The Italian Navy’s strength is being greatly enhanced. Most recently, Trieste, a new landing helicopter dock for the Italian Navy, is undergoing sea trials. In addition, the Italian Navy currently operates three 8,000-ton amphibious assault ships, the San Giorgio class: San Giorgio, San Marco and San Giusto. They specialize in amphibious operations, replacing the Grado-class ships that were decommissioned in the late 1980s.San Marco (L 9893) is the second ship of the San Giorgio-class landing platform dock. San Marco was laid down on 26 March 1985 and launched on 10 October 1987 by Fincantieri at Riva Trigoso. She was commissioned on 14 May 1988.