French, Fiji Navy Engage in Humanitarian Exercise
French naval ship, the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Dixmude last week engaged with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division on a humanitarian exercise.
The French ship was in the country where RFNS Savenaca successfully completed naval exercise capabilities conducted by the French.
Captain Mocard said they had also managed to have humanitarian training exercises with local navy personnel in terms of evacuating citizens during natural disasters.
A Facebook post by the Fiji Navy said: “It was an eventful week with lessons learned to improve the way we operate and work with regional navies to ensure a safe and secure Blue Pacific.”
“The Fiji Navy remains committed to the RFMF and national strategic priority of enhancing regional cooperation and supporting national and regional security efforts.”
The commanding officer of LHD Dixmude, Captain Emmanuel Mocard, said it was in their interest to always work with their allies in terms of strengthening regional security, peace, and the welfare of the people.
He also shared with the media on board the ship about the capacity of the ship, there were 800 sailors and soldiers, including nearly 160 cadets.
On board are two ships, three helicopters, and one drone.
On board is a hospital with state of the art facility, capable of conducting surgeries, a dentist’s office, and can take up more than sixty patients.
Captain Mocard said this also includes an embedded tactical group (GTE) of the French army.
The mission, Jeanne d’Arc left
France in February this year sailing around more than 150 countries with the aim of visiting strategic interests from the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, Indian and Pacific oceans as well as the Caribbean Sea.