Italian frigate Espero (F 576)

Espero (F 576) is the seventh ship of the Maestrale-class frigate of the Italian Navy.

Development
The Maestrale-class frigates were primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), however the ships are highly flexible so they are also capable of anti-air and anti-surface operations. Ships of this class have been widely used in various international missions, either under NATO or UN flag, and during normal operations of the Italian Navy.

The first of these ships entered in service in early 1982. The rest of the fleet was launched over the next three years. The ships of the Maestrale class will be replaced by the Bergamini class.

Construction and career
She was laid down on 1 August 1982 and launched on 19 November 1983 by Fincantieri shipyards. Commissioned on 4 May 1985 with the hull number F 576.