The high seas patrol vessel (PHM) Commander Ducuing made a final stopover in Ajaccio, its sponsor city, on its return from the Corymbe mission in which it had been engaged since March 14, 2025.
After a 9-day patrol in rough sea conditions, it crossed the Strait of Gibraltar for the last time on May 19, 2025. It finally docked in Ajaccio on May 24, 2025.
This stopover was marked by many moments of cohesion and exchanges between the crew and the city of Ajaccio and the city’s Navy military preparation. On May 25, 2025, a military ceremony was held to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the death of Frigate Captain Gabriel Ducuing, who died for France at Cap Gris-Nez on May 25, 1940. Present were Captain de Cacqueray, COMAR Corse, Mr. Bacci, municipal councilor of Ajaccio in charge of military matters, and a detachment of the Ajaccio Navy military preparation.
A unique moment for the young PMM trainees, who shared a friendly moment with the crewmembers. The stopover continued with a team-building dinner hosted by COMAR Corsica at the Aspretto naval base. Finally, a delegation of around thirty sailors was received in the town hall’s reception room, the Napoleon Room, by municipal officials for a final farewell.
PHM Commandant Ducuing is now heading to Toulon after 70 days of deployment, where it will begin operations in early June to prepare for withdrawal from active service.
Who was CF Ducuing?
In May 1940, CF Ducuing commanded a coastal battery at Cap Gris Nez, where he was shot down by a German burst on May 25, 1940, while hoisting the colors for the last time, after having evacuated all of his men. The PHM Commander Ducuing was the second ship to bear his name. After its withdrawal from active service, the name Commander Ducuing would endure as it was given to the 6th future offshore patrol vessel (PH).