Giacinto Ottaviani attended the Italian Naval Academy from 1983 to 1987. Afterwards, he spent several years onboard of warships as Navigator and Comms Officer. From July to December 1988 he took part in the naval operations during the first war in Persian Gulf in order to protect national merchant ships sailing in the area. From 1994 to 1995, appointed Commanding Officer of patrolling warship Cassiopea, he was involved in operations to protect national fishing vessels in Sicily Channel. From 2003 to 2004 he was onboard the frigate Aviere as Executive Officer and took part in two different Nato Operations against international terrorism. From 2004 to 2005, as Commanding Officer of frigate Espero, he was involved in other two Nato operations against international terrorism. From 2005 to 2009 he served in the Human Resources Department of the Italian Navy General Staff, initially as Section Head and then as Branch Head. From 2009 to 2010 he was onboard the new destroyer Andrea Doria as Commanding Officer, deployed for three months in south America. Promoted Rear Admiral in July 2014, he served again in the Human Resources Department as responsible for the employment of Italian Navy Officers until January 2016. From then on, he has been serving as Vice Responsible for Human Resources within the Italian Defense General Staff. Admiral Ottaviani has a degree in Physics, earned at University of Parma (IT), and a Master in Business Administration, earned at Boston University (Ma, USA). He is married with Sylvie and has two kids. He is fond of sports and history.
