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May 19, 2008

French Navy ship visits Newport

A French Navy ship that assisted troops in Afghanistan has come to Newport.

Le Cassard, a 5,000-ton, 456-foot ship, will be officially welcomed today by state and U.S. Navy officials at a lunch in Newport.

While in Newport, students from the French-American School of Rhode Island will be able to take a tour, and the ship’s crew will face students at the Naval War College –– on the sports field.

The ship, which was launched in 1985, has been working to support coalition ground troops in Afghanistan. Le Cassard monitored area waters to prevent suspected criminals –– such as Taliban or Al-Qaeda leaders –– from escaping by sea.

Crewmen and women also worked with the navies of Saudi Arabia, India and the United Arab Emirates, taking part in training exercises.

The ship is armed with torpedoes, anti-air missiles, EXOCET (anti-ship) missiles, and decoys. Its crew is 240 strong, with 20 officers.

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 10:34 AM | Permalink

Comments

Bienvenu! Quebec 400!! | May 19, 2008 4:46 PM link

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