Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 10, 2022 14:23:25 GMT 12
French Warships Berth In Wellington
(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 11.
In brilliant sunshine, the French helicopter carrier, Jeanne d’Arc, and her escort sloop, the Victor Schoelcher, arrived this morning from Sydney in the course of an extended training cruise.
A 21-gun salute from the Jeanne d’Arc was replied to from the Point Jerningham batteries.
Family groups and small children predominated among the 600 who lined Queens wharf to welcome the warships and their staff of more than 1000. Hospitality Offered The first sailors were scheduled to leave the ships at 1.30 p.m. An appeal from the Navy Office for offers of hospitality during the five-day stay of the ships has met a warm response from Wellington and Wairarapa residents.
There was a slight hitch in the berthing of the 10,000 ton Jeanne D’Arc. One of the fenders alongside the wharf was splintered by the vessel and a mobile crane shifted the other fender to the stern. This caused a delay of more than half an hour in letting down the gangway.
Abolishing C.M.T.
Captain A. J. Postec, the commander of the Jeanne d’Arc, told a press conference in Wellington today that France would soon abolish compulsory military training. At present all Frenchmen must serve in the armed forces for 15 months. Captain Postec said compulsory training was “supposed to stop soon.” France’s Army was progressively being cut in strength, but there would always be a French Navy, he said.
“Our efforts now are being concentrated on building a nuclear submarine which will be equipped with American missiles,” he said. But he believed surface vessels would still be required for the country’s protection. The Navy would be used for controlling communication lines, especially in anti-submarine duties.
The Jeanne d’Arc’s eight-helicopter fleet was equipped for anti-submarine work. The helicopters carried depth charges and homing torpedoes. France, he said, had three aircraft carriers as well as another helicopter ship. A third helicopter ship would probably be built soon.
PRESS, 12 JANUARY 1965
(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 11.
In brilliant sunshine, the French helicopter carrier, Jeanne d’Arc, and her escort sloop, the Victor Schoelcher, arrived this morning from Sydney in the course of an extended training cruise.
A 21-gun salute from the Jeanne d’Arc was replied to from the Point Jerningham batteries.
Family groups and small children predominated among the 600 who lined Queens wharf to welcome the warships and their staff of more than 1000. Hospitality Offered The first sailors were scheduled to leave the ships at 1.30 p.m. An appeal from the Navy Office for offers of hospitality during the five-day stay of the ships has met a warm response from Wellington and Wairarapa residents.
There was a slight hitch in the berthing of the 10,000 ton Jeanne D’Arc. One of the fenders alongside the wharf was splintered by the vessel and a mobile crane shifted the other fender to the stern. This caused a delay of more than half an hour in letting down the gangway.
Abolishing C.M.T.
Captain A. J. Postec, the commander of the Jeanne d’Arc, told a press conference in Wellington today that France would soon abolish compulsory military training. At present all Frenchmen must serve in the armed forces for 15 months. Captain Postec said compulsory training was “supposed to stop soon.” France’s Army was progressively being cut in strength, but there would always be a French Navy, he said.
“Our efforts now are being concentrated on building a nuclear submarine which will be equipped with American missiles,” he said. But he believed surface vessels would still be required for the country’s protection. The Navy would be used for controlling communication lines, especially in anti-submarine duties.
The Jeanne d’Arc’s eight-helicopter fleet was equipped for anti-submarine work. The helicopters carried depth charges and homing torpedoes. France, he said, had three aircraft carriers as well as another helicopter ship. A third helicopter ship would probably be built soon.
PRESS, 12 JANUARY 1965
