With the participation of FAB military instructors, 197 students from 13 different nationalities graduated
The Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA) graduated 197 students of 13 different nationalities, with the participation of military instructors from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The graduation ceremony, held at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, Texas (USA), was attended by the Defense and Aeronautics Attaché in the United States, Air Brigadier Fábio Luís Morau, who represented the Commander of the Air Force, Air Lieutenant General Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, as Guest Speaker.
During the ceremony, Brigadier Morau highlighted the long and productive collaboration between the United States and Brazil, which celebrates 200 years of bilateral relations in 2024. He stressed the importance of encouraging, exploring and expanding all initiatives that can promote regional unity around common goals, based on progress and development in the Americas. The Attaché also congratulated the graduates on their achievement.
The Commander of IAAFA, Colonel Bryan Tuinman, emphasized the fundamental role of the academy in the security cooperation efforts of the United States Air Force. He encouraged the graduates to use the knowledge acquired at IAAFA to strengthen their organizations and the people around them.
The Brazilian Air Force currently supports IAAFA with six instructors, including officers and graduates, who work on courses such as Instrument Flight Procedures, Military Professional Leadership Training for Officers, Helicopter Maintainer, Maintenance Superintendent, Military Professional Leadership Training for Graduates and Avionics and Instruments.
Inter-American Air Forces Academy
IAAFA, located at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, is one of the main US Air Force training institutions focused on Latin America. Founded in 1943, the academy began offering technical aeronautical training to non-commissioned officers and officers, marking the beginning of what is now considered the oldest US military training institute for Latin America.
After several changes of location, including Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, due to Hurricane Andrew, the academy settled at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in 1993. Today, IAAFA has modern facilities, including two training centers, hangars and administrative sections, where various courses are taught to meet the training needs of the countries of the Western Hemisphere.
Photos: IAAFA