Commander of French Forces, Djibouti Visits Kearsarge
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS131004-01
Release Date: 10/4/2013 10:30:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Mandello, USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Public Affairs
U.S. FIFTH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (NNS) -- French Brig. Gen. Joel Rode, commander of the French Forces, Djibouti (FFDJ), and staff visited the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Sept. 30.
The visit provided Rode and members of the French Armed Forces familiarization of the ship, embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and MEU Air Combat Element (ACE) operations.
'Today we have aboard the commanding general of the French armed forces of Djibouti,' said Capt. David Bossert, executive officer of Kearsarge. 'This visit demonstrates the capabilities of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)/MEU team and also allows us to maintain a positive relationship with the French.'
More than 3,000 Sailors and Marines from 26th MEU are stationed aboard Kearsarge. Through training and a joint environment, they are capable of rapid, sea-to-shore mobilization.
'I'm very happy to have the opportunity to visit Kearsarge,' said Rode. 'This is a very good exchange between U.S. and French forces that demonstrates a continual working relationship.'
The FFDJ toured the ship's well deck, hangar bay, medical ward, bridge and observed a fly-by of two French Mirage F-1 jet aircraft.
'This type of event allows our services to understand each other's capabilities,' said Capt. Jim Cody, commodore of the Kearsarge ARG. 'We have been working with the French in a bilateral exercise, sharing our capabilities and working together so that if we are ever called upon we can integrate seamlessly.'
The Kearsarge ARG and, with the embarked 26th MEU, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
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