(complete) 87th Anniversary of the Chilean Air Force in El Bosque
(Video, Chilean Air Force, FACh) With a ceremony held on Tuesday, March 21, on the apron of El Bosque Air Base, the Chilean Air Force commemorated its 87th anniversary.
The event was presided over by the President of the Republic, Michelle Bachelet Jeria, accompanied by the Commander-in-Chief of the Air Force, Air General Jorge Robles Mella, and was attended by important civilian and military authorities, including the Minister of National Defense, José Antonio Gómez.
On this occasion, President Bachelet emphasized that “Chile has a highly prepared and capable Air Force, both to protect our sovereignty and to integrate the territory and support our fellow citizens.”
For his part, General Robles emphasized in his speech that “in these 87 years we have flown for peace and we will continue to fly for it, providing Chileans with the opportunity to access better and more modern development options.”
She also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity afforded to the Air Force to serve the nation and reiterated her satisfaction with the work accomplished. “I ask you to continue giving your best every day, both personally and professionally, to continue along this path where we can legitimately feel proud to be part of the Chilean Air Force.”
She concluded her remarks by stating that aviators trained in the Air Force will always be distinguished by their honor, loyalty, courage, and humility in fulfilling their duty. “We are certain that with our experiences we not only broaden the horizons of the Air Force, but also continue to open new horizons for the development of our country and all Chileans.”
Subsequently, President Bachelet awarded the “Valor” medal to Corporal First Class Felipe Bravo, who rescued two comrades during a self-descent procedure in the northern part of the country. “Receiving this medal fills me with pride. The Aviation Commandos undergo rigorous and demanding training that enables us to perform various types of rescue operations, so this decoration is also a recognition of the work of the Institution's Special Forces.”
The traditional air and ground parade then began, in which the Institution showcased a significant portion of its aircraft and demonstrated once again the discipline that characterizes its aviators.
Air and Ground Parade
The parade began with a performance by the Military Band of the “Captain Manuel Ávalos Prado” Aviation School. The air formation commenced with the flyover of the “Halcones High Aerobatics Squadron” aboard their Extra 300L aircraft.
Following this, a squadron of T-35 Pillán aircraft accompanied the ground squadron, commanded by the Commander of the Santiago Air Garrison, Air Brigadier General (A) Hugo Rodríguez González.
Next, the Battle Standards of the Units stationed at the Garrison marched past, followed by the Aviation School, commanded by its Director, Air Force Colonel (A) Sergio Rojas.
Then, the Military Band and Instrumental Band of the "Sergeant 1st Class Adolfo Menadier Rojas" School of Specialties was presented, accompanied from above by a squadron of F-16 fighter jets from the 1st and 5th Air Brigades.
Subsequently, the School of Specialties marched, under the command of its Director, Air Force Colonel (DA) Ronald Luttecke. A KC-135 aircraft was presented, followed by a Boeing EB 707 "Condor."
The parade continued with the detachment of Units from the Santiago Air General Garrison, composed of personnel from the "El Bosque," "Cerrillos," and "Pudahuel" Air Garrisons.
In front of the official reviewing stand, Learjet 35 and Gulfstream G IV aircraft were also presented. Meanwhile, on the apron, members of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment and the "Quintero" Tactical School Special Forces were deployed.
Similarly, C-130 Hercules aircraft and UH-1H, B-412, and Bell 2016 helicopters approached from the south.
The presentation concluded with a rifle company from the Air Force and a Special Forces and Air Force Commando company.