In 1778, "Fantasque" was part of the squadron under Admiral d'Estaing supporting the rebels in the War of American Independence, under Captain Suffren. Suffren was leading a division, with his flag on"Fantasque", which he personally captained, along with the frigates "Aimable", "Chimère" and "Engageante". The mission of his force was to support Franco-American efforts in the Battle of Rhode Island by striking a 5-frigate British squadron anchored in Narragansett Bay, off Newport, comprising HMS "Juno", "Flora", "Lark", "Orpheus" and "Cerebus". On 5 August 1778, Suffren entered the Bay and anchored next to the British, who cut their cables and scuttled their ships by fire to avoid capture. The Royal Navy ended up having to destroy ten of their own vessels in all, including five frigates.