Breaking news
French Navy, US Marines in Amphibious Exercise in Djibouti with Mistral class and LCAT.
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Naval
Forces News - France, USA |
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French
Navy, US Marines in Amphibious Exercise in Djibouti with Mistral class
and LCAT |
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In
late March 2016, the French Navy (Marine Nationale), the French forces
based in Djibouti (FFDJ) and U.S. Marines units conducted a combined
amphibious exercise named WAKRI 16. The exercise simulated the evacuation
of nationals of a fictitious country following infiltration by separatist
militias. |
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US Marines getting off a French Navy LCU. Picture: French Navy |
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The
exercise involved several assets including Mistral-class
LHD Tonnerre of the French Navy as well as the LCAT
landing catamaran (designated EDAR in the French Navy). US Marines and French Army soldiers were aboard the Tonnerre for the exercise. In total 370 men and close to 100 vehicles were deployed from the amphibious vessel thanks to the sea to shore connectors. The operation was commanded from the Tonnerre. This tri-dimensional exercise (land-air-sea), both joint and combined helped to strengthen and maintain the French Navy ability to operate with FFDJ and American Forces.The organization of this exercise in Djibouti, where French and American forces are currently based allows to further enhance the interoperability between the two countries. |
A French Army VHM (BAE Systems BvS 10) disembarking from an LCAT. Picture: French Navy |
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Designed
by DCNS, Mistral
BPC (Bâtiment de Projection et de Commandment) LHD is a
multi-mission 21,500t amphibious assault, command and power projection
ship. Mistral-class vessels are capable to accommodate and deploy 16 transport
or attack helicopters, four landing crafts, up to 70 vehicles or 13 main
battle tanks. They have accommodations for 450 to 700 troops. Each ship
of the class is equipped with a 69-bed hospital. Designed by CNIM, the L-CAT (landing catamaran) is intended for “shore to shore” applications or for amphibious operations from LHD and LPD type amphibious craft. Since 2011, the L-CAT has been commissioned into the French Navy under the name EDA-R (Engin de Débarquement Amphibie Rapide—rapid amphibious landing craft). |
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