Ceremony took place in the auditorium of the Scorpion Fleet, the fighter unit responsible for air defense in the far north of the country
Source: 1°/3° GAV – Air Force Agency
One of the most important courses in Brazilian fighter aviation, the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) Fighter Squadron Leader Training Course (CFLEC) graduated Lieutenant Diego Vandré Barros Araujo, a Brazilian Navy officer, demonstrating the historic partnership between the Armed Forces. The ceremony took place on December 18 in the auditorium of the First Fleet of the Third Aviation Group (1º/3º GAV) – Scorpion Squadron, at Boa Vista Air Base (BABV).
During the ceremony, Lieutenant Vandré expressed his gratitude. “It’s great to see all the effort and sweat being rewarded with this operational upgrade. I thank the Brazilian Navy for the opportunity to take part in this exchange. I would also like to thank the Fleet for making every effort to provide me with the best possible training and for welcoming me so well,” he said.
The special condition badge, awarded at the ceremony, represents the completion of a two-year course. The CFLEC covers everything from basic training for squadron leaders, through the principles of leadership in flights in formations of two or four aircraft, to technical flights, such as attack missions, air combat, close air support and armed reconnaissance, as well as other phases, which can be carried out through day and night flights.
The Commander of the Fleet, Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Augusto Silva Ramalho, expressed his satisfaction at the successful training of the Brazilian Navy pilot. “This is a significant moment for the 1°/3°GAV. Collaboration between the Forces is essential in today’s conflict scenario and to see a Brazilian Navy officer successfully completing a traditional FAB course is testimony to our mutual strengthening. This reflects our commitment to excellence and to the joint capacity of our institutions. Together we are stronger, or rather, together we are unbeatable,” he said.
On his return to the Navy, Lieutenant Commander Vandré will be ready to apply his newly acquired knowledge, attitudes and skills, leading missions with up to four aircraft. He emerges as an inspiring example of this fruitful collaboration between the Brazilian Navy and the Brazilian Air Force.
Historic partnership
The completion of the Brazilian Fighter Aviation course not only highlights the dedication of Lieutenant Captain Vandré, but also symbolizes the valuable reciprocity between the Brazilian Navy and the Brazilian Air Force throughout history. In January 1941, the Navy, faced with the growing conflicts in Europe, had its Naval Aviation transferred to the Ministry of Aeronautics. With the Military Aviation (Brazilian Army and Naval) extinct, their personnel and equipment were transferred to the newly formed Brazilian Air Force. Thus, today it is possible to see this cooperation reverberate, with the FAB training fighter pilots from the Brazilian Navy.
Photos: Lieutenant Aviator Batagini / 1st/3rd GAV *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***