Rear Admiral David Samson, commander of the Pôle Écoles Méditerranée

Enlisting as a volunteer sailor in the Marine in 1987, he chose the specialty of navigator-helmsman. After an early career marked by intense operational activity aboard the frigate Jean de Vienne (Mission Néréides in the Persian Gulf then two external operations in Lebanon), he participated in nuclear experiments in the Pacific aboard the transport and support ship Bougainville in 1990.

SUPPORT SERVICE

En 1995, à l’issue de l’école d’application des officiers de Marine, il est breveté de l’école des officiers Énergie, puis sert successivement à bord de frégates et d’aviso. En 2002, il est désigné Ingénieur responsable de bâtiments au Service de soutien de la flotte de Toulon. Après dix années embarquées suivies d’un début de carrière orienté vers le soutien aux opérations, au sortir de l’École de guerre, il se spécialise dans les finances publiques au sein des états-majors ou de la direction des affaires financières du ministère.

Then, he dedicated himself to human resources, playing a key role in the HR development of the Marine, before becoming director of recruitment for the Marine. Promoted to rear admiral in 2022, he began a career as a senior executive. He was appointed Deputy Central Director of the Service de soutien de la flotte. In the summer of 2024, he was appointed director of the Centre d’études stratégiques de la Marine and outreach delegate for the Chief of Staff of the Marine. At the head of the Marine's largest training center with its six schools, he will ensure the professional and military preparation of young officers, petty officers, sailors, and apprentices motivated by the defense of their country from the sea. Rear Admiral David Samson is an Officer of the Légion d'honneur and an Officer of the ordre national du Mérite.