Name USS Somali (DE-111) Struck 14 May 1952 Namesake Somali Length 93 m | Laid down 23 October 1943 Name FFL Somali (T-53) Launched 12 February 1944 | |
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Fate Transferred to Free France, 9 April 1944 Builders Dravo Corporation, Wilmington | ||
Somali, was a frigate in the Free French Naval Forces during World War II and the French Navy post-war. The ship was originally built as USS Somali (DE-111), an American Cannon-class destroyer escort.
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World War II
During World War II, Somali was transferred to the Free French Naval Forces under lend lease on 9 April 1944, and retained the name Somali. Ownership of the vessel was transferred to France on 21 April 1952 under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program.
Somali would take join TG 80.6 in Operation Anvil-Dragoon in August 1944.
First Indochina War
In August 1945, Somali arrived in French Indochina to help in the area. Somali was sent to Nhabe, Soirap, Vaico and Bing Trung. Somali also visited Saigon and Singapore to help restore French rule in these areas. On 25 January 1946, Somali participated in Operation Gaur.
Post War
In 1956 Somali was disarmed and used as an experimental ship with the hull number changed to A607. On 1 January 1968 Somali was renamed Arago.