Francesco Maria de Biase - Admiral

Admiral Francesco Maria de Biase was born in Molfetta, a charming town on the coast of Puglia. Since he was a teenager, he cultivated a strong passion for the sea which took him to the Nautical Institute of Bari Francesco Caracciolo where he qualified as a sea captain.
After graduation, he attended the Naval Academy, enlisting in the Navy in 1973,  serving on submarines and ships in every possible rank from Lieutenant to Rear Admiral.
His career covered prestigious offices and distant destinations,  in command of the Submarine PIOMARTA in 1984, Submarine DA VINCI in 1986 and Submarine SAURO in 1988.
As captain of the frigate GRECALE ASW, Admiral de Biase took part in a NATO operation called SHARP GUARD, prohibiting navigation towards the former Yugoslavia.
Between 1999 and 2000, as captain of the missile launcher VITTORIO VENETO, he sailed toward the Southeast Asia, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean.
He has been the captain of the Maritime Forces Patrol (COMFORPAT), a naval force consisting of 18 ships (Augusta, Sicily, 2004).
An expert in military policies, security strategy and defence of the Armed Forces, Admiral de Biase has been in charge of the Head Office at the Public Organization of the Navy in Rome.
In 2008 the Admiral was transferred to the Italian Embassy in London as Military Attache’, where he  currently works with the Italian Ambassador on politico-military matters and as spiritual guide for all Italian militaries that operate in the United Kingdom.

Accademia Apulia has asked Admiral de Biase a few questions:

When did you realise that you wanted to pursue a career in the Navy?
From an early age I set myself the goal of becoming a master mariner. This dream turned into reality when, at the end of junior high school, I decided to attend the Nautical Institute of Bari to become a sea captain.

What is presently required to pursue your career?
Nowadays, a high school diploma is all that’s needed to sit an annual exam set by both the Naval Academy of Livorno and the Naval Military Schools of Taranto and the Maddalena.
The Naval Academy specializes in several different fields. For example, one can train as Corps of Staff officer (and go on to become ship commander), as well as train to become an officer of the corps of technicians in naval weapons and naval engineering. Currently, the Naval Academy also trains the Harbour Commissioners and the Military Medical Corps of the Navy.

Returning to your professional background, what kind of training did you peruse after the 5-year course at the Nautical Institute in Bari?
The 5-year course at the Nautical Institute represented the formative years that allowed me to become a Sea Captain, that is, cargo/passenger ship captain. After that time, my professional interests moved to the Navy.

Why this change?
I was fascinated by the academic world and decided to do my university studies at the Naval Academy rather than at University of Bari. Consequently, I attended a four-year course at the Naval Academy in Livorno.

What was the most interesting aspect of your studies?
I would say, the process of acquiring a cultural and professional competence that allowed me to fulfill my dream of becoming a sea captain. At the end my training at the Academy, I spent  14 years on board of submarines. I held various positions until I become a submarine commander with a crew of 100 men at the age of 30!

A true dream come true?
Yes. A dream came true from the moment I had my very first experience as a submariner.
My career progressed and I became a Commander of Surface Ships that allowed me to travel the world, truly epitomising an advert that said:"Joint  the Navy and you will travel the world". I  consider myself lucky to be part of of the Navy, because the moment I joined I went straight on board various submarines navigating the Mediterranean, and then onto ships that took me all over the world.

You are now a “Military Attaché” - how would you describe a typical day?
As head of the Italian Military Representative Office in London, I am involved in all politico-military matters and and answer directly to the Italian Ambassador. At the same time I am responsible for all the Italian soldiers who work or study in the UK. I also co-ordinate  the activities of the Air Force, the Army, the Navy and the Police Force. I am responsible for the staff directly employed by me, staff deployed elsewhere for office or training  and  staff in office under British command bodies.

You accomplished several missions. Which was the most difficult?
It 's not easy to answer this question because every situation requires specific solutions that depend on specific evaluations or challenges faced by an officer. Life at sea is unpredictable, we have always to consider unexpected and sudden changes. One needs to rely not only on his professional knowledge, but also on the contribution of the crew working toward a common goal.
A sailor soon learns to face any difficulty -  with the knowledge and hope that even the most difficult situation can be overcome through their single contribution or through team effort.

Your work has taken you away from your family unit. How do you cope with staying away from your home-place?
My career choice was shared by the woman who  became my wife. We were both aware that we would face long periods apart, and away from the country of origin. However, we were also aware that this experience would enrich us culturally and spiritually.

What is your message to young people?
I shall give them the same advice I give my own children:

Do not remain isolated, locked in with your family, but broaden your horizon and look out for any multinational experiences that will help you achieve your personal goals more swiftly. As citizens of the world you will share your lives with other citizens of the world, learning to love your neighbor, regardless of race, creed and culture.

 

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