U.S., French Forces Conduct Bilateral Training in Tahiti for Bazeilles Day

Photo By Lance Cpl. Moses Lopez Franco | U.S. Marines with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, and French Armed Forces soldiers with the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment, Troupes De Marine, French Army, pose for a group photo following the closing ceremony for Exercise DELAYEN, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sept. 4, 2025. The event provided an opportunity for U.S. Marines to foster a deeper understanding of French military equipment, tactics, and traditions – all while contributing toward building mutual respect of our Allies and partners within the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Moses S. Lopez Franco) (Photo has been edited for security purposes)  

ARUE, FRENCH POLYNESIA

09.12.2025

Story by Lance Cpl. Moses Lopez Franco 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

TAHITI, French Polynesia – U.S. Marines with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, and French Armed Forces soldiers with the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment, Troupes De Marine, French Army, conducted Exercise DELAYEN throughout the island of Tahiti, French Polynesia, from Aug. 17 – Sept. 4, 2025.
Conducted in the dense jungles and coastal waters of Tahiti, the exercise challenged both forces with rugged terrain and waterborne obstacles. Navigating these difficult environments required constant adaptation, pushing Marines and French soldiers to rely heavily on each other’s strengths. The realistic conditions reflected the complexities of jungle and littoral operations, reinforcing the importance of endurance, teamwork, and flexibility in expeditionary settings.
Exercise DELAYEN aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen partner-nation relationships through live-fire ranges, joint training, and cultural exchanges. This collaborative environment gave both forces opportunities to share tactics, learn operational methods, and build camaraderie that would carry through the duration of the exercise.
“These moments foster cohesion and offer insight into different cultures and traditions,” said a French Armed Forces soldier with the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment, Troupes De Marine, French Army. “The natural curiosity and sympathy of the Marines made it possible to engage in meaningful discussions.”
Teamwork was put to the test during the French Armed Forces’ Aito Commando Course – a physically and mentally demanding event designed to enhance combat readiness. The course featured close-quarters combat, water obstacle challenges, casualty response drills, and team-based tasks. “Aito” – the Tahitian word for “warrior” – embodies the warfighting ethos shared by both French Armed Forces and the U.S. Marine Corps. Marines and French soldiers relied on one another’s skills and encouragement to complete each stage, showcasing the strong bonds developed throughout the exercise.
“Training with the French gave us a realistic test of interoperability – everything from weapons handling to patrolling and small unit leadership,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Johnny Rauch, an AH-1W Super Cobra pilot and platoon commander of 3rd ANGLICO. “Their familiarity with jungle warfare and small-boat operations complemented our strengths in fires integration and military experience.”
Cultural exchange was a key element of the exercise, culminating in the celebration of Bazeilles Day – an annual commemoration honoring the legacy of the French Marine Infantry and reinforcing the historic bond between the French Armed Forces and U.S. Marines.
Senior leaders with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, including Lt. Gen. James F. Glynn, commander, MARFORPAC, traveled to Tahiti to attend the celebration. Throughout the day, French and U.S. forces participated in the Bazeilles Day Games, a friendly competition featuring field events such as tug-of-war, grappling, and team-building challenges. The games served as a spirited display of partnership and cooperation between the two forces.
Both nations stood in formation side by side during a ceremonial gathering to close out the day’s events. The formation observance honored the shared warrior ethos and history of both forces, reinforcing the bonds of mutual respect built through Exercise DELAYEN.
“The festivals of Bazeilles are the celebration of the famous battle during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, highlighting the courage, bravery, and unwavering determination of the marines troops,” said a French Armed Forces soldier with the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment.. “For our regiment, it’s important to honor this battle. Sharing this moment of camaraderie and joy with the American Marines strengthens the bond between our forces and reinforces cohesion.”
Bilateral training events like Exercise DELAYEN not only improve operational readiness but also forge lasting connections between Marines and French soldiers, creating friendships and experiences that endure well beyond the training.

• Date Taken: 09.12.2025
• Date Posted: 09.19.2025 14:34
• Story ID: 548691
• Location: ARUE, PF