FS Mistral (L9013)

The French navy amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) gets underway in support of exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today's fight with today's forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. #BA12 (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Martie/Released)

FS Mistral (L9013)

French navy amphibious assault ship FS Mistral (L9013) prepares to get underway for Exercise Bold Alligator 2012 (BA2012). BA2012 is the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years and represents the Navy and Marine Corps' revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Engineman 2nd Class Jason Howard/Released)

FS Chevalier Paul (D621)

FS Chevalier Paul (D621) is a Horizon class destroyer of the French Marine Nationale commissioned in June 2009. She is the third vessel of the French Navy named after the 17th century admiral Chevalier Paul. FS Chevalier Paul was launched by DCN in Lorient on 12 July 2006. (Photo: Hellenic Navy)

FNS Jacques Cartier (L 9033)

The French Amphibious Ship FNS JACQUES CARTIER, sails away after rafting with HMAS TOBRUK in Canala Bay, to conduct a vehicle transfer in which to land vehicles and troops onto the beach head off the coast of New Caledonia during Exercise Croix Du Sud 2006. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FNS Jacques Cartier (L 9033)

The French Amphibious Ship FNS JACQUES CARTIER, returns to sea after beaching its self in Canala Bay after landing its vehicles and troops onto the beach head off the coast of New Caledonia during Exercise Croix Du Sud 2006. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FNS Jacques Cartier (L 9033)

The French Amphibious ship FNS Jacques Cartier at sea off the coast of New Caledonia during Exercise Croix Du Sud 2006. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FNS Jacques Cartier (L 9033)

The French Navy ship, Jacques Cartier, comes alongside HMAS Tobruk in New Caledonia during Exercise Croix du Sud. Deep caption Exercise Croix du Sud (Southern Cross) is a biennial multinational amphibious exercise hosted by the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia with visiting forces from Australia, New Zealand and Pacific island states. Exercise Croix du Sud 2006 is scheduled from late April to early May 2006. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FNS Jacques Cartier (L 9033)

Landings on the coast at Poum, northern New Caledonia. Pictured is the French amphibious landing ship, Jacques Cartier about to discharge men and vehicles ashore. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FNS Jacques Cartier (L 9033)

French Navy Ship (FNS) Jacques Cartier prepares to conduct a beach landing to offload vehicles and troops, off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud. Australian, French Armed Forces New Caledonia (FANC) and Papua New Guinean Forces conduct exercises off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FNS Jacques Cartier (L 9033)

French Navy Ship (FNS) Jacques Cartier prepares to conduct a beach landing to offload vehicles and troops, off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud, with HMAS Kanimbla in the background. Australian, French Armed Forces New Caledonia (FANC) and Papua New Guinean Forces conduct exercises off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FNS Jacques Cartier (L 9033)

French Navy Ship (FNS) Jacques Cartier conducts a beach landing to offload vehicles and troops, off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud. Australian, French Armed Forces New Caledonia (FANC) and Papua New Guinean Forces conduct exercises off the coast of Noumea during Exercise Croix Du Sud. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FNS La Glorieuse (P686)

French Navy Audacious Class patrol boat FNS La Glorieuse (P686) 480 tons 54.8m x 8m x 2.54m Crew: 29. (Photo: Australia DoD)

FS Prairial (F731)

The French navy frigate FS Prairial (F 731) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to support Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Swink/Released)

FS Prairial (F731)

The French navy frigate FS Prairial (F 731) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The ship is visiting Hawaii to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010, a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Woody Paschall/Released)

FS Perle (S606)

The French navy submarine FS Perle (S606) approaches Naval Station Norfolk from the Elizabeth River. Perle is visiting Norfolk to participate in Auriga 2010, a series of multinational exercises in the North and West Atlantic. Auriga 2010 is lead by the Britsh Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal (R07). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd A. Schaffer/Released)

FS Forbin (D620)

The French Navy destroyer FS Forbin (D620) operates alongside aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), not pictured. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility during a scheduled deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rafael Figueroa Medina/Released)

FS Amethyste (S605)

The French nuclear attack submarine FS Amethyste (S 605) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk after completing patrol operations in the West Indies. Amethyste is making a four-day port call before joining the Theodore Roosevelt Task Group for Joint Task Force Exercise 08.4. starting next week. (U.S. Navy photo By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelvin Edwards)

FS Vendémiaire (F734)

A large harbor tug follows the French frigate Vendémiaire (F734) as the ship enters port at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a scheduled visit. Vendémiaire is a light-monitoring frigate homeported in Noumea, New Caledonia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Reckard)

FS Charles de Gaulle (R-91)

The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R-91) shown operating in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Randall Damm)

FS Ventose (F733)

The French navy frigate FS Ventose (F733) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk to participate in the annual FRUKUS (French, Russian, United Kingdom, United States) event hosted by the U.S. this year. FRUKUS 2011 is an invitational exercise intended to enhance communication and interoperability between participating navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samantha Thorpe/Released)