Three multi-mission frigates (FREMM) based in Brest: Normandie, Bretagne and Aquitaine, as well as two high-seas patrol boats (PHM) from Brest, Commandant Blaison and Premier-Maitre L’Her have regrouped from November 27 to December 2 in a naval force formed to escort the Rhône metropolitan support and assistance building in the face of an underwater threat simulated by the nuclear attack submarine Amethyst.
Pushing the realism to the end of the gesture, the buildings and air assets placed under the orders of the FREMM Normandy were able to exercise over time in an activity under strong underwater threat, alternating between backup posture and combat posts. .
The coordination of frigates, high seas patrol boats, the Caïman Marine embarked on the Aquitaine and the Atlantique 2 maritime patrol planes from Lann Bihoué for several research slots for the submarine is the key to success in the fight against underwater. This responsibility for coordinating assets and sensors falls to the naval force’s anti-submarine warfare officer. Despite the fast and aggressive tactics adopted by the SNA, the naval force succeeded in escorting the Rhône to its destination , which represented a valuable unit such as an aircraft carrier or a helicopter carrier.
A mission accomplished therefore, but above all an exercise which will have made it possible to develop the level of anti-submarine coordination between units working as a formed force, to train the crews in other tactics and in greater reactivity in the face of unpredictability of the submarine. Finally, SAGRE was an opportunity for the “training” division of the Naval Action Force to evaluate three officers in this demanding position of naval anti-submarine warfare officer (OLASM FN) in charge of direct the units towards a single objective: to detect and sink the SNA.