While 2026 promises to be an extraordinary year for all sailors celebrating the 400th anniversary of the creation of the French Navy, this year has an even more symbolic character for the sailors of La Fayette-class frigate (FLF) La Fayette who are also celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of their proud ship’s commissioning.
Thus, the frigate opened its doors on January 8, 2026, to all her civilian and military partners, who came from all over France for an exceptional day at sea, under the sign of the influence of the French Navy and the Army-Nation link.
On this occasion, a delegation from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, La Fayette ‘s sponsor city, embarked on board. The delegation from the town hall was accompanied by players from the Saint-Dié rugby team, the principals of the George Beaumont high school and the Souhait middle school (Saint-Dié), and members of the Épinal Naval Military Preparation (PMM) program, which the La Fayette sponsors. They met with delegations from Toulon’s PMM program in La Seyne-sur-Mer (the La Fayette’s sponsored PMM), the Barjols middle school, and the Anne-Sophie Pic high school in Toulon, as well as representatives from the Society of the Cincinnati and the Order of Lafayette. From the military side, the La Fayette squadron, the Marseille Naval Fire Battalion (BMPM) station in Plombières, and the Port-Vendres signal station were also present for this special outing.
Throughout the day, the frigate sailed at sea, offering guests an immersive experience aboard a French Navy warship and the opportunity to observe aviation maneuvers performed by four Panther helicopters, an integral part of the French Navy’s fleet. Visitors, particularly trainees and high school students, interacted directly with the sailors, discovered their specialties, and gained a better understanding of the daily life and demands of the professions practiced on board. They also enjoyed a presentation on the life of the Marquis who fought for American independence and for whom the frigate is named.
This day helped to strengthen ties with the various entities and to plan the next events for 2026, a year that promises to be particularly eventful.