The visit took place this Tuesday (11/12)
Natal Air Base (BANT) welcomed Brazilian Air Force (FAB) veterans, affectionately known as the “Old Eagles,” on Tuesday (11/12), as part of a special program during CRUZEX 2024, the largest military training exercise in Latin America. The event reinforced respect and appreciation for those who dedicated their lives to the defense of Brazil.
The veterans’ delegation was accompanied by high-ranking officers, including the Chief of the Air Force General Staff, General Sérgio Roberto de Almeida; the Commander of Preparation, General Pedro Luís Farcic; and BANT Commander and Exercise Director, Major General Ricardo Guerra Rezende. The veterans were greeted by BANT Band and took an official photo alongside the KC-390 Millennium aircraft, a symbol of Brazil’s modernity and technological innovation. Following this, they attended a welcoming and recognition briefing in the auditorium.
During the guided tour, the veterans visited strategic operational areas of the Base, gaining an up-close look at the infrastructure and equipment supporting its operations.
For the Chief of the Air Force General Staff, General Almeida, the event was an opportunity to recognize the dedication of many generations. “This is a recognition of the work of many people. The Air Force would not reach the level of CRUZEX 2024 without prior cultural, doctrinal, and professional preparation in everything that such an operation entails. Today is an opportunity to welcome the veterans to observe our activities. It’s very gratifying to see that all of them contributed to bringing us to this point. We are very happy with this opportunity,” he emphasized.
In the afternoon, the veterans observed CRUZEX takeoffs. Witnessing the Air Force in action reinforced their pride in being part of an institution that continues to evolve and honor its legacy.
Veteran and President of the Brazilian Fighter Pilots Association (ABRA-PC), Major General Teomar Fonseca Quírico, highlighted the importance of the occasion as a chance to be updated on FAB’s achievements. “It’s fantastic because it’s a unique opportunity that the Air Force provides us—a chance to update ourselves on what it is doing. We have a superficial notion of what the institution is doing, but when we see it in action alongside air forces from developed countries, at the same level, it gives us a strong assurance that the work has been well done and that this new generation, now taking over, will lead the Air Force to an increasingly bright future,” he said.
Major General Rezende, Exercise Director, expressed his pride in seeing the return of friends and former instructors, celebrating the bond between FAB generations. “I see here friends, former instructors, commanders, instructors of my instructors, and my father’s personal friends. For me, this is a great honor and, as General Farcic said, it is also an honor for the Brazilian Air Force: honor to those who came before us and glory to those who will succeed us,” he said in his speech.
