French Frigate Aquitaine Wins Prestigious Hookem Award For Exceptional Asw Capabilities

The French Navy’s FREMM Frigate Aquitaine has won the prestigious “Hook’Em” award, a quarterly recognition presented by the U.S. Navy to units demonstrating exceptional Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) readiness and proficiency. This marks the fifth time that a French unit has received this honor, and the fourth time a FREMM frigate has been awarded the prize.

The “Hook’Em” award was established in December 1975 by Vice Adm. Frederick C. Turner to recognize the U.S. Navy’s ships, submarines, and aircraft squadrons that had demonstrated outstanding ASW excellence. The award was discontinued two decades later but was re-established by Adm. James G. Foggo III in 2016 during his tenure as Commander of US Naval Forces Europe.

The Aquitaine, a multi-mission frigate equipped with the advanced Thales CAPTAS-4 variable depth sonar system, received the award for its exceptional performance in ASW operations during the North Atlantic in 2022. The crew’s ability to detect and track submarines was recognized by Commodore Doug Sattler (CTF 69) who presented the award.

The “Hook’Em” award is a testament to the French Navy’s expertise in ASW, which has been honed through years of training and operations. The FREMM frigates are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and information processing systems that enable them to detect and engage submarines with precision.

The U.S. Navy’s decision to procure the Thales CAPTAS-4 variable depth sonar system for its Constellation-class frigate program was influenced by feedback from US Navy Europe on the performances of this sonar. The success of this system has been demonstrated by French Navy units, including the Aquitaine and other FREMM frigates.

The award comes as a recognition of the high degree of confidence accorded by American partners to French know-how in ASW operations, particularly strategic in the Atlantic where allied operations are carried out. French Navy FREMM frigates have won the “Hook’Em” award four times previously, with notable recipients including CTF 470 and 473, as well as individual units like FS Bretagne (D-655) and FS Auvergne (D-654).

The success of the FREMM frigates in ASW operations is attributed to their advanced sensors, information processing systems, and skilled crews. The French Navy’s expertise in ASW has been built over years of training and operations, cementing its position as a leading ASW force.

In addition to the Aquitaine, other French units have also demonstrated exceptional performance in ASW operations. In 2020, CTF 470 and 473, along with French frigates FS Bretagne (D-655) and FS Auvergne (D-654), earned recognition for their deployments in the Mediterranean.

The award was presented by Vice Admiral Wing Ishee (C6F) to Vice Admiral Boidevezi, Commander Task Force 470 (CTF 470) and FREMM frigates Auvergne, Bretagne, Languedoc, and Provence, for their deployments in the Mediterranean in coordination with the United States Navy.

The French Navy’s FREMM frigates have proven themselves to be formidable submarine hunters, capable of detecting and engaging submarines with precision. Their advanced sensors and information processing systems make them among the best in the world, offering a range of capabilities including anti-surface warfare and mine countermeasures.

In conclusion, the “Hook’Em” award is a testament to the French Navy’s expertise in ASW operations and its commitment to excellence. The success of French units, including FREMM frigates, demonstrates their ability to operate effectively in challenging environments and their commitment to delivering outstanding results in ASW operations.

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