The French Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrived at the port of Piraeus on Saturday, following a four-month deployment in the Indo-Pacific.
French officials stressed that its arrival marks not only the culmination of an extensive international mission but also a powerful symbol of the enduring and deepening strategic partnership between France and Greece.
The stopover underscores the importance of Mediterranean security, joint training initiatives, and the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining stability and freedom of navigation in the region, they added.
Charles de Gaulle stopover “showcases the strong Franco-Hellenic cooperation”
“It is a great honor and pleasure to be aboard the Charles de Gaulle as it returns from a significant four-month mission in the Indo-Pacific. The stopover in Piraeus holds great importance, showcasing the strong Franco-Hellenic cooperation underlined by the strategic partnership signed in 2021,” emphasized Laurence Auer, the French Ambassador to Greece, during her statements.
Auer highlighted the pivotal role of the French aircraft carrier in training and fostering substantial exchanges between various naval forces it has engaged with, particularly between the French and Greek navies and air forces. She emphasized the multidimensional capabilities demonstrated by the Rafale aircraft, enhancing cooperation and operational synergy.
Moreover, she underscored Charles de Gaulle’s vital role in ensuring Mediterranean security and upholding freedom of navigation through its continuous presence in the region.
Admiral Jacques Mallard, commander of the French Aircraft Carrier Strike Group, echoed these sentiments, praising Greece as their strongest partner in the Mediterranean. He credited Greece’s integral role in Operation Clemenceau 25 and emphasized longstanding cooperation with the Hellenic Navy, culminating in joint exercises and integration efforts.
Mallard concluded by expressing pride in ongoing collaborative opportunities with the Hellenic Air Force and Navy, affirming their commitment to enhancing regional security in the Eastern Mediterranean against emerging threats.
The Charles de Gaulle is the flagship of the French Navy
The Charles de Gaulle is the flagship of the French Navy (Marine Nationale) and the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in service outside of the United States.
Commissioned in 2001, it represents the centerpiece of France’s naval power projection and is central to its status as a global maritime force.
The ship is 260 meters long and carries 22 Rafale airplanes, as well as reconnaissance and rescue ships. It is escorted by a submarine, a frigate, and other ships for security and operational support. It carries onboard 1,800 people in total, including officers and staff, and its technical crew is trained to maintain and repair the carrier while on missions.
After Piraeus, the carrier will return to Toulon.
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