The Italian frigate Alpino departed Pier 88 on schedule in the early hours Monday, leaving in darkness as she had arrived last week. A few crew members got a last look at the Big Apple, however, with the ship’s SH-90 helicopter launching from around Ambrose light and flying a loop up the North River. The multi-mission helicopter currently equipped for anti-submarine warfare cast an unfamiliar silhouette as it flew by at a military altitude of 950 feet. Alpino’s planned next stop was Halifax where I believe some of the embarked Canadian officers will depart. Ciao.