Hyeres - 100 years Aeronavale - 13 june 2010

[JA37]

And you really think they will welcome you: Hey bring your ship alongside, how are you...

[Arjan]

Nope, but it will bring you will closer

[mirage 69]

Is 5 KM not visible.....

[Arjan]

It is! Allthough with hazy weather?? And I'm quite sure that there some people around here only being interested in photography and then the 5km is quite a distance, even for such a big carrier!

[Wijgert IJlst]

There are 3 smaller islands (National Parks) right across the bay of Hyeres, at about 5 upto 8 to 10km from the coastline of the mainland. I can't imagine that they (this large fleet) will sail into this bay and anchor. But I might be wrong....
These 3 islands can normally be seen from the shore on a clear day. I have been in that area for severall times for summer holiday, and I can say that it happens often that there is a lot of sea mists (or other fog/haze) that will prevent you from seeing the islands from the mainland.
So lets hope the humidity will not that big during that weekend. And it will also not surprise me if they will anchor 5km on the south side of these islands, instead of in the bay. In that case, it might be possible to see them from the south coast of peninsula Giens

[Jaap]

It seems not that much has changed in 25 years!



South looking view on the Clemenceau in 1985, including some die-hard spotters, waiting for the afternoon opening of the air base for the 75 years Marine open House.

Jaap

[Arjan]

Yes, one must never underestimate the thorough hardship a spotter must endure!

Nice picture though!

[Fred]

Found the organisers' website: http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/base/ ... t_modernes" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Iroquois]

It seems not that much has changed in 25 years!

[img]...[/img]
(Southern view on the Clemenceau in 1985, including some die-hard spotters)

Jaap

I wonder how many km's that carrier is offshore, anyone?

[Wijgert IJlst]

Okay, I would guess about 3 km out of the coast. So, it is possible to see them in the bay of Hyeres and actually in front of the islands.
Good news... pretty awsome sight I might say!

[Joris van Boven]

The carriers should leave on the 13th in the afternoon (according to the organisation).
As the USS Truman left it's homeport on May 21st, I expect the USS Eisenhower to be in France next week (but you never know).

And as we all know the famous words "Turn her into the wind" (from The Final Countdown), a US carrier needs some maneuvering space. So it needs some sea-space to launch the F-18s on Sunday (and hopefully on Saturday as a rehearsal).

[pvdk]

Ships present on 12 /13 june:

France:
Carrier Charles de Gaulle
Fregat Forbin
Assaultship Foudre

US:
Carrier USS Truman
Cruiser USS Normandy

Germany:
Fregat Hessen

UK:
Helicopter carrier Argus

Spain:
Carrier Principe de Asturias

No ships from Italy will be present

Re

PvdK

[aerolet]

could it be that the Hornets fly out of Hyeres for the fly by? because if the carrier is to launch the aircraft on the day then It wouldn't be visible from the coast for sure, and is there any information about the participation of the Italian Navy Harriers and the helos, I know they are listed but lately nothing has been mentioned about the Italian carrier. Thanks

[Arjan]

The Italians are mentioned on the official participants list. And it is ofcourse very well possible that they just operate out of Hyeres.

[scotmil70]

FYI-

2 USN COD's (C2's) are scheduled to arrive in Hyeres (LFTH) today 2nd June from Rota. Possibly in connection with a imminent carrier visit for the celebrations?
Serials are 162143 and 162171

cheers
Colin