Forbin spent most of the 1890s in the Mediterranean reserve squadron but returned for annual training. Her exercises included gunnery, blockade simulation, and scouting in the western Mediterranean. When two torpedo boats collided in 1893, Forbin towed the damaged Audacieux back to Toulon. Recovery was one duty that a larger flotilla ship could perform for small craft. In 1895 she joined a force representing a hostile Italian fleet against two individually weaker French formations. The scenario reflected France's real force-structure problem: northern, Mediterranean, and imperial commitments dispersed French ships, while Italy could initially concentrate more of its strength in one theater.
Chapter · 17:03-18:39
Forbin's exercises tested towing and divided-fleet strategy
Forbin's reserve activations reveal how exercises tested scouting, blockade work, casualty towing, and France's need to unite dispersed squadrons against a concentrated Mediterranean opponent.