The first-in-class vessel first conducted a long duration deployment which took it to Iceland, Norfolk (USA) and the Red Sea. It then participate in the AKILA mission which included a high intensity training scenario. During this mission, the new supply vessel conducted a first: It participated in the reloading of a VLS aboard aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle with a surface to air missile. It then reloaded a (berthed) FREMM frigate and even two classes of French nuclear-powered submarines (SSN). These events were all “firsts” for the French Navy but were tested in support of the new “LOGOPS” (operational logistics) concept of the French Navy.
This class of fleet tankers is known as bâtiments ravitailleurs de forces, or BRF, in French Navy service. They will replace Durance-class vessels.
At the end of the video, the new commanding officer shares some comments on what’s next for Jacques Chevallier.
These interviews were recorded in Toulon in mid-July 2024 during the change of command ceremony aboard the vessel.
