Italian Navy officer Ship of the Line Sublieutenant Santoro Francesco (equivalent of a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade) pauses with coworker Master Gunnery Sgt. Wendell Myles, the operations chief for Regimental Landing Team 2, in the hangar bay of the USS Kearsarge. Francesco, an assault platoon commander temporarily assigned to observe Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, has fought side by side with American forces in Afghanistan. He said it is important for allies like the United States and Italy to train together so they are better prepared to conduct operations together. 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 will take place from Jan. 30 to Feb. 12 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina.