05 March 1921 was her keel laid down on the Arsenale di La Spezia for the Italian Railroad, but before she was completed taken over by the Italian Navy. Her intended name would be CITTA DI MESSINA.
20 December 1923 launched under the name CITTA DI MESSINA.
24 January 1925 conversion work commenced as a catapult trials/experimental ship, and a floating base for seaplanes.
Displacement 4.960 ton standard, 5.913 ton full load. Dim.121.2 x 15.0 x 5.3m. (draught)
Powered by four Parsons geared steam turbines, 12.000 hp., speed 21 knots.
Armament 4 – 4inch AA, MG.
Crew 196.
1927 Completed, under the name GIUSEPPE MIRAGLIA.
Paraguay 1983 2g sg?, scott 2088d.
She could carrier 20 aircraft, and she was fitted out with two catapults and a Hein sheet for the recovery of seaplanes. Launching catapults fitted fore and aft.
After she was completed used extensively for catapult launching experiments.
During World War II classed as an aircraft transport, but mostly used as a training ship in the waters around Italy.
March 1943 after she surrendered, she sailed to Malta and was there used as a base ship for the surrendered Italian submarines and auxiliaries.
After the war used for the transport of Italian P.O.W. and other tasks.
15 July 1950 decommissioned.
Source: Navicula. http://www.tomstockton.us/ships/ships_- ... v_1927.htm
http://www.regiamarina.it/carunieng.htm