"F84G" trucker cap

In 1947, the Ministry of Defense created a French Air Force demonstration squadron.

It was led by Captain Perrier, a former pilot of the Étampes Patrol, which at the time flew 12 Stampe SV-4 aircraft.

In 1952, Commandant Pierre Delachenal, a pilot of the 3rd Fighter Wing stationed at Air Base 112 Reims-Champagne, formed the first demonstration squadron equipped with four Republic F-84G aircraft.

During the airshow held on 17 May 1953 at the Maison-Blanche airfield in Algeria, the commentator—pilot and journalist Jacques Nœtinger—captivated by the performance he had just witnessed, gave the formation its name:

“Patrouille de France”

The French Air Force General Staff officially approved the name on 14 September 1953.

Over the following 10 years, the Patrouille de France changed wings four times. Initially based at Air Base 112 Reims-Champagne, it moved in 1954 to the 2nd Wing at Air Base 102 Dijon-Longvic, then the following year to the 12th Wing at Air Base 103 Cambrai-Épinoy.

In 1956, the Patrouille de France was split into two squadrons:

• one flying Mystère IV A aircraft at Air Base 103 Cambrai-Épinoy, responsible for international displays,

• and one flying MD 450 Ouragan aircraft at the 4th Wing of Air Base 136 Bremgarten, responsible for displays in France.

From 1957 to 1961, the Patrouille de France returned to the 2nd Wing at Air Base 102 Dijon-Longvic, and from 1961 to 1963, it was based at the 4th Wing at Air Base 133 Nancy-Ochey. These wings successively upheld the traditions of the Patrouille de France and contributed to its international success.