A former chief of staff of the navy tells
Testimonials
Nothing better illustrates the impact of the accidents involving the Minerve and the Eurydice than the extracts from the oral memoirs of Admiral JOIRE-NOULENS, preserved in the archives of the French Navy. He talks about these accidents and their consequences.
Admiral JOIRE-NOULENS commanded Commander FAUVE just before he was assigned to the Minerve. He was later appointed ALSOUMAR (head of the French submarine forces) and then Chief of Staff of the Navy.
The Defense History Department has undertaken work to collect oral testimonies from key witnesses to the history of the Navy.
Among these testimonies we find that of Admiral Albert Joire-Noulens who was notably
-
Commander of the Naval School in 65-67
-
Commander of the submarine forces in 1971.
-
Navy Chief of Staff 74-76
The testimonials opposite evoke certain aspects relating to the Minerve and submarines of the same type.
For his complete career, refer to
http://ecole.nav.traditions.free.fr/ecoles_commandant_joirenoulens.htm
Le Capitaine de Vaisseau Joire-Noulens, commandant de l'école Navale en 1967, en discussion avec le LV André Fauve, son officier de manoeuvre.
Command of the Naval Academy (1965-1967). (track 7) The numerous submariners in his staff – action to get all the promotions on board the submarine – the submarinade chosen by the best students on leaving the Naval Academy – quality of the commander Fauve, maneuver officer
Accidents on conventional submarines and impact on the recruitment and morale of FOST personnel. (track 7) Bad atmosphere in the submarine following the losses of the Minerve and the Eurydice – uncertainties for recruitment based on voluntary work and development of an attrition coefficient for the development of the FOST – role of Admiral Guillou in the selection and training of submariners – evolution of personnel management and increase in manpower within the submarine forces – link between the withdrawal of experienced personnel from the squadrons in order to arm the FOST and accidents on DAPHNEE type submarines – circumstances of the accidents and implementation of stricter safety procedures – memory of a pre-war diving incident – reminder of the causes of the loss of the SNLEUSS Tresher [interrupt] ( 10:03).
Training and morale of submariners in the United States and France. (track 17) Training of submariners in the US Navy in the context of the very rapid rise in power of nuclear submarine forces – solutions adopted and consequences – French model based on volunteering and prior training on a conventional submarine – reminder on the morale of the submariners and on the loss of the Minerve and the Eurydice – Offices of assistance and advice to families (BACF) – success of the overall care of families by the squadron and the wives of commanders (7:28).
Commander of the submarine forces (ALSOUMAR) January 1971. (track 2) Initial absence of deputy for the conventional attack submarines – shortcomings and defects observed on the DAPHNEE – the commander Guépin – probable cause of certain accidents – safety measures adopted afterwards (4:53).
There are other testimonies at the SHD, which can be listened to but not copied. Some testimonies may contain information on aspects that are still considered sensitive today, even if they have nothing to do with La Minerve, where the people interviewed may have wished this to be the case.