⚓Logbook: DIXMUDE ⚓
⚓Logbook: DIXMUDE ⚓
Read the onboard account of Paul Becquey, a third-year multi-skilled officer cadet at the ENSM in Marseille, during his time with the French Navy!
“As a third-year student at ENSM, I had the opportunity to embark on the amphibious helicopter carrier DIXMUDE for a month. For three weeks, we tested the capabilities of the ship and its crew during an operational conditioning course (MECO).
The training began with team building exercises. The trainers from the Naval Action Force’s combat training unit put us through an intense first 24 hours: jumping off the ship, water courses, hand-to-hand combat, bivouacking, etc.
A complex scenario was devised for this course, simulating tensions between several countries, with the Dixmude having to fight on the high seas and then land in Corsica.
Mobilisation was total. The Dixmude received reinforcements from the amphibious flotilla, marines from the 21st RIMa preparing for the landing, and army helicopters (1st RHC with its Tiger, Caiman and Gazelle helicopters) providing air support to the ground troops. In the well deck and on the flight deck, training exercises are conducted day and night.
To remain at sea, our ship was supported by the Jacques Chevalier supply vessel. We carried out several refuelling operations at sea, accompanied by a multi-mission frigate, the Alsace, equipped with specialised air defence radars. Its mission was to protect us from any aircraft attacks we might encounter.
Adding realism to the training exercises, Seaowl zodiacs and MB339 aircraft carried out several attack runs, against which we simulated our defence.
These regular attacks gave rise to numerous combat stations, as well as safety exercises, fires in high-voltage rooms or kitchens, and water leaks due to the impact of their attacks. The crew, and in particular the safety brigade, were not spared!
Finally, during my time in the engine room and on the bridge, I was able to observe how certain problems discussed during my lessons were dealt with, particularly in the engine room with the compressors; I was also able to apply the principles of navigation I had learnt in class.
I would like to thank Rear Admiral BERLIZOT and the FAN Toulon Reserve Flotilla for allowing me to complete this internship, as well as the crew of the DIXMUDE for their welcome and the ship’s commander, Captain Jocelyn DELRIEU.
Photo credits: Paul Becquey and French Navy
