International support for RECAMP
February 2002 - Defence Helicopter Magazine
Joe Ray writes that RECAMP (Reinforcement of African Peacekeeping Capabilities) is a French initiative conceived in 1997 and now supported by 12 other donor and observer countries, including the US, Japan and most of Europe. It focuses on teaching African forces how to keep a local crisis from becoming regional.
Billed by General Jean-Pierre Kelsche, head of French armed forces as ‘a way to show what international solidarity can be,’ RECAMP runs in two year cycles and functions under the aegis of the UN and the African Union.
Operating from French Navy LPD Siroco and charged with medical evacuation, troop transport and logistical support, the helicopters brought reinforcements in and out of hotspots and evacuated casualties to the ship’s hospital. Tanzanians played their part as ‘refugees’ looking to the peacekeeping force for guidance.
Exercise director, Rear Admiral Raymond Masson summed the importance of the helicopters’ involvement, ‘They are essential in this type of exercise’. He cited the Puma’s ability to endure the African heat as vital factor. ‘Their adaptability to the climate is one of their greatest strengths.’
‘The Siroco is designed to handle crisis situations like this,’ said Captain Jean-Marie Lhuissier. This year marks the first time a naval capacity has been involved in RECAMP.
Joe Ray is the Paris correspondent for The Boston Globe.
