Aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle starts mission in Libya
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Xinhua, March 23, 2011
French Defense Ministry said French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has set reconnaissance operation in motion in Libya on Tuesday.
The operation in the name of Operation Harmattan started by a reconnaissance flight over Libyan territory for the fist time since the aircraft carrier departed France on Sunday, the ministry said.
"At 8 a.m. local time, Rafale F3s were catapulted to conduct the first operational mission for the air group of Charles de Gaulle. The mission ended at midday with the return of two planes on board," the ministry added in a statement posted on its web site.
According to local media, two Rafale jets conducted the Tuesday mission with one sending back visual information of Libya and the other escorting the former's flight.
The Charles de Gaulle battle group for Libya included over 20 warplanes, comprising fighter jets like Rafale, Mirage, Super Etendard, and HawkEye early warning aircraft and jet helicopters.
The aircraft carrier, named after French General Charles de Gaulle, is the first French nuclear-powered surface vessel, and the only serving French aircraft carrier and the flagship of the French Navy. However, it has recorded more than one malfunction experience since it started sea trial in 1999.
France pressed for a military operation in Libya to protect civilians from Gaddafi troops but the move is widely seen as an attempt to brighten the image of French diplomacy ahead of the presidential elections due next year.
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