In September of 1781, one of the most crucial naval battles took place during the American Revolution, the battle of Chesapeake or the battle of the capes. With this victory by the French Navy under Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse, the French were able to keep away British supplies and reinforcements from entering Chesapeake Bay to aid General Charles Cornwallis, which allowed for the successful siege of Yorktown, and the inevitable surrender of the British.

While we celebrate our the 246th anniversary of our independence from the British Empire, let us not forgot the French vessels who helped us achieve our freedom

• Hermione, a 32-gun Concorde class frigate, which the Marquis de La Fayette used to deliver messages between France and General George Washington.
• Marseillois (now the Vengeur du Peuple), a 74-gun ship, who led and fired the first cannon shots against the British ship HMS Intrepid in the Battle of the Chesapeake.
• Ville de Paris, 90-gun three-decker, the flagship to Admiral François Joseph Paul de Grasse during most of the American Revolution.

At the Cape Henry Memorial located at the Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story in Virginia, there is a monument commemorating the contribution of de Grasse and his sailors to the cause of American Independence.

“No land force can act decisively unless it is accompanied by maritime superiority“

General George Washington