The École du Personnel de Pont d'Envol Celebrated Its 30th Anniversary
The Base d'aéronautique navale d'Hyères celebrated the 30th anniversary of its École du Personnel de Pont d'Envol on June 26.
On June 26, the Base d'aéronautique navale d'Hyères celebrated the 30th anniversary of its École du Personnel de Pont d'Envol (EPPE) with an official ceremony.
A military ceremony marked three decades of training highly specialized personnel, essential to the operations of the French carrier strike group.
The official ceremony was presided over by Vice-amiral David Desfougeres, commander of the Force de l'aéronautique navale (ALAVIA), accompanied by capitaine de vaisseau Olivier de France, deputy director in charge of skills at the Direction du personnel militaire de la Marine (DPM).
A unique expertise
It was an opportunity to pay tribute to the unique expertise of this school, which trains the famous "chiens jaunes" (yellow dogs), a nickname given to flight deck operators due to the color of their vests.
These sailors of the sky are the indispensable linchpins for aircraft maneuvers on the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, operating in a demanding and dangerous environment.
A day focused on the future
Beyond the commemorative aspect, this day was focused on the future. Thus, a twinning charter was signed between the EPPE and the lycée Pierre Mendes France of Vitrolles (Bouches-du-Rhône).
It aims to strengthen ties between the Marine nationale and the educational world, by introducing younger generations to the careers and expertise offered by the armed forces.
Photos Alain BLANCHOT.