Lieutenant Colonel Garcia carried out the in-flight handover of leadership and the passing of Command of the Fleet to Lieutenant Colonel Nunes.
Air Force Agency, by Lieutenant Eniele Santos
In a military ceremony marked by tradition, the Air Demonstration Squadrons (EDA) of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) handed over command from Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Garcia Pereira to Lieutenant Colonel Juliano Augusto Sousa Nunes. The change of leadership took place at the Air Force Academy (AFA), in Pirassununga (SP), reflecting not only the change of Command, but also the continued commitment to excellence in military aviation.
The event began with an aerial demonstration by the EDA, better known as the Esquadrilha da Fumaça (Smoke Squadron), at which point Lieutenant-Colonel Garcia, in his last presentation as team leader, handed over leadership in flight to Lieutenant-Colonel Nunes.
Lieutenant Colonel Garcia expressed his gratitude for his time leading the Fleet, highlighting the team’s achievements under his command. He reflected on his experience during his tenure, emphasizing his pride in leading such a dedicated team. “It’s a mixture of feelings! It’s been a long and enjoyable time at Fumaça. I can define it in three words: faith, especially at times when it wasn’t up to us; professionalism, which is the word that should define a ‘fumaceiro’, because we have become a reference in civilian and military circles and we need to be extremely professional and judicious and, finally, safety – in flight, at work and in our personal lives. The Esquadrilha da Fumaça is a family, and I am confident that Lieutenant-Colonel Nunes will continue the tradition with mastery, soaring ever higher, showing the potential of the FAB and Brazil,” said the former Commander.
The new Commander, who is committed to maintaining high standards and taking the Fleet to new heights, expressed his honor at now being in command and taking on the responsibility of representing the excellence of the Brazilian Air Force. “I look forward to leading this talented team and maintaining the legacy we have built together,” he said.
The EDA handover ceremony, presided over by the Chief of Staff of the Commander of the Air Force (GABAER), Air Brigadier General Ary Soares Mesquita, was a testament not only to the transfer of leadership, but to the unwavering dedication to excellence, discipline and tradition in the FAB. While the Esquadrilha da Fumaça continues to amaze the skies with its incredible acrobatics, the transition of command represents a promise of an even brighter future for this renowned Brazilian air team.
“Inevitably, an event like this represents a timely invitation to reflect on the history and relevance of this distinguished unit for the Air Force Command and for Brazil. An unparalleled group that brings joy to the people of Brazil and many other countries. To Colonel Garcia, on handing over the post, take with you GABAER’s gratitude for your unconditional care for the operability of its members, total adherence to the dictates of flight safety, zeal for all personnel and irreproachable military bearing. Please feel congratulated by me and by so many millions of Brazilians who have been thrilled by your performances. Lieutenant-Colonel Nunes, after almost five years as a member of the Fleet, it is now up to you to lead it. According to English author Simon Sinek, ‘Each of us has the opportunity to be the leader we wish we had’. There’s your chance, take it, dedicate yourself to it every day. The FAB deserves and needs good leaders like you,” concluded the Head of GABAER.
Fleet Air Demonstration Squadron
With the first units delivered to the Fleet at the end of 2012, this is the fifth handover aboard the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, which performed their first demonstration in July 2015. The Fumaça has already performed in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay and all regions of Brazil, taking part in important moments in national history. Under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Garcia, the EDA used colored smoke for the first time on the A-29 Super Tucano, as well as reaching the significant milestone of more than 4,000 demonstrations.
Photos: Sergeant Müller Marin/ CECOMSAER – Video: Private Laube/ CECOMSAER *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***