Les formations de l'Aéronautique navale (1943-2025)

This first volume summarizes the history of the Naval Aviation flotillas since 1943. It will be followed by a second volume on the squadrons, the support and surveillance sections, and the training schools.

January 1, 1946, was a pivotal date that saw the implementation of the first reorganization of the Naval Aviation units, as mandated by the CA Nomy. Combat formations were then called flotillas, a concept still in use today in the Naval Aviation Force. Other formations were called squadrons.

After an initial section tracing the various reorganizations and developments that led to the organization of today's Naval Air Force, each flotilla is presented with a fact sheet detailing key dates, traditions and insignia, awards and commendations, a list of commanders, personnel who died in active service, a brief history, and a rich illustration of the aircraft they operated.

This document is, of course, improvable, as the available information does not always allow for a comprehensive and consistent account of each unit's history. This is particularly glaring for the 1940s and 1950s, where many documents differ regarding aircraft allocations within units.