Training Future Aviators of Partner Nations
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090624-04
Release Date: 6/24/2009 12:35:00 PM
From Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- Training Squadron (VT) 21 presented Brazilian Navy Lt. Igor S. Bastos his 'wings of gold' at a winging ceremony held at Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville, Texas, June 5.
Bastos reported to VT 21 at NAS Kingsville in March 2008 for intermediate and advanced jet/strike training with the U.S. Navy.
Bastos is one of five Brazilian Navy aviators trained by Naval Air Training Command (NATRACOM) in 2008 and among 76 aviators currently in training from other partnering nations throughout the world.
In conjunction with Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA), NATRACOM continues to strengthen international relationships by providing undergraduate level aviation training for international pilots and navigators. This training is a mainstay of the security cooperation training program.
Among the many current and prospective country partners in this training endeavor are Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and United Kingdom.
In the execution of the maritime strategy, Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, Chief of Naval Air Training, directs that all commands strive to build relationships, strengthen and expand alliances and partnerships, promote peacetime and contingency access for U.S. forces, and promote relevant information sharing and exchanges of mutual security concerns.
NATRACOM is expected to train more than 100 maritime partner aviators by the end of fiscal year 2009, 110 in fiscal year 2010 and an additional 689 projected through fiscal year 2015.
Bastos is now assigned to Brazil's VF-1 "Falcoes" (Hawks), flying the McDonnell-Douglas A-4MB Skyhawk.
As with Bastos and other partner aviators, NATRACOM will continue the mission of training the world's finest combat aviation professionals.
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