Italian Navy officer Ship of the Line Sublieutenant Santoro Francesco (equivalent of a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade) discusses Exercise Bold Alligator 2012 with Master Gunnery Sgt. Wendell Myles, Regimental Landing Team 2 operations chief, as they walk through the hangar bay aboard the USS Kearsarge on Jan. 31. Francesco said it is a great opportunity for the Italian Navy to learn about amphibious operations in part because the United States and Italy often work together in combat operations. Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps’ revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today’s fight with today’s forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise is scheduled to take place through Feb. 12 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina.