President of Regional Government emphasises that the missions of the Portuguese Air Force have saved many lives
Carlos César conferred great significance to the protocol that was signed on Friday between the Regional Government of the Azores and the Portuguese Air Force regarding the continuity of medical evacuation missions in the archipelago by that branch of the armed forces and the continued medical assistance provided by the government to military personnel of the Air Base and their families.
The President of the Regional Government, speaking at the signing of the document, also attended by the Air Force Chief of Staff, Luís Araujo, said that the signing of this protocol confirms, at the regulatory and juridical level, what has been a natural relationship between the people of the Azores and the Air Force and the facile articulation of the Armed Forces with the regional authorities of the Azores, an excellent example of co-operation at the national level.
He said that the "presence of the Air Force in the Azores, in addition to its missions of national defence, provides tranquility and security for the Azoreans. It is very much appreciated in the Azores and the military that is here can and should feel at home."
The President said that the services provided by the Air Force in the region have been invaluable even at a time when improvements in the provision of health-care are significant. Carlos César underlined the importance of these missions to the Regional Health Care Service and reminded that many lives have been saved thanks to the collaboration of the Portuguese Air Force.
In he last twelve years, there were more than 400 urgent medical evacuations of pregnant women, of which twenty five gave birth aboard the planes. The President cited these numbers when he underlined the role of the Air Force and paid a tribute to crews, medical teams and health-care units.
He said that the role of the Air Force is broader given that it also collaborates with the Civil Protection Services in Search and rescue missions and in the monitoring of the oceans. Carlos César concluded by saying that the it is, once again, high time for the Regional Government to pay tribute to the Air Force on behalf of the people of the Azores.