Continuing with its itinerary, the French National Navy’s Jeanne D’Arc Mission, composed of the amphibious helicopter carrier (LHD) “Tonnerre” and the frigate “Guépratte”, arrived at the port of Callao, Peru, after departing from the port of Valparaíso (Chile) following joint exercises with the Chilean Navy.
Both ships, which began their journey in February of this year, have visited French Guiana, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile in South America, conducting exercises with the navies of the latter three. The mission is part of the final stage in the training of French cadets who are instructed at the Naval Officers Application School (EAOM), a tradition dating back 160 years to its establishment in 1864.
In return, JDA 2024 has operational objectives regarding the conduct of amphibious and naval exercises with friendly navies. Historically, the French National Navy deployed the historic helicopter carrier Jeanne D’Arc, which was in charge of the mission from 1964 to 2009. Since 2010, coinciding with the decommissioning of the Jeanne D’Arc, the journey has been undertaken by one of the Mistral-class helicopter carriers, along with a frigate, including those of the F-70 Georges Leygues class and more recently the La Fayette class.
About the LHD Tonnerre and the frigate Guépratte
The LHD Tonnerre is a helicopter carrier launched in 2007, displacing 21,500 tons and measuring about 199 meters in length by 39 meters in beam. It is capable of reaching speeds of up to 19 knots, while its range is 11,000 nautical miles at a speed of 15 knots. It requires a crew of 220 sailors to operate, although it can accommodate up to 450, and has a space of 850 m² to house a staff of more than 200 people.
Regarding its helicopter carrying capacity, the Tonnerre can carry up to 16 helicopters of the Caimán or Tigre class, in addition to a cargo bay for up to 80 armored vehicles and landing craft as required. Finally, it has advanced medical facilities consisting of 2 operating rooms, X-ray rooms, dental offices, and space for 60 beds in conventional configuration.
For its part, the multi-purpose frigate Guépratte, of the La Fayette class (to which 4 other ships stationed in the port of Toulon are added), was commissioned in 2001. It has dimensions of 124 meters in length by 15 meters in beam, allowing it to accommodate up to 150 sailors and 12 members of its air detachment, with a total displacement of 3,900 tons.
Regarding its maximum speed, the ship is capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 knots, with an autonomy of 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. For its role during the JDA 2024, the Guépratte is specifically tasked with serving as the escort for the helicopter carrier Tonnerre.
Cover image credits: Peruvian Navy
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