Guarding the French “life line” across the Mediterranean to its colonies in north Africa is a new naval air base at Aspretto, on the Gulf of Ajaccio in Corsica, A dike protects the landing basin for seaplanes from the open sea, and, once on the water, the planes taxi within reach of a powerful crane which hoists them ashore. Vast sheds have been built for refueling and repairing the aircraft and spacious quarters are provided for the crews. At the air base there is a powerful luminous signal with which the base headquarters and seaplanes in flight exchange messages.