Tonnerre, a helicopter carrier, is in the service of the French Navy. It is capable of deploying 16 helicopters, 4 barges, 70 vehicles and 450 soldiers. It also has a 69-bed hospital. Tonnerre is part of the NATO Response Force and has been involved in humanitarian missions in the Gulf of Guinea and Burma.

RCYC Commodore, Vitor Medina, managed to organise a visit on board Tonnerre for the Academy. At short notice we managed to gather 23 students and had a fascinating visit on the vessel. The students were most impressed with the helicopters and vehicles in the hull and the vastness of the landing deck. The CPUT maritime students were also keen to learn more about their digital navigation systems.