The French Navy ship FNS Bougainville arrived in Apia from Saturday, April 18, until Tuesday, April 21, according to the French Embassy in Samoa.

Arriving from Papeete, French Polynesia, the vessel will conduct presentations and exercises with the Samoan Police Maritime Wing during its visit.

On Saturday, a presentation was held for Samoan officials on France’s military presence and activities in the Pacific. The briefing focused on maritime law enforcement, particularly efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and drug trafficking.

On Monday, a delegation from the Samoan Police Maritime Wing will be welcomed aboard the Bougainville. Both teams will carry out a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) exercise aimed at improving the battle against drug trafficking in the region. The visit will conclude with a short sporting event between the two crews, following a review 

The Bougainville is described as a versatile patrol vessel capable of supporting a range of missions, including logistical transport, humanitarian assistance, and emergency relief during natural disasters, as well as operations against illegal fishing and drug trafficking.

The French Navy has been playing a major role in the fight against drug trafficking in the region, with three major seizures since the beginning of 2026 only: 4.87 tons on 19 January, 4.2 tons on 3 February, and 2.4 tons on 13 February. These operations were conducted in partnership with Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

The vessel is named after Count de Bougainville, a French explorer and scientist whose 1766–1769 voyage took him across parts of South America and the Pacific, including Tahiti, Samoa, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and Papua New Guinea.

The French Navy is also marking the 400th anniversary of its creation by Cardinal de Richelieu in 1626.