On 19 February 2025, a delegation from the European Air Transport Command (EATC), led by its Commander, Major General Franck Mollard, attended the Distinguished Visitors (DV) Day at the military camp Vouziers-Séchault in France. The event was organized as part of the operational control exercise of the 2nd Air Force Engineer Company (COGA 02-552), aimed at certifying the unit's operational capability in key aeronautical engineering processes for first-entry operations.
The 2nd COGA, a unit territorially attached to Air Base 118 but under the command of the 25th Air Force Engineer Regiment (25th RGA) in Istres, plays a crucial role in supporting the French Air and Space Force. During crisis situations, the unit specializes in aerodrome reconnaissance, platform clearance, rapid runway repair, and force deployment support. In peacetime, it undertakes the maintenance and enhancement of airbase infrastructure, including protective fortifications, concrete works for aircraft parking areas, and general civil engineering projects.
Vouziers-Séchault, the location of the exercise, is a former NATO base that, while inactive, remains operational for military training and exercises. Its infrastructure continues to provide strategic value, serving as a venue for key national (and future multinational) training initiatives.
During the DV Day, attendees, including EATC representatives, were given insight into the latest innovations and capabilities of the regiment and the broader engineering corps. Demonstrations showcased the unit’s expertise in rapid runway repair and airfield recovery, essential elements for maintaining operational continuity in a contested environment.
Major General Franck Mollard highlighted the importance of interoperability and cooperation within multinational frameworks such as EATC. "Ensuring air mobility readiness in austere conditions is critical for modern air operations. The expertise demonstrated today by the 2nd COGA exemplifies the indispensable role of engineering units in guaranteeing mission success," he stated.
At the conclusion of the VIP Day, the EATC delegation held discussions with representatives of the 25th RGA regarding the organization of DART 2026, a major Disabled Air Recovery Training exercise scheduled to take place at Vouziers-Séchault. These discussions, led by the regiment's leadership, including the military camp's commander, Colonel Yves-Marie Jacquot, focused on logistical coordination, infrastructure readiness, and multinational participation to ensure the success of this high-profile event.
The visit reinforced EATC’s commitment to working closely with allied forces to enhance operational effectiveness in air transport and infrastructure resilience. The delegation's presence at DV Day further strengthened ties between stakeholders and laid the groundwork for this future multinational training event, ensuring Europe’s strategic air mobility capabilities remain robust and responsive to emerging challenges.