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French Navy Horizon-class DDG leads combined anti-terrorism mission with 2 US Navy Destroyers.
| 2016
View from the Forbin's helicopter deck as the combined SAG is underway.
Picture: French Navy |
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The
combined task force observes and classifies the maritime flows on a daily
basis and intercepts suspicious vessels when needed. If suspicious tracks
are detected, VBSS teams (for Visit, board, search, and seizure) are deployed
to conduct investigations. As commander of the Franco-American SAG, the Forbin plans, coordinates and leads the action of the three powerful surface combatants, as well as their helicopters (MH60 and Panther) and the maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs) detached for the support of the SAG. Unprecedented level of French-US cooperation It has to be noted that the cooperation between the French and US Navies is at an all time high and reached unprecedented levels this year: From December 7, 2015 to March 3, 2016, the Charles de Gaulle served as the command element for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s Task Force 50 (TF 50). It was the first time this function was entrusted to a non-US admiral and non-US unit. Later, during her deployment with USS Harry S. Truman carrier strike group, FREMM Provence was tasked as "sector air defense commander" while crossing the Hormuz strait. This shows the very high level of integration and interoperability of the French Navy and its latest surface combatant, the FREMM, with US forces and allies. Lastly, Floreal-class Frigate Vendemiaire joined a US Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in the South China Sea. |
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Forbin destroyer's VBSS team in action with a suspicious vessel. Picture:
French Navy |
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