Mount Etna than fiery, associations, before her incorporation into the folklore of Sicily. For another Sicilian conception of the fairy realm or castle of Morgan le Fay – see Fata Morgana (mirage) re. an optical phenomenon common in the Strait of Messina. Volcanic activity first took place at Etna about 500,000 years ago, with eruptions occurring beneath the sea off the ancient coastline of Sicily. About 300,000 years ago, volcanism began occurring to the southwest of the summit (centre top of volcano) then, before activity moved towards the present centre 170,000 years ago. Eruptions at this time built up the first major
Italian ship Etna (A 5326) . She is powered by two Sulzer diesel engines, which drive two propellers through reduction gearing. This system gives "Etna" a speed of , though she has the greatest range () at a speed of . "Etna" is equipped with minimal armament and an electronic warfare support measures system. The ship is also equipped with an Alenia Marconi Systems radar, a Selex command system and an Elmer MAC communications system. In March 2011, "Etna" was deployed to the coast of Libya as part of Operation Unified Protector, a NATO operation to enforce an arms embargo on Libya. Italian ship Etna