The Colbert's profile included a bridge superstructure set well-forward in the design with high-reaching masts installed just aft. At midships were the smoke funnels and aft of this was another mast and a stepped superstructure, leading to the flattened section of helideck. One helicopter could be supported from this pad.
Colbert entered service with the French fleet in 1959 and, from a 1964 reorganization, was made part of the Mediterranean squadron out of Toulon. The advancing nature of enemy aircraft of the period, particularly Soviet bombers (as well as anti-ship missiles) made her all-gun armament obsolete. This led to extra work conducted on her in the early 1970s to convert her to a dedicated guided missile cruiser.
The modernization effort led her armament suite to showcase 4 x MM-38 Exocet anti-ship missiles, 1 x "Masurca" Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system, 2 x 100mm AA guns, 12 x 57mm Mod 51 AA guns and 2 x 12.7mm AA machine guns. Her active crew complement was reduced to 560 personnel and her bridge superstructure rebuilt. Improved radar systems were installed and a 6,705 electric generator added to deal with the increased power requirements. Her control room was also updated for the new technologically-advanced battlefield.
From 1976, Colbert served as flagship of the Mediterranean squadron and a second major refit to her was had from 1981 to 1982 - the goal of keeping the ship viable into the 1990s. Changes to her design during this phase included installation of SATCOM supporting equipment and increased range capability of the Masruca missile system. The missiles evolved from beam-riding weapons to semi-active radar homing types. Engagement of the radar system was up to 60 kilometers and the missiles could reach up to 73,800 feet of altitude.
Her participation in the coalition effort of the 1991 Gulf War marked the end of her service tenure. However, she never fired a shot in the whole of the conflict and is remembered for never having fired a shot in her entire sea-going career.
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