French Naval vessel in Samoa

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 26 March 2017, 12:00AM

French Navy Ship, “D’Entrecasteaux” has made port in Samoan waters for the first time.

“D’Entrecasteaux” is a multipurpose ship used for maritime surveillance against acts such as illegal fishing.  

At the helm of the “D’Entrecasteaux” is Lieutenant Commander B. Bariller who told the Sunday Samoan he is ecstatic to see the beautiful island.  

“It’s the first time my crew and the ship has been here in Samoa,” he said. 

“This is a really new ship and it was commissioned in August of 2016.” 

The ship came from the French island territories, Wallis and Fatuna.

 Commander B. Bariller said they are here to help Samoa.

“We are here to share our experience with the Police force and we are going to meet the Samoan Prime Minister,” he said.  

 “We are here to make a call between Tunisia French EEZ (exclusive Economic Zone) after this call we will go back to Wallis and Futuna.” 

This multipurpose ship is important for Pacific Islands.

“The ship is a new class of French ships called multipurpose ship,” said the Captain. 

 “It’s a 65-meter in length, 14 width and its mission is to do maritime surveillance.  We monitor illegal fishing, drugs at sea and make logistic operational transportation.

“We have a huge capacity to transfer metals.  We can transport 200 tons of metal and we have a small landing craft and we’re able to pitch on a beach.  

“It can be a good after a cyclone and we can we provide supplies and resources to disaster stricken islands.”

Commander Bariller took command of B2M“D’Entrecasteaux” in 2015.  

It is the first ship of a series of four multi mission ships. 

He holds the National Defense Gold Medal with “Combat Ship and “Exterior Operations” distinction, the National Recognition Award and the French Commemorative Medal for Afghanistan.

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 26 March 2017, 12:00AM
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