Italy Cruiser
Ships of the 1931–1933 program were built by the Montecuccoli design, which was modified to increase its defenses. The weight of the armor increased to 1,700 tons, and this also increased the displacement. The propulsion unit was reinforced to maintain speed. Emanuele Filiberto Duca d'Aosta was laid down in 1932. After Italy entered World War II, the ship served in the Mediterranean Sea; fought in the battles of Punta Stilo and the Gulf of Sirte; and participated in patrol, convoy, and raiding operations. After the war, the cruiser was transferred to the U.S.S.R. and served in the Black Sea Fleet under the name "Kerch."