Receiving French Navy FUF Martinique Stanag 4285 on 8378.5 kHz with Airspy HF+Discovery and W6VLP mag loop. Beautiful signal, easy to decode marker. Using Sorcerer decoding software.

French and US Navy Conducting Bi-Lateral Exercise in Indian Ocean

 

 

French sailors assigned to the Aquitaine-class frigate Provence (D652) watch a live-fire gunnery exercise from the bridge wing of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) during a bilateral exercise. Antietam, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Flewellyn (Released) 160211-N-ZZ786-204

French Naval Warship Charles De Gaulle Sets Sail

Courtesy of Wolfgang and the UDXF newsgroup:

Aircraft carrier CHARLES DE GAULLE sails from Toulon to start one-month deployment to the Mediterranean as part of a work-up to regain full operational readiness after yard period. Initially conduct air group training and in second phase will be joined by other warships (CHEVALIER PAUL, DUPLEIX, MONTCALM, JACOUBET, MEUSE), establishing a complete carrier battle group for complex exercises which are supposed to bring about operational validation.

Blog Editor Note: Keep an eye on 8453.0 kHz Stanag 4285 mode for french naval traffic.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) conducts joint exercises with French Navy.

The USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) recently conducted joint exercises with the French Navy.
To view a video report click here http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13215

TR Sails with the French Navy - Conducts CQ

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John Suits, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
A French F-2 Rafale fighter lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during combined French and American carrier qualifications.

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At sea (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed Naval Station Norfolk July 18 for a historic collaboration between the U.S. and French navies.

French E2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft assigned to the 4th Squadron began flight operations with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aboard Roosevelt, marking the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier. French Rafale fighter aircraft assigned to the 12th Squadron also joined.

"Operations with our friends and allies are the cornerstone of the U.S. Navy's current maritime strategy," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, Roosevelt's commanding officer. "These combined operations will certainly pay dividends into the future as our navies continue to work together to increase global security."

Combined flight operations was scheduled to run through July 22.

A French E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft, assigned to the 4th Squadron, lands during a historic joint French and American collaborated carrier qualification aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

French Navy Pilots CQ aboard the Roosevelt

Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Biggs shoots a French F-2 Rafale off the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during combined French and American carrier qualifications. This event marks the first integrated U.S. and French carrier qualifications aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)(TR) is conducting carrier qualifications with members of the French Navy during Operation Brimstone July 21-31.

Pilots from the "Tomcatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31 and French navy pilots are learning the value of camaraderie and the true meaning of the term 'shipmate.'

"Every day we have close air support and air defense missions preparing us for carrier qualifications," said French Lt. Lebars "Barzy" Stephan, a Rafale pilot assigned to the 12th Fighter Squadron.

"It's very nice being aboard TR because we are learning to work together as allies so we can fight more efficiently and effectively. For me, it's also nice to compare the specifics between the F/A-18E Super Hornets and the French Rafale aircraft."

While working together, the pilots of both navies recognize their similarities.

"It's been a real treat to have them [the French pilots] around because of the camaraderie and to see the different aspects of their coalition capabilities," said Lt. Christopher "Buttercup" Jones, a pilot assigned to VFA 31.

"Learning about each other's cultures helps us with our teamwork. They're just like us, because at the end of the day, we're still pilots and we share a lot of things in common, such as terminology, hobbies, and motivational skills."

Other similarities include how flight operations are controlled and the importance of communications during flight deck operations and carrier qualifications.

"I was called this year to participate in carrier qualifications aboard TR," said Lt. Cmdr. Yann Beaufils, French Air Boss. "Being an air boss is the same on an American or French aircraft carrier. In the tower, I have direct contact with all the French pilots as they're flying. Everything is pretty much the same on French and U.S. aircraft carriers. Both our navies are the only ones to operate with these catapults and arresting gear systems on the flight deck."

During their training, French and U.S. Navy pilots train every day to ensure that TR carrier qualifications run smoothly. It's good for camaraderie, and also helps instill a sense of pride and teamwork, strengthening allied relationships in training and war-time environments.

Commanded by Capt. Ladd Wheeler, Theodore Roosevelt is the flagship of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRSCG). The TRSCG is preparing for a scheduled deployment later this year.

French Ship Guepratte Provides a Presence in Gulf of Aden

ABOARD FS GUEPRATTE (NNS) -- The French frigate Guepratte (F 714) is contributing to security and stability in the Gulf of Aden as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150.

Guepratte sailors monitor unusual activity, such as the presence of small skiffs around fishing or merchant vessels, as well as providing assistance to regional mariners.

"We want people to know we are patrolling. This is a very large area of water and the more mariners know that we're out here, the better," said Guepratte's Commanding Officer, French Navy Cmdr. Francois Moreau. "We are here to be a deterrent to illegal activities. That is the mission of the Coalition, and it is a daily challenge."

Guepratte arrived in the Red Sea Nov. 18 and is part of CTF 150.

CTF 150 conducts Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

Coalition forces conduct MSO under international maritime conventions to ensure security and safety in international waters so that all commercial shipping can operate freely while transiting the region.

Busy Times at FUE

From Wolfgang Palmberger near Munich, Germany, via the UDXF Newsgroup. Intercept from French Naval Station FUE operating on 6348.0 kHz using 600L 5N2 STANAG 4285:

VZCZCABC001 ALL DE FUE ALL DE FUE ALL DE FUE DDATENTING TESTING TESTING wkg warships: 1852z FA, 1905z FG, 1930z FH, 1943z FG zbz0 qsy4 , 1955z FH, 2003z FG, 2041z FM, 2103z FM, 2138z FI, 2145z FY, 2150z FG, 2246z FL