Saurimo – The Deputy Commander of the National Air Force (FAN) for Patriotic Education, Lieutenant-General Baltazar Pimenta, said Saturday in the eastern Lunda Sul Province that this branch of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) has gained more cadres and improved the technique and level of knowledge to work with resilience and determination in order to ensure the total safety of national airspace.
The Lieutenant-General presided over the main act of the ceremony to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the FAN creation, which took place in the Municipality of Saurimo, Lunda Sul, under the slogan “National Air Force 47 years, maintaining the sovereignty of the air space”.
The official noted that, despite the difficulties it has been facing over the years, a growth was recorded related to the number of cadres as well as the level of technique and knowledge of the staff.
He recalled that after 47 years of existence, the institution´s vision and focus are turned to the training of the staff and the transmission of legacies on combat techniques to the new generations, who are required to absorb all the accumulated experience and maturity.
To Baltazar Pimenta, it's necessary to believe in the strength of the youth, regarding their innovative willingness and spirit of initiative in order to introduce the youthful strength that every modern organisation needs.
The Lieutenant-General added that the investment in training and transmission of legacy should observe the highest levels of discipline and organization to ensure the preservation of the newly acquired technique as part of the ongoing restructuring and redevelopment programme.
He added that in terms of growth, the FAN is on the right track, as evidenced by the new talents that have been coming out of the Troops Training Centre located in the City of Saurimo.
The ceremony was attended by the vice-governor for political and social matters, Mendes Gaspar, by the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saurimo, Dom Manuel Imbamba, and also by senior officers the National Air Force.
The FAN was founded on 21 January 1976, by Angola´s first President, António Agostinho Neto.
