French Navy Logistic Support Ship Jacques Chevallier makes unexpected visit in UAE.

According to information published by the French MFA on January 9, 2024, the Logistic Support Ship (Bâtiment ravitailleur de forces) Jacques Chevallier has made an unexpected port visit to the United Arab Emirates. This unexpected stop comes as the ship was on its way back from an extensive testing and operational journey that began in September of last year.
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French Logistic Support Ship Jacques Chevallier. (Picture source: French MFA)

The ship was last reported at Réunion, having arrived there on December 23, 2023, and was scheduled to depart on December 26. The Jacques Chevallier's primary mission is to sustain the operational readiness of the French fleet by providing at-sea replenishment, thereby extending the fleet's endurance and reach.

The Jacques Chevallier's deployment involved traversing various climatic conditions to evaluate its performance. It started in Toulon on September 27, made its way to Brest, crossed the North Atlantic to Iceland with a stop in Reykjavik, and engaged in exercises with the US Navy and Royal Navy in the United States.

The ship also visited Brazil for joint maneuvers with the Brazilian navy. After sailing over 13,000 nautical miles and conducting eight at-sea replenishments, it docked in Cape Town, South Africa, from December 7 to 12, before proceeding to Réunion.

The Jacques Chevallier's return route, which was to pass through the Suez Canal, was kept confidential due to the ongoing tensions in the Near and Middle East.