The Forces de haute mer (High Sea Force) was an organization of the Marine Nationale (French Navy) formed from the Mediterranean Fleet shortly before the German invasion of Poland in September 1939.
It was reformed after the French signed armistices with Germany and with Italy after losing the Battle of France in June 1940.
The Germans and Italians imposed strict limits on the number of Vichy ships that were allowed to be in commission and training.
All other ships, with the exception of those based overseas or assigned to local defense, were required to be placed in reserve (en gardiennage d'armistice).
Fuel shortages generally limited the FHM to one major training sortie per month.