French frigate De Grasse (D 612)

The De Grasse is a F67 type large high-sea frigate (warship) of the French Marine Nationale specialised in anti-submarine warfare, though she also has anti-air and anti-surface capabilities. She is named after the 18th Century admiral count François Joseph Paul de Grasse.

Between 1994 and 1996, the De Grasse and her sister Tourville were refitted with the modern SLAMS anti-submarine system, an active Very Low Frequencies sonar.

In April 2006, the De Grasse lost her towed sonar array during an exercise in heavy sea. The incident was reported by the Canard Enchaîné; an investigation was launched to ascertain responsibilities for the loss of the 3 million euro worth sonar array. Meanwhile, the spare sonar of the decommissioned Duguay-Trouin was fitted on the De Grasse.

The De Grasse is due for decommissioning by the mid of 2013.

Sources and references

 * Frégate De Grasse, netmarine.net