Vice-Admiral Paulo Renato Rohwer Santos took over as ESD Commandant from Air Major Valdir Eduardo Tuckumantel Codinhoto, this Friday (31st), in Brasília (DF)
ESD, by Lieutenant Cristiane dos Santos
The Higher Defense College (ESD – Escola Superior de Defesa) is under new command. Vice-Admiral Paulo Renato Rohwer Santos took over as ESD Commander from Air Major Valdir Eduardo Tuckumantel Codinhoto, this Friday (03/31), in Brasília (DF). The Chief of Education and Culture of the Armed Forces Joint Staff (CHEC), Army General Luciano Guilherme Cabral Pinheiro, presided over the ceremony. The event was honored by General Officers of the Armed Forces, Ministers, Ambassadors, among other authorities.
In honor of Vice-Admiral Rohwer, Army General Guilherme read a Commendatory Reference to the former ESD Commander. He enumerated the activities, achievements and evolution of the School over nearly two years. “He received one of the most noble missions, which was to prepare the former Brasilia Campus of the War College (ESG) and inaugurate the ESD. As the first Commander of the Defense College, in the joys, accomplishments, and challenges faced, we noticed the evolution that took place in the ESD, visible in such a short time of command and under the normal restrictions of all forms. The dynamism, the work capacity, and the dedication in conducting the ESD contributed significantly to this result”, he declared.
After almost two years at the head of the ESD, Vice-Admiral Rohwer leaves the ESD to assume the Vice-Chief of Joint Operations of the Ministry of Defense. “When I entered these beautiful facilities for the first time, to take over as Commander of the then Brasilia Campus of the War College (ESG), on April 12, 2021, I was sure that it would be a very challenging mission. However, when I saw the shine in the eyes of each one of the men and women who worked here, I also had the conviction that we would succeed in the noble mission of creating ESD”, said the Vice-Admiral.
As part of the ESD farewell ceremony, Vice-Admiral Rohwer’s portrait was unveiled at the ESD Commanders’ Gallery. On the occasion, the former commander received the insignia that accompanied him during his time at the School.
New Commander
Upon assuming the Command of the ESD, Major Brigadier Codinhoto spoke of the expectations with the new position. “I have two very clear feelings, one of honor and the other of commitment, for assuming this important position in this unique school in the structure of the Ministry of Defense. Honor, for the trust deposited in me for leading a highly qualified team and conducting it in the fulfillment of the mission. And, responsibility by delivering values that add and reinforce the preparation for the Country’s national defense”, he declared.
Before the ESD, he was Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Staff Command. The General Officer joined the ranks of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) on December 9, 1988, at the Air Force Academy (AFA), in Pirassununga (SP). Among the several courses held, the following stand out: Foreign Policy Course for Senior Public Administration Officials (MRE), MBA in Logistics Process Management (UFF), Superior Defense Course (ESG), Specialization Course in International Management (COPPEAD) and Maritime Policy and Strategy Course (EGN), in addition to several operational courses.
Among the functions held, the following stand out: Command of the Maceió Airspace Control Detachment; Head of the Organization, Doctrine, Teaching and Operations Advisory of the Air Force Commandant Office; Command of the Air Cadets Preparatory School (EPCAR) Student Corps; He was Aeronautics Attaché at the Brazilian Embassy in Paraguay and Sub-Commander of the War College, among others.
The new ESD Commander has more than 20 decorations, such as the Tamandaré Merit Order, Defense Merit Order, Military Merit Order, Aeronautics Merit Order, Military Judiciary Merit Order, all in the Grand-Officer Grade, and the Military Gold Medal with platinum pin, in reference to his more than 40 years of service.
Photos: Sergeant Da Rocha and Private Pedro Lucas/ ESD