100 years of the BAN, an unforgettable event
On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the BAN, over 35,000 visitors attended an unforgettable airshow.
Located in the heart of Var, the base d'aéronautique navale (BAN) is the only Aéronautique navale base located in the Sud de la France. A fundamental pillar of the French defense system, it hosts 3 helicopter flotillas, namely the 31F (Caïman Marine), the 35F and the 36F (Panther), a detachment of the flotilla 32F (H160), the Centre d'expertise Hélicoptère (CEBNTEX – HELICO), the École du personnel de pont d'envol (EPPE) as well as the Centre d'Expérimentation Pratiques et de réception de l'Aéronautique navale (CEPA/ 10S). Active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the base is home to a dynamic community of over 1,600 people, including 300 civilians, making it a major player in the local economy. The base also provides support for the military platform of Cuers – Pierrefeu and the Centre de Coordination et de contrôle marine la Méditerranée (CCCMAR MED).
Photos Philippe OLIVIER.