The video below is an exclusive report on board the French frigate the Chevalier Paul in the Persian Gulf, recorded by a team of the French TV media France 24.

The frigate Chevalier Paul escorts the much larger French aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle. The frigate's 200-strong crew work tirelessly to protect the aircraft carrier from aerial, maritime or underwater attacks.

The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and the frigate Chevalier Paul left French waters in November 2015 to participate in the international coalition against the Islamic State group. For the first time, a TV crew was allowed to go on board the frigate for two days.