Ref http://www.navy.mil.za/archive/0707/070703_French_warship/article.htm

Tuesday 26 June 2007 saw a French Naval warship, FNS TONNERRE (meaning “lighting”)
visiting the waters of RSA in Simon’s Bay. The purpose of the ship’s visit was to
promote diplomatic relations between RSA and France as well as to enhance existing
ties between South African Navy and the French Navy.
Under the command of Captain Philippe Hello, the FNS TONNERRE is a multi – purpose
French helicopter landing dock ship designed to support amphibious ground forces,
defend its aviation facilities, strike surface vessels and monitor submarine
activity.

The ship was built in 2003 in Brest, France and is currently on her maiden voyage,
which will culminate in her commission at the end of July 2007. She has been sailing
since 10 April 2007 and has visited England, Canada, USA, Brazil and Reunion.
Her main mission is to test her inter-operatibility with other navies whilst on
the long endurance mission which will include a wide-ranging variety of sea trials
in the Transatlantic before certification.

Her visit to South Africa will enable the ship to qualify in various environments,
including cold and warm waters. She will also be tested sailing around South African
as our seas are amongst the roughest in the world. Her challenge is to test every
ounce of structural dexterity while striving to verify all the different capabilities
specified in her complex design.