(A.Doria image). Andrea Doria class was designed for anti-submarine combat and carried 4 AB-212 ASW helicopters as well as 2 triple 324mm torpedo tubes for Mk.46 torpedoes. These ships had a hangar next to the flight deck that could accommodate up to 3 helicopters. In 1969, Andrea Doria cruiser tested the Harrier V-STOL aircraft, but it proved too small for such aircraft. In addition, these cruisers had powerful anti-aircraft weapons composed of RIM-2 Terrier SAM missiles and 76mm OTO-Melara Allargato dual-purpose guns in single mounts.(A.Doria image). The Andrea Doria class were very modern and well-built ships, with the greatest advances in naval engineering when they entered service. They had two pairs of stabilizers that could reduce the roll from 30º to 3º while sailing at 20 knots. They also had automated systems for damage control and the machinery was divided in two separate rooms to prevent damage in the case of an impact. Each turbine had an independent group of boilers that could be controlled remotely from a propulsion plant. The interior of the ships were subdivided into six watertight compartments, being able to navigate with two of them flooded. They had an SPQ-2 radar for navigation and SPS-12 and SPS-39A radars for air surveillance. They were also equipped with an NA-9 Orion fire control system that, together with an SPG-70 radar, automatically controlled the 76mm guns. Another radar directed the firing of the anti-aircraft missiles and they carried an SQS-39 hull mounted sonar for underwater detection.Andrea Doria cruiser (on the image) entered service in February 1964 and was initially based at La Spezia although in the 80s she changed her base to Taranto. She spent most of her career conducting naval exercises and training although she also participated in some notable operations. In June 1980 she participated in the search for victims of the Itavia Flight 870 plane crash, and in November of that same year she carried out support tasks after the catastrophic Irpinia earthquake in Southern Italy. In 1982 she supported the Italian mission on Lebanon and in 1986 she participated in the American attack on Libya in 1986 (Operation El Dorado Canyon). The Andrea Doria was retired from service in September 1992.Caio Duilio (on the image) entered service in November 1964 and was initially assigned to the Taranto naval base, but in the 80s it was transferred to La Spezia. In 1976, Terrier SAM missiles were changed to the more capable Standard SM-1ER missiles and received new sonar and radar modernization. In 1980, Caio Duilio was transformed into a training cruiser, operating only with 2 helicopters instead of 4 and dismantling two 76mm guns. The ship was decommissioned in July 1991.
