The FS Jacques Chevallier, the French Navy’s new supply vessel, has completed its first missions and received positive feedback from its former Commanding Officer. This advanced ship is the first in a new class of fleet tankers called bâtiments ravitailleurs de forces (BRF), which will replace the older Durance-class vessels. These new tankers are critical in delivering fuel, ammunition, and supplies to other ships during operations, helping the French Navy always stay ready for action.
The FS Jacques Chevallier took on a long and demanding journey during its initial missions. It sailed to Iceland, Norfolk in the USA, and the Red Sea, testing its endurance on extended deployments. After this, the vessel joined the AKILA mission, which involved intense military training exercises.
One of the most impressive moments during this mission was when Jacques Chevallier achieved something never done before by the French Navy: it reloaded a Vertical Launch System (VLS) on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. This system launches surface-to-air missiles used to defend the ship from aerial threats.
The supply ship didn’t stop there. It also reloaded a FREMM frigate and provided essential supplies to two French nuclear-powered submarines (SSN). These operations were major achievements for the French Navy, marking the first time these tasks were successfully carried out at sea. All these activities supported the Navy’s new “LOGOPS” operational logistics concept, designed to make missions more efficient and flexible.
These operations are essential for ensuring that the French Navy can operate independently, even in challenging situations far from home. By being able to quickly refuel and resupply other vessels, the Jacques Chevallier and its sister ships will keep the fleet mission-ready.
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In July 2024, a change of command ceremony took place aboard the ship in Toulon, where the former Commanding Officer shared his insights and experiences. He praised the vessel’s performance and highlighted how the ship’s versatility will shape future operations. The new Commanding Officer also outlined what lies ahead for the FS Jacques Chevallier, including more exercises and deployments to test the ship’s capabilities further.
The Jacques Chevallier and other BRF-class vessels represent the future of fleet support for the French Navy. Their ability to perform complex supply operations at sea will enhance the Navy’s operational reach and efficiency, replacing the older Durance-class ships with modern, high-performance tankers.
With these achievements, the Jacques Chevallier is already proving itself to be an essential part of the French naval fleet, ready to support missions worldwide. As the ship prepares for future deployments, it remains a key example of the French Navy’s commitment to innovation and operational readiness.
