The goal of the Conference is to foster cooperation and mutual support among American Air Forces
Air Force Agency – Lieutenant Marayane and Major Oliveira Lima
The Commander of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Air Lieutenant Brigadier Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior, is in Guatemala to represent Brazil at the 62nd Conference of Commanders of the American Air Forces (CONJEFAMER), which takes place until June 18. This year, CONJEFAMER brought together representatives from 23 countries, as well as members of the Inter-American Defense Board (JID) and the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA).
The objective of the Conference is to foster cooperation and mutual support among American Air Forces, mainly for planning Air Operations in support of nations in need of immediate assistance due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, major fires, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.
Plenary and Bilateral Meetings
The representatives will meet this Thursday (June 16) in plenary sessions and bilateral meetings to discuss the conference rules, the next cycles of the event, and bylaws. The agreements discussed during the bilateral meetings will be signed to be applied in favor of humanitarian aid in natural disasters situations. On the occasion, Brazil held bilateral meetings, for example, with Bolivia, Canada and the United States.
According to SICOFAA’s Liaison Officer, Air Force Colonel Bruno Pedra, among the topics discussed at the event were the holding of Exercise COOPERACIÓN XI in Brazil in 2026, and the approval of the Space and Medical annexes to SICOFAA’s Humanitarian Aid Operations Manual.
Tributes
Sergeant Marques, who was elected Communications Specialist for the 2021 – 2022 cycle, was one of the Brazilian military personnel who had their work and dedication recognized. The military man, who was at the event, spoke about receiving the award. “I am very flattered with the award, especially for representing our country and our group of Communications Specialists. This only motivates me to continue keeping our Station and our Air Force at the highest level,” he said.
Air Brigadier Paulo Roberto de Carvalho Júnior, who holds the position of Delegate under SICOFAA, also commented on the honor. “We had the honor of accompanying the delivery to Sergeant Marques of the distinguished ECO award for the 2021 – 2022 cycle. As the Aeronautics Commander said, seeing the military that represents the Air Force with so much commitment and dedication receive this award filled us with pride,” highlighted the General Officer.
In this year’s CONJEFAMER, the Brazilian Communications Station also won the award for most efficient of the American Air Forces Information and Telecommunications System (SITFAA), whose plaque was handed to Lieutenant Brigadier Baptista Junior.
SICOFAA
Created with the aim of promoting the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and training to strengthen the operational and professional capabilities of its members, SICOFAA currently comprises 21 countries, including Brazil. The System works as an apolitical and voluntary organization, whose mission is to support the needs of its members, as well as to build mutual cooperation and interoperability bonds that ensure the effectiveness in responding to an emergency situation in a combined way, meeting the diplomatic intentions between the countries.
The idea of bringing together the American Air Forces emerged in 1961, when the fourteen founding commanders of SICOFAA participated in the 1st CONJEFAMER. Thus, April 16, 1961, the date of the 1st CONJEFAMER, became SICOFAA’s day.
Photos: Brazilian Air Force / SICOFAA *** Translated by DEFCONPress Team**