As part of its first deployment in French Polynesia, on Wednesday, April 24th, the offshore patrol vessel (POM) Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai of the French National Navy made a technical stop at the commercial dock of the city of Ushuaia. Upon entering the Argentinian southern city, the French vessel was welcomed by naval units and personnel of the Argentine Navy.
According to Gaceta Marinera, the reception of the Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai was led by the Chief of Staff of the Austral Naval Area (ANAU), Captain Carlos Alberto Soto, and by the Commander of the Fast Boats Group, Frigate Captain Heraldo Dédalo Da Luz. During the approach of the French POM to Ushuaia, the vessel was escorted by units of the Fast Boats Group and by the ARA “Teniente Olivieri” patrol vessel.
Once aboard the French National Navy patrol vessel, the Argentine personnel were able to tour the ship accompanied by the Commander of the Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai, Corvette Captain Francois Thisse. Taking advantage of the occasion, a welcome was also extended to the French Fleet Program and Test Commission Chief, Rear Admiral Benoit Rouviere.
Before arriving in Ushuaia, the Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai also stopped at the port of Buenos Aires, where it remained for four days as part of its scheduled stops on its voyage to Papeete. Weeks earlier, the French offshore patrol vessel conducted sea trials, training, and maintenance training to ensure operational readiness during the preparatory phase prior to its deployment to French Polynesia.
The offshore patrol vessel Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai was conceived as part of the projects outlined in the Military Programming Law (LPM) 2019-2025. The program included the incorporation of six POMs into the fleet of the French National Navy with the aim of enhancing capabilities for conducting high autonomy and long-range missions in overseas exclusive economic zones (EEZ).
With a displacement of 1,790 tons at full load, the POMs have a range of 5,500 nautical miles (at 12 knots) and a 30-day autonomy. The vessels have a crew of 30 sailors as well as sufficient space to accommodate an additional 23 persons. Their main armament is a 20mm Nexter Narwhal cannon, complemented by 12.7mm and 7.62mm machine guns. The POMs also feature a flight deck from which a VTOL drone can be operated.
“The name of this offshore patrol vessel pays tribute to Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai, a Companion of the Liberation, hailing from French Polynesia. Born in 1875 in Punaauia, on the island of Tahiti, he was a descendant of the traditional chiefs of the Punaauia district. In 1940, he played a very active role in mobilizing the French establishments in Oceania towards freeing France. An ardent patriot and brilliant speaker, he provided France with the support of his authority over the island districts throughout the war, notably enabling the enlistment of numerous Tahitian volunteers in the Free French Forces. He died in 1952, decorated with the Legion of Honor and the Cross of Liberation… The symbolic motif of the ship refers to the character of Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai and his history. Thus, the arms of French Polynesia, the puzzle and the Polynesian spear, recalling Teriieroo a Teriierooiterai’s patriarchal status, and the mythological figure of the seahorse, evoke the characteristics of the patrol vessel…”
Cover Image: Argentine Navy
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