“Hugues Canuel has provided us with a superb and much-needed English-language study on the Phoenix that was the Cold War Marine nationale. The evolution of a navy from rusted obsolete hulks and shattered morale to one that could operate globally in support of overseas operations and incorporate strategic nuclear weapons into its force structure is nothing short of astounding. Strongly recommended.” —Sean M. Maloney, Professor of History, Royal Military College and author of Securing Command of the Sea: NATO Naval Planning, 1948-1954