Within the operations carried out by the Jeanne d’Arc 2024 mission, the amphibious helicopter carrier “Tonnerre” and the frigate “Guépratte” of the French National Navy made a technical stop in the city of Ushuaia. The vessels, which arrived at the commercial dock on May 5th, were welcomed by the Commander of the Austral Naval Area (ANAU), Navy Commodore José Alberto Martí Garro, and by the Chief of Staff of the ANAU, Navy Captain Carlos Alberto Soto.
According to information from Gaceta Marinera, Argentine authorities toured the units invited by the Commander of the “Tonnerre,” Navy Captain Adrien Schaar; and the Commander of the “Guépratte,” Frigate Captain Pierre Montanie. “Navy Commodore Martí Garro, during his visit to the helicopter carrier, held a meeting with Captain Schaar to learn about the functioning of the ship, which is currently carrying out the Jeanne d’Arc 2024 mission, with the purpose of training the Cadets of the French Naval Officers’ Application School…” detailed the Argentine Navy.
Jeanne d’Arc 2024 has multiple objectives to be executed during the 6-month duration of the mission. Activities revolve around the final step in the training of French cadets at the Naval Officers’ Application School (EAOM), which has a tradition dating back 160 years, having been established in 1864. Furthermore, JDA 2024 also has operational purposes, as was the case with Brazil in previous days and will be with Chile. It also serves as a tool for fostering bilateral relations with the nations it will visit, including Argentina, Peru, Colombia, Panama, and the United States.
The participation of the PHA “Tonnerre” in the evacuation operations in Haiti was another relevant aspect of Jeanne d’Arc, as the presence of the naval group is part of Paris’s strategy regarding the region, in terms of points of interest and strategic importance. The ability to operate in overseas territories was another highlight mentioned by Captain Schaar. “The second lesson (learned in Haiti) is that this group traveling around the world will complement the French forces that are already pre-positioned in our overseas territories. There are French forces in Martinique; we have formed a group with these highly capable elements. What was done in Haiti demonstrated the relevance of having pre-positioned personnel and resources…” expressed the French officer during a press conference aboard the PHA.
Jeanne d’Arc 2024 comprises 650 sailors, 162 cadets from the Naval Officers’ Application School, 35 instructors, and 120 soldiers from the Army. The latter form an Embarked Tactical Sub-Group [S/GTE], equipped with 40 vehicles of all types for amphibious operations. The naval group also includes Gazelle and Panther helicopters as means of aerial support.
During their passage through Argentine waters, the Argentine Navy and the French ships conducted combined training exercises. The visit to the helicopter carrier also allowed Argentine personnel to closely observe the varied range of land, sea, and air vehicles on board, used for various exercises.
The Argentine Navy also confirmed that a total of 20 officers and non-commissioned officers belonging to the Sea Fleet and the Marine Corps embarked on the PHA “Tonnerre” with the aim of training in specific techniques related to that type of vessel. Part of the activities included shooting practices with the various light weapons provided to the French Embarked Tactical Sub-Group.
During their stay in the southern city, “the crews of the French ships took the opportunity to explore the capital of Tierra del Fuego, and on Monday morning, the units bid farewell to Ushuaia, heading to Valparaíso (Chile), continuing their planned itinerary with France as their final destination…” informed Gaceta Marinera. Upon their departure, the “Tonnerre” and the “Guépratte” were escorted by Units of the Fast Boats Group and the ARA “Teniente Olivieri” patrol vessel, which has been performing station duties for several weeks.
Photos: Argentine Navy – Franco Gómez
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