12th September 2017 as Captain, he was the Commanding Officer of the Submarine Flotilla (COMFLOTSOM) and under his command the eight depending submarines (4 conventional SAURO class and 4 hybrid U212A Type) were trained and supported to perform several National and NATO advanced exercises and operations in the MED. During his career on board of submarines he also served as the Operational Officer of ITS “Enrico DANDOLO” (1992- 95), Weapon Officer of ITS “Guglielmo MARCONI” (1996-98) and Executive Officer of ITS “Guglielmo MARCONI” and “Salvatore PELOSI” (2001-2003). From 2005 to 2008 he served in the “Submarine Training Center “. In particular, as Chief of team instructors, he conducted the Operational Evaluation of the first two new TODARO class submarines (U212A TYPE). Later, in charge as Director of Training Centre, he was involved in several international cooperation programs in the submarine branch with other NATO Navies. From 2012 to 2015 he served as Chief of Staff of Submarine Flotilla. Since September 2017 he is in charge as Chief of Staff of Italian Submarine Command (MARICOSOM) in ROME at Naval Fleet Command in Chief, managing the OPCON of submarines at sea. RADM Stefano RUSSO is decorated of the following medals: • Order of Merit of the Italian Republic; • “Mauriziana medal” for long and meritorious service in the Armed Forces; • Submarine honour badge; • Silver medal for long Command periods; • Gold medal for long journey at sea (20 years); • Gold medal for serving in the Navy (25 years); • Active Endeavour Operation; • “Mare SICURO” national operation;

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