The first day of the exercise, Monday 4 November 2024, was also the first day of our access to the base. The Brazilian Air Force had planned to let us on base for every day (!) of the two-week exercise. Upon arriving at the airbase, we met a lot of other enthusiasts from all over the world. Despite the number of people, checking in was relatively fast and easy. It was made clear that the large group would be split over two locations in the morning and in the afternoon. Not long after we were dropped at the photo spots, aircraft started to taxi out and take off. Brazilian F-5s, Gripens, Tucanos, Argentinean Pampas, Peruvian KT-1s, what a sight! All participating countries were part of the morning mission. After the mission had concluded, we were brought outside the base again where food stalls were present for lunch. All well-arranged!
In the afternoon we were brought back to the spots where we could photograph the afternoon mission. As the sun was on the ‘wrong’ side this afternoon, we had the opportunity to make some sunset shots from some of the participating aircraft. Much to our delight, one of the Brazilian Navy Skyhawks took to the sky this afternoon. After sunset, we headed back to the hotel for some food and drinks. What a great first day!
