At 36F, courage, innovation and excellence

To mark this anniversary with dignity, a dedicated afternoon was organized with several highlights, including a presentation of the missions of the flotilla and the Panther helicopter. A military ceremony was also presided over by amiral Desfougeres, commander of the force de l'aéronautique navale, in the presence of Louis Giscard d'Estaing, mayor of Chamalières and president of the association des villes marraines des forces armées. It brought together the highest authorities of the Aéronautique navale, former sailors of the flotilla, and their families.

And, the sailors of the flotilla were honored with the presentation of numerous collective or individual awards. Thus, a special tribute was paid to all the sailors, men and women, who have served in the unit. Their dedication and professionalism remain an example for future generations.

“Indeed, 2025 marks a significant anniversary for the Aéronautique navale with the 30th anniversary of the Flottille 36F. This unit has played, through its multiple deployments, a crucial role in many theaters. ‘Everywhere, to serve and to fight,’ is the motto of this operational flotilla, created in 1915, whose role in the defense and projection of French power in many theaters is primordial,” explains the ministère des Armées.

At the end of the ceremony, everyone gathered to share a moment of fraternity and conviviality. A photo exhibition and a film, produced for the occasion, retraced the major milestones in the unit's history: the release of hostages from the Ponant, the arrival of the Panther standard 2 and, more recently, the destruction of a Houthi drone in the mer Rouge.

Joint static and dynamic demonstrations of the Panther and the S-100 drone, the latest addition to the flotilla, brilliantly completed this tribute.

Finally, the day concluded with the famous “Panther Trio Display,” an emblematic demonstration of the excellence shown by the flotilla.