Page 38 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

 SWY Wing ATC
IACE
2024
ISTRES AIR
BASE VISIT
From the 27th to 29th of September, 12 cadets
travelled to Istres Air Base, near Marseille,
to meet their French counterparts in the
Escadrilles Air Jeunesse (EAJ).
During the weekend the cadets exchanged
souvenirs with one another while enjoying the
Istres Air Base weekend airshow. The RAFAC
cadets attended a formal dinner on their last
night liaising with senior French Air and Space
Force (FASF) Officers, NCOs and display pilots.
Upon arrival into Marseille the cadets
travelled to the French Air Force Academy
at Salon de Provence where they met
their FASF guides and were shown to their
accommodation.
Throughout the weekend, the RAFAC
cadets liaised and met the French EAJ cadets
attending the air show together and attending
a graduation ceremony of junior EAJ cadets
receiving their bonnet de police, (side cap head
dress).
On both days, the cadets travelled from
Salon de Provence to Istres Air Base which was
hosting an international air show. The cadets
enjoyed both the flying and static displays with
the EAJ before attending a formal dinner in
the evening with the air show pilots and other
senior FASF officials.
This was a cadet career highlight for all the
RAFAC cadets, and they have shared their
experiences and photos...
38 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025