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Article: Charles-de-Gaulle goes to war: second carrier needed, but no funds available for now. (Dateline Paris).(aircraft carrier sent to Indian Ocean on first deployment)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Interavia Business & Technology
- Article date:
- January 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Aerospace Media Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Putting the teething troubles of the past few months behind it, the French Navy's nuclear-powered Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier has set sail for the Indian Ocean on its first operational deployment.
Its official role will be to provide support for ground oprations in Afghanistan and to ensure maritime surveillance in order to prevent terrorist leaders from leaving the area by sea. On board are 16 Super Etendards for reconnaissance and strike missions, two Rafales (air superiority) and two Hawkeye AEW aircraft.
The crew will be hoping to turn over a new leaf after a turbulent debut marred by snafus of all kinds, in particular the embarrassing ...