The new CEMA¹ will replace Admiral Cunha
By Second Lieutenant (RM2-T) João Stilben – Brasília, DF
Fleet Admiral André Luiz Silva Lima de Santana Mendes took over as Chief of Staff of the Navy (CEMA)¹ on Tuesday (9), during a ceremony presided over by the Commander of the Brazilian Navy (MB), Fleet Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen. The event was held at the Clube Naval in Brasília (DF), and was attended by ambassadors, former MB Commanders, government secretaries, ministers of the Superior Military Court, General Officers of the three forces, parliamentarians and representatives of the three branches of government, as well as members of the Society of Friends of the Navy (SOAMAR).
The new CEMA replaces Fleet Admiral José Augusto Vieira da Cunha de Menezes, who held the post since December 21, 2022. The Navy General Staff (EMA) is the General Management Body of the Naval Force and its purpose is to advise the Commander of the Navy on the direction of the MB’s command.
In his Order of the Day of Assumption of Office, Admiral Silva Lima emphasized that the wealth of the sea, which translates into its various aspects and makes up the Blue Amazon, requires regulation and protection. “The threat, whether in war or conflict – the latter is increasingly hybrid, of varying intensity, multifaceted and unfortunately frequent – does not arise extemporaneously, but at an unknown speed, which obliges us to permanently prepare MB personnel and material,” he said.
According to him, it is in the face of these challenges that he takes office to assist the Navy in “building a modern, ready and motivated force, with a high degree of technological independence”, added Admiral Silva Lima. Another of the new CEMA’s goals is to raise awareness among opinion formers and decision-makers about the indispensability of a regular budget, compatible with the country’s stature and responsibility.
During his Order of Service, thanks and farewells, Admiral Cunha stated that he feels a sense of duty fulfilled. “And imbued with loyalty to the Commander of the Navy, I have carried out the tasks assigned to the Chief of Staff of the Navy to the best of my ability, with the baggage and experience of more than 46 years dedicated solely to the Brazilian Navy,” said Admiral Cunha.
The Admiral also recalled that, when he joined the Force by vocation 46 years ago, he couldn’t have imagined that he would contribute so much to the direction of the Navy. “But it is this undefeated Tamandaré Navy that makes it possible for those from all walks of life to achieve their dreams, with selflessness and dedication to naval service,” he added.
The Commander of the Navy, Admiral Olsen, addressed Admiral Silva Lima to reiterate his esteem and express his satisfaction at having him as Head of the EMA. “Your dear and distinguished attributes herald the prognosis of happy sailing, and profuse success in the performance of your honorable office. Happy sailing!”, wished the MB Commander.
¹ Chief of Staff of the Navy, in portuguese: Chefe do Estado-Maior da Armada (CEMA)
Source: Agência Marinha de Notícias *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***