REPORTAGE
The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle entered Sunday in the harbor of Toulon with, on board, the 3,000 men of the naval air group. The sailors are finally back after four months of mission including off the coast of Syria.
A return "full of emotions"
Gathered in ceremonial dress, the men of the Charles de Gaulle waited long minutes before joining their families at the dock. Finding their companions, the women of sailors, relieved, wiped a few tears. "We are used to it, but this is the first time it has been since the birth of our son," says one of them. This return "full of emotions" also raises "questions" in some women seamen: "It's been four months that we do not see each other and the return is complicated."
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Started on March 5, the mission marked the operational return of the aircraft carrier after a technical shutdown of 18 months. In the international coalition, engaged in Iraq and Syria, the Charles de Gaulle has participated in attacks against Daesh. The aircraft carrier and all of its escort have therefore implemented aircraft group airborne embarked in the skies of Syria and Iraq to reduce the footprint of Daesh.
"36,000 nautical miles, that is to say the equivalent of one and a half times around the Earth"
Since his departure, the Charles de Gaulle has traveled "36,000 nautical miles that is to say the equivalent of one and a half times around the Earth," according to Captain Olivier Corvette. In total, the 18 bursts embarked on the Charles de Gaulle made 140 sorties.