I don't know what the CNO's PAO is doing ... but this story is hard to get hold of outside the biking world - even then you have to go to the French press for much detail.
Sure, a snarky person could say that this it is a funny time, during the Tour de France, to show up in France .... and to find your way to Lance Armstrong's bus. But, the CNO is the guest of his French counterpart, and the French know how to host - boy do they know how to host; a couple of great sea stories (that are best not discussed here) - so this set-up is correct.
As for timing, you could also note that this is right after 14 JUL, which is the French Republic's 4 JUL. That is a good time to visit France, because French officials are happy. This is right.
I would also note that France is a nation whose navy can actually partner with us towards efforts that are in our national interest. They are a serious nation with a serious navy. This is good.
When you consider some things the CNO has invested his time in - I take this as a return to seriousness. Then again, the French Admiral Pierre-Francois Forissier did visit the USA earlier - followed up with giving the CNO a medal, so it is only proper manners to pay him a visit.
Nice; for what ever reason. I hope he was able to spend some time in Paris as a civilian. I have a restaurant list second to none, but sigh, he didn't ask.
Hat tip Kevin.
