Meet Captain Christophe Charpentier from the French Navy !

As we celebrate the 400 year Anniversary of the French Navy, join us to meet Captain Christophe Charpentier, French Naval attaché at the French Embassy in Washington DC. Captain Charpentier will present the History of the French Navy using images and films. He will then talk about his work, his experiences and the evolution of the Navy over the last 30 years (he has been a sailor since 1996!). He will also talk about the current issues facing the French Navy and its relationship with the US Navy.

The presentation will be in English but a Q&A in English and French will follow if you wish to practice your French.

Refreshments will be served

Captain Christophe Charpentier – French naval attaché
Joining the French Naval Academy in 1996 and qualifying as a fighter pilot in 2002, captain Christophe Charpentier has amassed a wealth of experience in naval aviation as both an operational and test pilot. Starting his flying career on the modernised Super Etendard he has taken part in numerous operational deployments on the French Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle and conducted operations in Afghanistan, most notably in 2008 as Deputy Commander of Operations of his squadron. Following selection and subsequent qualification as an experimental flight test pilot in 2009, he conducted trials of the Navy fighters airframes, such as the Rafale. In July 2011, he provided expertise to the Air Operations Centre of Poggio Renatico to support of Operation Unified Protector in Libya In 2012, he assumed the role of Executive Officer for 12th Rafale squadron before taking command of the 11th Rafale Squadron, which deployed as part of the French Carrier Strike Group during two times, providing extensive combat support over Iraq and Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. In 2017, he graduated from the US Naval War College in Newport, RI and took over as the deputy head of the office for aviation safety at the French Naval Aviation HQ. In 2018, captain Christophe Charpentier was selected to become commander of the French carrier Air Wing. The culmination of this effort was the Mission CLEMENCEAU, a busy and rewarding operational period with the Task Group navigating as far east as the China Sea.In 2020, he was appointed the new aircraft carrier plan and procurement officer at French Navy HQ. Two years later, he was selected to serve in the French minister of Armed Forces’ cabinet as the head of the budget and military capabilities bureau and actively participated in making the 2024-2030 militaryprogramming law. In 2025, he graduated the National War College as distinguished student and earned a master of science degree in National Security Strategy prior to join the French embassy defense attaché office as Naval attaché. Captain Christophe Charpentier has flown 3000 hours, 40 combat missions, and conducted 490 carrier deck landings. He is a officer of the legion d’honneur and has been awarded three military crosses for valour. He is married to Catherine, a financial controller and teacher of Economics, and is the father to 4 daughters.

Event Information

Date : Friday, October 2, 2026 T
ime : 6:30-7:30pm
Location : 1420 Walnut Street, Philadelphie
Language : English, French
Cost : $15 for Members/$20 for non Members

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