French Patrol Touring the United States in Honor of 250th Anniversary of US Independence
- The Patrouille de France will embark on a tour of the United States from June 3 to July 5 in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States.
- This mission highlights France’s crucial support of the American insurgents fighting against the British crown.
The aircraft of the Patrouille de France (PAF) will tour the United States from June 3 to July 5 as part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, announced Thursday by the Air and Space Army. This mission “Liberty 250” emphasizes France’s crucial support of the American insurgents in their fight against the British crown, which has led to France being referred to as “the oldest ally of the United States,” as often mentioned in Washington.
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“In the 18th century, France and the United States established a unique relationship (…) which would be sealed in blood for freedom during the War of Independence, and for centuries to come,”
stated General Pierre Gaudillière, commander of the air brigade of the fighter aviation. He recalled that “the first American military aviators wore French uniforms,”
referring to American citizens who joined the French-American squadron Lafayette as early as 1916, before the United States entered the war the following year. Despite current uncertainties about the reliability of the American ally, cooperation with the American forces is characterized by its high level and vitality,
according to General Gaudillière.
“Flying over the French team during a match”
During this tour, the aircraft will fly over historic sites such as Independence Hall where the Declaration was signed on July 4, 1776, the Yorktown battlefield which marked the Americans’ and their French allies’ victory in 1781, and the Chesapeake Bay where the French fleet defeated the British navy. As the United States is hosting the World Cup, “it is not out of the question that we will try to fly over the French team during a match,”
added General Gaudillière without further details. The PAF will conclude its tour by participating in the naval and aerial parade in New York on July 4. The French Navy sailboat La Belle Poule, which took part in the blockade of the Chesapeake Bay, will also be involved.
The eight PAF aircraft, with their tail fins displaying an American flag on one side and French flag on the other, will be accompanied by an A400M transport aircraft and two backup planes, totaling 85 military personnel.
