Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat from Escadrille 1F Prepares to Land on French Carrier Arromanches (R95) in the Gulf of Tonkin, 1953

In late 1953, during the First Indochina War, a Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat from Escadrille 1F approached the French aircraft carrier Arromanches (R95) for landing while operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Hellcat, a powerful American-built fighter, was crucial for naval operations during this period, providing air support in the region.

The Arromanches, originally known as HMS Colossus, was the lead ship of the Royal Navy’s 1942 light fleet carrier design. After World War II, in 1946, she was transferred to the French Navy and renamed Arromanches, becoming a vital asset for French naval aviation. The carrier played a significant role in various operations, particularly during the conflict in Indochina, supporting ground forces and providing a mobile airfield for French fighter and bomber squadrons.

The Gulf of Tonkin was a key strategic location during this time, as French forces sought to maintain control over the region against the growing strength of the Viet Minh. The presence of the Arromanches in the area provided critical air cover and helped French forces with reconnaissance, airstrikes, and close air support.

Over its 28 years of service in the French Navy, Arromanches proved to be an invaluable carrier, contributing to multiple conflicts and missions before eventually being decommissioned. The deployment of Hellcats, Corsairs, and other aircraft from her deck symbolized the peak of French naval aviation during the post-war years.