The event brought together General Officers of the Brazilian Air Force, representatives of companies in the aeronautics sector and around 100 military personnel from rotary-wing aviation.
Between August 28 and 30, the Porto Velho Air Base (BAPV) hosted the 2024 Rotary Wing Aviation Meeting (RAAR 2024). The event brought together Air Force Generals, representatives of companies in the aeronautics sector and around 100 Rotorcraft military personnel. The main objective of the meeting was the operational improvement of the units through the exchange of experiences and knowledge from working in complex operational scenarios such as those presented in Operations Taquari II and Catrimani.
The debates held during RAAR 2024 reaffirmed the importance of rotary-wing aviation, which includes search and rescue operations, aeromedical transport, support for ground forces, humanitarian aid and immediate and efficient action in situations of public calamity, as occurred in the context of the floods that hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In this way, rotary-wing aviation continues to be an essential element in the operations carried out by the Air Force, contributing directly to the defense and integrity of Brazil.
In addition to the lectures and moments of interaction between members of the Brazilian Air Force’s (FAB) rotary-wing aviation, there was also a military ceremony to close the planned activities. The ceremony was presided over by the Commander of the Seventh Regional Air Command (VII COMAR), Air Brigadier Ramiro Kirsch Pinheiro, and was attended by the entire staff of the Porto Velho Air Force Garrison, as well as the Commanders of Air Units that operate helicopters.
During the ceremony, the Brigadeiro Nero Moura Operational Merit Medal was awarded to the Commander of the Third Squadron of the Eighth Aviation Group (3º/8º GAV), Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Teles Gomes, and to the Commander of the First Squadron of the Eighth Aviation Group (1º/8º GAV), Lieutenant Colonel Marcelo de Almeida Candido da Silva. The honour is intended to distinguish air unit commanders, within the scope of the Air Force Command, for their conduct in favour of the operability of their organization and the FAB.
In his speech, Major General Ramiro highlighted the immense importance of the FAB’s rotary-wing aviation in the tragedy of the floods that occurred in the south of the country and the importance of preparation to ensure operational qualifications that are equal to the challenges faced during calamity situations.
The Commander of the BAPV, Colonel Marcos de Oliveira Macedo, spoke about the meeting. “RAAR 2024 can highlight the work done by the crew of this tough aviation force, with an emphasis on the lessons learned from the Catrimani and Taquari missions. Missions like these portray the reason for the daily training of everyone present at this meeting,” said the Commander.
Photos: BAPV