On 22 August 1779, Le Gouardun joined the French Royal Navy as a Frigate Lieutenant on the 80-gun "Orient". In 1781, he transferred to the 64-gun "Ajax", on "Pourvoyeuse" the next year, and on "Annibal" in April 1782. He took part and was wounded in both the Battle of Providien and the Battle of Cuddalore.