LA JEANNE D'ARC - Helicopter Carrier R97

The Jeanne d'Arc was a living legend. From New York to Valparaíso, from Hong Kong to Rio, from Vladivostok to Dakar, the French Navy helicopter carrier sailed every latitude. On board, generations of sailors spent unforgettable months at sea. In port, thousands of guests were welcomed at prestigious receptions. This ship like no other — at once a floating academy, a roving embassy, and above all a combat vessel — inspired the affection of the entire maritime world.

As the training ship for the French Navy's officer candidates since 1964, the Jeanne d'Arc embarked each year, for a six-month sea campaign, a class of some 120 midshipmen — supported by more than 500 sailors — who discovered in situ the art of navigation and naval warfare, while contributing to France's influence around the world.

Over this half-century in France's service, the Jeanne d'Arc was an active witness to events that shaped History: boat people, natural disasters, wars and international tensions, and maritime piracy…

In 2010, the helicopter carrier was decommissioned from naval service.

Through a photo report produced during her penultimate campaign, this book tells the exceptional story of this legendary vessel and invites the reader to discover the Jeanne d'Arc from her engine rooms to her flight deck.