French frigate visits Palma Port

THE French frigate Jean Bart arrived in Palma recently to rest following a period on manoeuvres. The 139-metre-long anti-air frigate of the French Marine was commissioned on March 3, 1991, and can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. It was built in Lorient and has a crew of about 250. 

It is based in Toulon and carries SM-1, Mistral and Exocet missiles, amongst others, as well as torpedo launches and a 100mm canon. In 2008, Jean Bart aided in the capture of the pirates who had taken over the luxury yacht MY Le Ponant in the Indian Ocean.

According to its captain, Commander Olivier, the visit came following intense training manoeuvres and the crew were looking forward to getting to know the city.