FREMM Normandie leaves Boston and America

February 6, 2020 (Google Translation) – Since leaving Brest on December 16, the multi-mission frigate (FREMM) Normandie and its crew have crossed the Atlantic and integrated from January 5 to 21, the Carrier Strike Group 10 of the US 2 nd Fleet. The American part of the long-term deployment (DLD) of the frigate thus demonstrated the capacity for integration of Normandy within a combined naval air force.

Following this integration, Normandy made a final American stopover in Boston. This stopover enabled it to fulfill its role of naval support for France’s diplomatic action in the United States.

At the invitation of the French Embassy in the United States, Vice-Admiral Philipp Sawyer, assistant to the Chief of the Naval Staff, in charge of operations, planning and strategy, as well as several foreign naval attachés, came aboard the FREMM Normandie to discover its operational capabilities.

Supported by Mr. Philippe Etienne, Ambassador of France, Mr. Arnaud Mentre, Consul General of France in Boston and the French Defense Mission in Washington, this action helped explain how the FREMMs are modern and versatile operational units ensuring the backbone of the French Navy.

The Normandy has since headed to Europe to continue its DLD by crossing the Atlantic Ocean after which hark other naval units from NATO. She will participate in exercises with Allied navies off the coast of Norway, in particular to train future commanders of Allied submarines. FREMM will continue its DLD by promoting each interaction. This was already the case during a coordinated tracking exercise of an autonomous underwater target with its Caïman Marine helicopter and a Canadian CP 140 maritime patrol aircraft . This exercise is an additional step in the verification of the military characteristics of one of the strong points of this FREMM: the fight under the sea.