French Navy press release, translation by Naval News
This mission comes a few weeks after FREMM completed its operational training cycle, with a departure from Toulon on 25 April. The FREMM’s B crew will thus have spent only two weeks quay-side since the vessel was taken over on February 27. Indeed, after completing its operational training cycle, it left Toulon on April 25 for its first operational mission.
“It is a real satisfaction to be able to conduct our first operations, first in the Mediterranean and then in the Indian Ocean. Since its creation, the crew has taken up many challenges to meet the demands of naval operations,”
Captain Helluy, commanding officer of FREMM Languedoc B crew
The latest challenge is certainly that of COVID-19, an additional parameter in the equation of life at sea. But the crew quickly adapted to its new environment and procedures quickly took into account masks, hydro-alcoholic gels, barrier gestures and other preventive measures without disrupting the operation, while ensuring the health of the crew.
FREMM Languedoc is now sailing towards its new mission: to protect European interests in the Strait of Hormuz as part of the AGENOR operation launched by France and its partners. Whether in the Mediterranean or in the Strait of Hormuz, the deployment of the frigate Languedoc thus demonstrates France’s commitment to maritime security, freedom of navigation and respect for international law.
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Naval News comments
“Agenor” is a maritime surveillance operation which aims to strengthen Europe’s ability to assess the situation and monitor maritime activity, and to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Arabian Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
Headquartered in the French naval base in Abu Dhabi, the TF 474 (Task Force 474) brings together French, Dutch, Danish, Belgian, Greeks, Portuguese, Italians and Germans military. This multinational operation has been implemented at the initiative of France.
Two frigates, The Forbin (French Navy) and De Ruyter (Royal Netherlands Navy) are currently under operational control and tactical command of the operation. Besides the vessels, AGENOR since March includes an Atlantique 2 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and 20 personnel from the French Navy’s Flotille 23F squadron deployed at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.
