Limassol welcomed the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle of the French Navy on Sunday morning 16/10. The particular carrier is the largest of its kind in Europe and it is the first of the two aircraft carriers of France that use nuclear power for movement. It is carrying 24 fighter jets Rafale, two Hawkeye planes, an airplane of maritime patrol Atlantique 2 and four helicopters. In addition, its crew consists of 2000 people and the carrier’s weight is equal to 42.500 tonnes.
The reason it has been in the Eastern Mediterranean since last November is due to operations against the terrorist group ISIS. These operations were initiated a few days after the terrorist strikes in Paris in November 2015. The aircraft carrier departed from its base in Toulon, Southern France, on the 18th of November.
Excellent comments have been made by Captain Eric Malbrunot and the crew regarding the reception and the services at the port. Similarly, in 2010 when Charles de Gaulle had visited Cyprus for the first time, again here in Limassol, the hospitality had been considered as an unforgettable experience based on remarks by the crew.
Charles de Gaulle’s purpose in the port of Limassol this time is to give the crew a well-deserved break from its tough mission.
From Daphne Lambi
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