One French ship was replaced by another in the Mediterranean Sea operation Sophia after FS Commandant Bouan took over from FS Commandant Ducuing on February 6.

Both ships are D’Estienne d’Orves-class avisos most commonly used for anti-submarine defence and high sea escort missions.

Commandant Ducuing ended her participation in EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia after a one-month deployment.

Operation Sophia is an EU-led mission aimed at countering human and weapon smuggling activities in the Mediterranean Sea. So far, 103-suspected smugglers and traffickers have been prosecuted by the Italian authorities and 387 boats were removed from the criminal organization availability.