The Tangwall Campagin. On the eve of the big July 4th parade over New York, celebrating 250 years of the independence of the United States, what state of mind are you in?
General Pierre Gaudillière. We are very focused. As with any air mission, everything is carefully prepared: the mechanics work on the planes, the crews finalize their briefings and everyone knows their role perfectly. The challenge consists of integrating an extremely complex aerial system where each plane must pass over a precise point to the nearest second. This rigor is the same as that required during an operational mission.
Do you feel any particular pressure for this parade which will be followed around the world?
An air mission of this magnitude is always demanding. More than a hundred aircraft of very different performances will operate in the same airspace. Planning is particularly complex.
The pressure exists, of course, but it is that of all hunting missions: we enter our bubble before the flight and we only come out after the debriefing. It is this permanent concentration that guarantees the success of the mission.
This parade will take place as part of the Freedom 250 mission of the Air and Space Force. What does it correspond to exactly?
The mission culminates with the July 4 flypast over New York, but it is much more than just an event. For almost a month, we carried out an aerial projection operation with the Patrouille de France, an A400M Atlas and 85 aviators. It is a mission prepared for six months, in coordination with the American authorities, the Federal Aviation Administration, the US Air Force, the US Navy and the organizers of the various events.
“France is the first and oldest ally of the United States”
This mission is both memorial, operational and oriented towards cooperation. We flew over several historic sites linked to Franco-American history, participated in major air shows every weekend and increased our exchanges with our American counterparts.
Why is France participating in the celebrations of 250 years of American independence?
Because France responds to the invitation of the United States, of which it is the first and oldest ally. Our military contribution during the War of Independence was decisive and Americans are fully aware of this. The Yorktown flyover is an illustration of this. It was there that the forces of La Fayette, Rochambeau, George Washington, and Admiral de Grasse won a decisive victory that led to American independence. This common history does not end in the 18th centuryᵉ century. In the 20thᵉ century, the United States came to fight alongside France during the two world wars. This relationship was built in combat and continues today through our training, operations and military cooperation.
Basically, what message do you want to convey through this mission?
We bring to life a historical link dating back 250 years. With the Patrouille de France, the A400M and our exchanges with the US Air Force and the US Navy, we show that this alliance belongs as much to history as to the present. Beyond the aerial demonstration, this mission embodies common values: trust, commitment, operational excellence and lasting friendship between our two nations.
Political relations between Paris and Washington have sometimes experienced tensions in recent months. How are exchanges with the American military going today as part of this deployment?
Relations between the Air and Space Force and the US Air Force are excellent. This mission is proof of that. We train together regularly because we share the same aeronautical culture and a very high level of operational requirements.
This cooperation goes back a long way. The first American aviators fought under French uniform within the La Fayette squadron even before the United States officially entered the war in 1917. Even today, we carry out very high-intensity exercises together, such as Atlantic Trident, alongside the Royal Air Force. Everyone comes out better.
You have sent 85 personnel and several planes more than 6,000 kilometers from France. What is the main challenge of such an operation?
As with every air operation, everything relies on extremely careful preparation. You have to anticipate each step: flight times, diversion grounds, security procedures, coordination with local authorities. The other challenge is logistics. You must be able to function almost independently. The A400M transports spare parts, mechanics, logisticians, but also the entire support team essential to the smooth running of the mission, from medical personnel to administration specialists. This ability to project is essential.
What precisely is your role as leader of this Liberty 250 mission?
My role is first to prepare the entire mission with the Air Defense and Air Operations Command, then to lead it on the ground. I command this detachment like any external operation and also ensure coordination with the American authorities. This mission is also an opportunity to discuss operational preparation and the future of combat aviation with my counterparts from the US Air Force and the Pentagon. These meetings are particularly valuable.
What memory will you keep of this mission?
There are several, but I first remember the meeting between the Patrouille de France and the Thunderbirds, the acrobatic patrol of the US Air Force, then the Blue Angels, that of the US Navy. We had planned a welcome of a few minutes in the aircraft parking lot. Ultimately, the crews stayed together for more than an hour because the exchanges were so spontaneous.
“The American public is passionate about aeronautics and knows very well the history that unites our two countries”
Each pilot wanted to meet his counterpart. This human wealth was remarkable. I also remember the welcome from the American public. In Ocean City, more than 600,000 people attended. Every time we moved, spectators stopped us to tell us: “Long live France!” » This heat had a profound impact on us.
How did the Americans receive the Patrouille de France demonstrations?
The American public is passionate about aeronautics and knows very well the history that unites our two countries. The Patrouille de France also brings a very particular signature with its eight Alphajets, its very tight evolutions and especially its blue, white, red smoke. These colors echo theirs, the red, white and blue. We even created a figure evoking the American flag. At each performance, the enthusiasm of the audience was exceptional.
What message do you want to leave with the Americans at the end of this mission?
I would like them to remember that the 250 years of our common history are not just a legacy of the past. This relationship is still very much alive through the cooperation between our air forces. We are very honored to have participated in these celebrations. And I hope this friendship continues for a long time. In 250 years, I obviously won’t be here anymore…but I hope our two nations continue to fly together.
Has the Patrouille de France learned from its exchanges with the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels?
We share the same flying culture, the same requirements and the same level of concentration. The discussions were very rich, particularly on the technical aspects and the preparation of the demonstrations. Our presentations remain different, because we do not use the same planes or the same choreography. But these meetings always fuel reflection on the future of the Patrouille de France and the evolution of our know-how.
