The French Navy (Marine Nationale) appointed Capitaine de Frégate (Frigate Captain or Commander) Claire Pothier as the commanding officier aboard La fayette class Frigate Guéprate (F714). CDR Pothier becomes the first woman to command a combatant ship in the French Navy. On Friday, January 15, 2016 Squadron Vice-Admiral Denis Beraud, Commander of the French Navy Naval Action Force (ALFAN) appointed Commander Claire Pothier as the Commanding Officer aboard frigate Guépratte in Toulon naval base. Picture: A.Groyer©Marine Nationale CDR Pothier was previously detached to the United States Central Command Headquarters in Tampa, Florida. She graduated as valedictorian (highest ranking student) of...