Prefab model 1/400 aircraft carrier Task Force Ravitaillement A La Mer 1968 Starter kit Heller 57092 The centerpiece of modern navies, the naval aviation group, or "task force," allows for the projection of large forces in the context of regional crises or more serious conflicts. Structured around one or more aircraft carriers, this unit is protected by anti-aircraft and anti-submarine escort, followed by a squadron responsible for refueling at sea. Back in the 1960s, the French Navy created such groups: the new aircraft carriers Clemenceau and Foch were often accompanied by Tartar converted escorts, named after the anti-aircraft system, which, among others, is equipped with the Crescent and Dupetit-Toire. Far from the home port, and sometimes in hostile zones, it is necessary to supply the group with fuel, ammunition, spare parts and fresh food. This is the role of refueling tankers, the first modern vessels equipped for this purpose were Sena and Sona. A delicate exercise, refueling at sea, or RAM, involves several ships sailing together, a tanker often flanking an aircraft carrier on one side and an escort wing on the other. The fuel is transported using flexible hoses, and the goods pass through pallets suspended by a network of cables. Finally, an important detail for all sailors who embarked on these warships, family mail arrives on board on the occasion of such refueling at sea!
