The Surcouf (F711) is a La Fayette-class frigate of the French Navy. She was laid down at Lorient Naval Dockyard on 6 July 1992, launched 3 July 1993, and commissioned May 1996.

Since its commission, Surcouf has taken part in numerous missions, notably in Operation Antilope (Gabon and Congo), Operation Trident (Kosovo) and Mission Khor Anga in the Djibouti zone.

On 14 May 2001, Surcouf had to assist Marc Guillemot skipper of the Biscuits La Trinitaine-Team Ethypharm, who had to abandon his ship after her starboard floater broke. The Panther helicopter of Surcouf successfully airlifted the 5-men crew of the catamaran.

On 14 October 2004, the Surcouf assisted the Sara 2, a Panamanian cargo ship which ran aground near Yemen. The 16-man crew was successfully airlifted by the Panther helicopter, and later transferred from the frigate to Yemeni coast guards.

Photographs

Image:Surcouf_1.jpg|Inside of the forward deck of the Surcouf
Image:Surcouf_2.jpg|The Surcouf in Toulon; the helicopter is clearly visible on the aft
Image:Surcouf_3.jpg|The helicopter pad; the Crotale missile launcher is well visible on the top of the helicopter hangar.
Image:Sourcouf-Courbet.jpg|Stealth frigate Surcouf and Courbet
Image:Fleet_5_nations.jpg|Surcouf (bottom left) with ships from five countries during Operation Enduring Freedom

Sources and references

Category:La Fayette class frigatesCategory:Active frigates of FranceCategory:1993 ships
fr:Surcouf (frégate)pl:Surcouf (F 711)pt:Surcouf (F711)