Originally created Thursday, September 7, 2006
VP-16 members visit France
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On the first evening, the Navy League of the Riviera hosted a dinner where the ''War Eagles'' were the guests of honor. After another short drive, the Sailors found themselves in the small country of Monte Carlo. The narrow streets wound down cliffs with majestic views leading into the heart of Monaco.
The rooftop patio and upstairs ballroom of the Café du Paris were reserved for the evening festivities. The scenic location, with the famous Hotel du Paris, Casino de Monaco and city square, gave the feeling of being in a James Bond movie. Ferraris were as common driving through the square as Honda Civics are in the states, while Porsches, Bentleys, Lamborghinis, and Aston Martins completed the atmosphere.
Dr. Guy Lemaire, president of the Navy League, welcomed the Sailors as the attendees sat down to dinner. Later that evening, the event sponsor arranged tours of both the Casino de Monaco and the Gold Room of the Hotel du Paris.
Upon leaving Monaco, the Sailors were treated to a lap around the world famous circuit course for the annual Grand Prix event.
The next morning, the War Eagles were up early for a drive into the mountains overlooking Cannes. During World War II, a B-24 Liberator bomber was flying over the city when it was hit by German antiaircraft fire. With the co-pilot killed, the pilot force landed the aircraft into a mountain rather than allowing the plane to crash into the city and kill French civilians.
From left, Lt. Ryan Hastings, Lt. j.g. Kevin Buszta, Avery Glize-Kane, Lt. j.g. Chip Murphy and Lt. Trent Tanski stand in front of the wreaths laid at the B-24 Crash-site Memorial during the squadron's recent visit to Cannes, France.
Every 4th of July, the city holds a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial, remembering not only the courage of the B-24 aircrew, but the ultimate sacrifice made by the thousands of Americans who landed on French shores.
During the ceremony, VP-16 Sailors stood in formation as the mayor of Cannes and deputy to French Parliament, spoke about the ties between the United States and France. Wreaths were laid by many different societies before the emotional ceremony was brought to a close.
At the reception that followed, the mayor personally greeted the War Eagles, thanking them for their attendance at the ceremony, as did the entire crowd who attended the event. Individuals who had witnessed the crash approached the Sailors to share their memories of that day, especially about the crew bailing out and being captured by German forces.
That evening, the War Eagles broke into two groups to attend receptions being held by local French-American Societies. The first reception, sponsored by the France-United States Society of Cannes, was held on the balcony of the Hilton, overlooking the promenade and beach below.
Lemaire welcomed the Sailors and spoke of the deep ties between the French and Americans dating back to the Revolutionary War and the troops France sent to the states to help us win our independence from Britain. He spoke highly of the courage of the greatest generation that came ashore in Normandy to force out the Nazi occupiers.
Following the speech, the society presented commemorative plates to VP-16 Mission Commander Lt. Trent Tanski, AT1 Charles Randall and CSSN Rodney Johnson. Tanski was asked to say a few words to the society members in attendance, where he stressed the warm and gracious hosting that the War Eagles had received since arriving in France.
The other half of the War Eagles were guests of the France-United States Society of Le Cannet for a dinner on the beach. Society President Jen Pierre Lescamel greeted each Sailor and offered thanks and praise for our continued service to ensuring democracy throughout the world.
On the third day of the visit, squadron members took the opportunity to tour Cannes, shop for souvenirs and enjoy the beach. Tanski and Lt. Ryan Hastings were invited to visit the home of Avery Glize-Kane's to see her history of hosting United States Navy Sailors through her 20 years of service.
Her home was full of plaques from visiting ships and squadrons as well as pictures with numerous high-ranking officers and dignitaries as they ascended through the ranks.
That evening, VP-16 Sailors were the guests of honor in the city of Nice. In a park overlooking the shoreline, a reception was held with local government officials as well as American students studying abroad for the summer.
The mayor of Nice was the guest speaker, after which the War Eagles mingled with the crowd. When the crowd dispersed, the college students played tour guides and invited the Sailors to join them for dinner.
The next morning, the group returned to NAS Sigonella, Italy, where they are currently on deployment.
