De Grasse
The De Grasse
is a F67 type large high-sea frigate (warship) of the French Marine Nationale specialised in
anti-submarine warfare, though she also has anti-air and anti-surface
capabilities. She is named after the 18th Century admiral count François Joseph
Paul de Grasse.
Between
1994 and 1996, the De Grasse
and her sister Tourville were
refitted with the modern SLAMS anti-submarine system, an active Very Low
Frequencies sonar.
In
April 2006, the De Grasse lost
her towed sonar array during an exercise in heavy sea. The incident was
reported by the Canard Enchaîné;
an investigation was launched to ascertain responsibilities for the loss of the
3 million euro worth sonar array. Meanwhile, the spare sonar of the
decommissioned Duguay-Trouin
was fitted on the De Grasse.
The F67 type is a class of large high-sea
(Blue water) Destroyers of the French Navy specialised in anti-submarine
warfare. They have anti-air and anti-surface capabilities.
Between
1994 and 1996, the Tourville
and the De Grasse were refitted
with the modern SLASM anti-submarine system, an active Very Low Frequencies
sonar
Design
The
ships are an enlarged version of the F65 class frigate Aconit. They have two
shaft steam turbine machinery and a double hangar for two Lynx helicopters.
They were the first ships fitted with the marine version of the Crotale surface
to air missile system. A Malafon anti submarine missile system was fitted when
the ships were built but this was removed during refits in the late 1980s
Ships
The
three ships of the class, D612 De
Grasse, D611 Duguay-Trouin
and the D610 Tourville, are
named after famous French sailors.
The
three ships of the class were all built by Arsenal de Lorient:
|
Pen No
|
Ship
|
In Service
|
Decommissioned
|
|
D610
|
Tourville
|
21/06/1974
|
16/06/2011
|
|
D611
|
Duguay-Trouin
|
17/09/1975
|
13/07/1999
|
|
D612
|
De Grasse
|
01/10/1977
|
13/05/1972
|
De
Grasse is seen here arriving and alongside at Leith:
