Accra, June 26, GNA - A French Landing Ship Dock "Mistral" will dock on Thursday July 2, to pay a routine call to Ghana as part of its regular missions along the West Coast of Africa. A statement issued by the French Embassy in Accra on Friday said the purpose of the visit was to reinforce the existing ties between the French and the Ghanaian Navy. The ship would depart on Monday July 6.
Under the command of Captain Didier PIATON since 24 July 2008, LSD Mistral has a staff of 22 officers, 110 petty officers and 45 seamen. It is the first time the ship, which is one the largest of the French Navy and one of the most modern, is visiting Ghana. The main role of LSD Mistral is to host an amphibious expeditionary unit deployed in the framework of overseas operations and also an operational Headquarters. The programme would include common activities between the Ghanaian and French navies like training on board, security, bridge training, tactical network, cross visits and sport games.