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)