French ship to visit RP

The French flagship Var, headed by Commander Paul Massart, will pay a goodwill visit to the Philippines tomorrow, Sept. 16 up to Sept. 22.

The ship carries French Navy commander of the Indian Ocean Maritime Zone Vice Admiral Hubert de Gaullier des Bordes. He is set to pay a courtesy call on Philippine authorities, including officials of the Department of Defense, the Philippine Navy and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Providing logistic support to French and allied carriers and battle groups on every sea, the Var has a displacement of 18,000 tons and carries a crew of 160 personnel, including 12 officers.

A replenishment tanker, the flagship can supply three other ships simultaneously with heavy loads of food, equipment and ammunition. With its 157-meter length and 21-meter breadth, Var can also carry light helicopters.

The goodwill visit intends to promote friendship and cooperation between the Philippine and French navies. French warships visit the Philippine archipelago once or twice a year.