Implementing the Maritime Strategy: French Navy Rafales, Hawkeyes Deploying on US CVN Summer ’08
Found this gem whilst out doing some scouting:
The French Aéronavale will embark for the first time on an American aircraft carrier. Without a second aircraft carrier, while Charles stopped for maintenance for eighteen months, pilots of Rafale and Hawkeye are going to train in July 2008 aboard the USS Roosevelt off Norfolk, in the Atlantic. "We are setting up this operation with the American Navy" said the French Navy Office. A dozen airplanes are to be deployed on Roosevelt: six to eight Rafales of the flotilla 12 F and two Hawkeyes of the flotilla 4F.
http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=76591
One sees all sorts of interesting culture clashes – not the least of which when our guests come to realize there are but a few very limited areas they can partake of their Gauloises and none for an apertif prior to sampling the messdeck’s best. Still, considering where we were (loggerheads) a few short years ago, there must be more than a few head ready to explode overseas at the prospect of a squadron of Rafales and Hawkeyes of Fench extract operating off TR for a pro-longed period of time, even if it is a glorified CQ evolution, vice the usual one-day exchange. Foster and sustain cooperative relationships with more international partners? Check. Expanded cooperation with the maritime forces of other nations through more interoperability via the Global Maritime Partnership initiative? Definitely check.
So, Lex — realize it’s the wrong coast and all, but thinking about brushing up your francois and making a run as an LNO for next summer?
What’s an “LNO?” Enquiring minds wanna know…
Other than that…Yogi comes to mind with the immortal “Who’d a thunk it?”
LNO = Liaison Officer
But what about the wine mess? At least on De Gaulle one get a class of Cognac after that night trap.
This gives me some flashbacks……..”Closeout, Closeout, thees ees Majeek. On station.” Slowly but surely all of the SA is sucked out of your head…………. 🙄
You know, this isn’t very suprising from a french POV.
We knew that we needed a second carrier to train the pilots while the CdG is in repairs.And the relationship between US and French forces were always good.
So logical conclusion:the french pilots will train on a US carrier.
You know, I’m a simple man. If being an LNO means someone else is paying for my flight time, then the answer is “Yes!”
Even if it does end up being an E-2 rather than a Rafael. Pass the Pringles 🙂
An LNO next summer? I thought Mr. Lex was bailing.Do I smell a 30 year man on deck?
You know, I’m starting to turn my opinion of the French around, especially after reading about the French “terrorist” group that’s been going around blowing up the traffic enforcement/revenue enhancement cameras in France.
“French “terrorist†group that’s been going around blowing up the traffic enforcement/revenue enhancement cameras in France.”
Wonder of we could get a Stateside tour in northern VA…?
– SJS
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article3048856.ece
Saw that French “terrorist” item in the UK’s Times. Hope the link works. NJ legislators are talking about cameras here (for safety’s sake of course, not the revenue).
Thanks for the translation, SJS. I’m usually pretty good at sniffing out Mil acronyms. Except when it comes to stuff like “NAVLANTCOMPACSHORTERSPEAK.” (I made that up…) 😉
What’s French for “No chance Paddles!”
It’s good to see that our relationship with the French is improving. Long live Sarcozy! By the way SJS, are they just doing CQ or will they be operating off the TR in support of the GWOT for several weeks/months?
Jim C
Whatever you do, DO NOT ask Blackfive to be the liason:
http://www.blackfive.net/main/1_post_that_started_it_all/index.html