For their first stopover in a port on 18 and 19 November, the auditors were immersed in the strategic challenges of the Mediterranean and the interdepartmental world of the State's action at sea. They were able to meet the people who work there every day to defend France's interests and ensure the safety of French citizens.
The seminar was opened by Vice-Admiral Gilles Boidevezi, Commander of the Mediterranean Maritime Zone and Maritime Prefect for the Mediterranean. He presented France's major strategic challenges in the Mediterranean, a maritime area affected by major crises and threats: the war in Ukraine, but also terrorism and trafficking in arms, drugs and human beings. He also spoke of the major challenges linked to the climate and the preservation of marine biodiversity, which are at the heart of his concerns as Maritime Prefect responsible for leading the State's action at sea under the authority of the Prime Minister.
The auditors then met those involved in naval air operations: Vice-Admiral Daniel Faujour, Chief of Staff of the naval action force, Rear-Admiral Serge Bordarier, Commander of the naval air force and Captain Jérôme Colonna d'Istria, Commander of the Mediterranean submarine squadron. They were able to discover the Navy's new resources - surface ships, submarines and aircraft. But they also discussed the difficulties encountered in meeting an operational requirement that was not foreseen when the Navy's format was scaled, in maintaining the oldest equipment in operational condition, and in recruiting and retaining sailors in a context of high demand on crews.
The afternoon was devoted to the State's action at sea, and began with a visit to the CROSS* Méditerranée (CROSSMED), where the auditors were welcomed by its director, Philippe Michaud. The auditors were able to see for themselves the effectiveness of this interministerial organisation, which is at the heart of the maritime prefect's armed wing, enabling him to mobilise all government resources at sea.
*Regional operational safety and rescue centre.
The coordination role played by the Maritime Prefect was demonstrated during the speech by Thierry de La Burgade, Deputy Maritime Prefect for State action at sea.
The day ended with a dive into the abyss with a talk by Arnaud Schaumasse, a specialist in underwater archaeology and Director of the Department of Underwater and Subaquatic Archaeological Research (DRASSM). He shared with them his passion for the riches hidden in the wrecks of the "world's largest museum" which, in addition to their exceptional cultural and historical interest, can represent real strategic and geopolitical stakes.
The next morning, a visit to the amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral led by its commanding officer, Captain Olivier Roussille, and that of the nuclear attack submarine Casabianca with its commanding officer and second-in-command, Commander Brice Lagnel and Commander Paul Barbottin, gave a more practical approach to the concepts and theories covered the previous day.
But above all it was an opportunity for the listeners to meet young, enthusiastic and particularly competent sailors who were able to share with them their passion for a demanding profession, carried out under severe constraints in a sometimes difficult and confined environment.
Before returning home, their heads full of excitement, the auditors concluded their seminar on Saturday afternoon with committee work on the maritime aspects of the theme of "national defence in the face of the assertion of power", which had been entrusted to them by the Prime Minister.
