The following photographs were contributed by Colonel Christian Nielly, Army of the Republic of France.

In September of 1957, his father reported for duty at the French Base on Port Lyautey as the Commander of the French Naval Air Station. Colonel Nielly's recollections are sketchy of that time being only five years old but he does remember an American friend, Christopher Golden, and the swimming pool on the US Base. He and his family lived in town at Rue Colonel Driant.

His father and Captain John L. Counihan the Commander of US Naval Activities of the US Base were warm friends. The photographs he submitted were in his father's collection and show the various base commanders, American and French in that time period.

Colonel Nielly's father and Colonel Mandeville, CO of the Marine Detachment, Parade review September, 1958.

Marine Corps Detachment change of command ceremony, July 22, 1958, from left to right, Captain J. L. Counihan, Colonel, D.W. Silver, Colonel S.D. Mandeville and Captain V.A. Jennings, Commanding Officer, US Naval Air Station.

Marine Corps Detachment Change of Command ceremonies.

Colonel D.W. Silver & Captain J.L. Counihan

Left to right, unknown gentlemen, French Navy Commander in Casablanca, Captain John L. Counihan (COMNAVACTS) and Colonel Nielly's father at a reception in Captain Counihan's home.

Official US Navy photograph of the Counihan reception.

Counihan reception.

Counihan reception with airstrip in the background.

Captain Counihan, French Admiral Nomy (who Col. Nielly credits with reconstructing the French Navy after WW2 with American help) and Rear Admiral McDonald.

French Naval Inspection, Colonel Nielly in the foreground.