The Tolemaida airfield was the setting for Colonel Andrés Felipe Cataño Duque to assume command of the 25th Army Aviation Brigade, a unit whose main mission is to carry out vital air operations such as humanitarian support, aeromedical evacuations, firefighting, and support for government entities, among others.
In addition, it is distinguished by its rigorous application of essential procedures that allow it to operate safely and effectively, even in the most complex scenarios and conditions within the national territory.
The ceremony was attended by Brigadier General Carlos Alberto Padilla Cepeda, commander of the Air Assault Aviation Division, accompanied by Colonel Alex Jefferson Mena Mena, commander of the Counter-Narcotics and Transnational Threats Command, and commanders of units stationed on the plateau, military personnel, and families.
Colonel Cataño Duque, who had been serving as Chief of Staff of the 33rd Aviation Brigade in Bogotá, received command of this unit from outgoing commander Colonel Óscar Iván Benavides Sáenz with a firm determination: to lead this unit with discipline, responsibility, transparency, and a sense of service, in order to respond to the operational and strategic challenges that the country demands of its National Army.
He also stated that "it is time to innovate, to acquire and use new technologies, and above all, to break with outdated paradigms."
For his part, Colonel Benavides Sáenz thanked all the men and women who contributed during this year to the development of various projects aimed at strengthening and advancing the air force soldiers, highlighting their ongoing commitment to being the best and effectively fulfilling each of their assigned missions.
He also expressed his gratitude and pride at being blessed by God with the opportunity to have commanded this pioneering Aviation Brigade, which paved the way for the creation of the other National Army Aviation units, spearheading this wonderful process that began in 1995.
During his speech, Brigadier General Carlos Alberto Padilla Cepeda praised the work and leadership of Colonel Benavides Sáenz at the head of the unit and invited the new commander to continue working hard for the Army Aviation, strengthening teamwork with the other Aviation brigades.
He also emphasized that the 25th Army Aviation Brigade will continue to fulfill its mission with high levels of effectiveness and operational safety, focusing primarily on rigor, discipline, and methodical precision in the performance of its various tasks, with the aim of consolidating this unit as the cradle of the best aviators in Colombia and the region.
