PARIS (AP) — France says it's taking “appropriate measures” after a naval officer's use of the Strava exercise app inadvertently enabled journalists to geolocate the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle that is in the Mediterranean to help protect French and allied assets and interests during the Iran war.
The carrier's deployment this month was not a secret and its commander has even briefed journalists by video link from aboard the nuclear-powered 42,000-ton vessel.
Still, the French newspaper Le Monde caused a stir by using Strava to locate a naval officer who it said used the performance app during a morning jog on March 13, enabling reporters to then find the Charles de Gaulle in the Mediterranean using a satellite image taken that same day.
The newspaper said Thursday that it believes the officer was either jogging on the carrier or one of its escort ships.
French military spokesman Col. Guillaume Vernet said the Strava usage reported by Le Monde “does not comply with the current guidelines. Appropriate measures are being taken by the command.”
“In the course of their duties, sailors are regularly made aware of the security risks associated with connected devices, notably the use of social media in their private lives and the potential for geolocation through digital applications,” Vernet told The Associated Press on Friday.
“To prevent any disclosure of information relating to a vessel, different levels of restrictions on the use of connected devices are applied within the French navy. These levels of restriction are determined by the command, depending on the level of threat,” he said.
French Rear Adm. Thibault Haudos de Possesse, commander of the aircraft carrier group, had briefed reporters in a video call from the Charles de Gaulle on the same day as the naval officer’s morning jog.
The commander said that multiple warships, including French and allied-nation frigates, were escorting the carrier, carrying 20 Rafale fighter jets, two Hawkeye surveillance planes and three helicopters.
Le Monde said that divulging the carrier strike-group’s location almost in real time on a public digital platform is dangerous as the Iran war rages. A drone attack on March 12 targeted a Kurdish military base in the Erbil region, killing French soldier Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion and wounding six others.
French President Emmanuel Macron this week announced the name of France’s next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, which will be bigger than the Charles de Gaulle. The 10 billion-euro ($11.5 billion) France Libre (“Free France”), which is expected to enter service in 2038, will have a capacity for 30 Rafale fighter jets and 2,000 sailors.
The new vessel will have a displacement of about 80,000 tons and a length of 310 meters (1,017 feet), compared to 42,000 tons and 261 meters (856 feet) for the Charles de Gaulle.
French President Emmanuel Macron meets the crew as he visits the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, during his visit to Cyprus, Monday March 9, 2026. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool Photo via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron, left, visits the bridge of the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, during his visit to Cyprus, Monday March 9, 2026. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool Photo via AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron, center right, visits the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, during his visit to Cyprus, Monday March 9, 2026. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Pool Photo via AP)
AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 22, 2026--
Texas Methodist Foundation (TMF) has awarded $1.2 million to 40 churches and nonprofit ministries across Texas and New Mexico who ground their practices in long-term relationships and on the assets and gifts already at work in the neighborhoods and communities they serve.
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Selected as part of TMF’s Spring 2026 grant cycle, these ministries serve different needs—from healthcare and mental health to food security, youth development, and education—but share a common approach. Along with delivering programs, they are fully present and committed to those they serve over the long term, coming alongside individuals and families through seasons of crisis and helping them flourish.
By investing in trusted local organizations already rooted in their communities, TMF's Grants Ministry strengthens ministries that restore dignity, deepen relationships, and help families and neighborhoods for generations to come.
Spring 2026 grantees we’re proud to support:TMF Partners in Ministry
"These organizations remind us that transformational ministry isn't measured just by the services provided, but by the relationships nurtured," said Wendolyn Abel, Vice President of Grants Ministry at TMF. "Each ministry reflects God's love through faithful presence. Our role is to invest in leaders who know their communities, are trusted by their neighbors, and are creating lasting change."
The churches and nonprofit ministries selected are transforming lives through faith, relationship, and community. These grantees include:
"Our grantmaking is about multiplying ministry," said Justin Gould, chief philanthropy officer at TMF. "Every grant is an investment in local leaders who are already transforming lives in their communities. Through the generosity of donors, TMF is able to strengthen ministries whose impact reaches far beyond a single program and creates lasting change for families and neighborhoods."
About Texas Methodist Foundation’s Grants Ministry
Texas Methodist Foundation’s Grants Ministry empowers innovative churches and nonprofits that provide evangelism with social impact and community programs and services that improve the conditions of those living in poverty across Texas and New Mexico. Our ministry is made possible by a cycle of generosity that begins with investors and donors, empowering a unity of faith and funds to meet the needs of the church and the communities it serves. In 2025, the ministry distributed over $1.8 million in grants to 99 churches and nonprofits, supporting individuals and families and strengthening local communities. To learn more, visit texasmethodistfoundation.org/grants.
About Texas Methodist Foundation
Texas Methodist Foundation is a ministry partner to the church, the body of Christ, helping bring about the loving world God imagines through cultures of purpose, generosity, and courage. Founded in 1938, Texas Methodist Foundation helps strengthen churches and nonprofit ministries through Impact Certificate and market-based investments, loans, gift planning, endowment services, and grants. Texas Methodist Foundation's leadership ministry, which began in 2002, is known nationally as a convener and conversation partner on the future of the church, courageous leadership, and innovation across the spiritual landscape. Texas Methodist Foundation serves organizations throughout Texas and New Mexico. Based in Austin, Texas, the organization is led by President & CEO Rev. Lisa Greenwood, who is also President & CEO of Wesleyan Impact Partners. To learn more, visit texasmethodistfoundation.org.
The A.R. Nelson Christian Outreach Center, a Ministry of Bethel AME Church, San Antonio, Texas, is one of 40 Texas Methodist Foundation recipients.
