15 MAS (MAC)

The 15th MAS (Mezzi d’Assalto), also known as the Decima MAS or Xª MAS, was an elite Italian naval commando unit formed during World War II. Established in 1939, the unit specialized in unconventional warfare, utilizing human torpedoes ("maiali"), explosive motorboats, and combat swimmers to infiltrate and attack Allied ships and installations, particularly in the Mediterranean. The 15 MAS gained international notoriety for its daring raids, such as the successful attack on British warships in Alexandria harbor in December 1941. After the 1943 Italian Armistice, the unit split, with some members joining the Allies and others continuing operations under the Italian Social Republic. The legacy of 15 MAS greatly influenced the development of modern naval special forces worldwide.