Surcouf (F711)

The "Surcouf" (F711) is a "La Fayette"-class frigate of the French Navy. She was laid down at Lorient Naval Dockyard on 6 July 1992, launched 3 July 1993, and commissioned May 1996.

Since its commission, "Surcouf" has taken part in numerous missions, notably in "Operation Antilope" (Gabon and Congo), "Operation Trident" (Kosovo) and "Mission Khor Anga" in the Djibouti zone.

On 14 May 2001, "Surcouf" had to assist Marc Guillemot skipper of the "Biscuits La Trinitaine-Team Ethypharm", who had to abandon his ship after her starboard floater broke. The Panther helicopter of "Surcouf" successfully airlifted the 5-men crew of the catamaran.

On 14 October 2004, the "Surcouf" assisted the "Sara 2", a Panamanian cargo ship which ran aground near Yemen. The 16-man crew was successfully airlifted by the Panther helicopter, and later transferred from the frigate to Yemanite coast guards.

Photographs

Crotale missile launcher is well visible on the top of the helicopter hangar.
Courbet"
Operation Enduring Freedom"