PAF BRIG GEN RICARDO FAUSTINO

Philippine Air Force Brigadier General Ricardo Faustino is my grandfather's brother. He was in the PAF Blue Diamonds, which was an aerobatic team. According to the Wiki, "In 1986, the team was reactivated. Lt Col Ricardo Faustino spearheaded the Blue Diamonds, sweeping with six planes in a graceful and elegant display of showmanship. Rolling, arching, frolicking, diving and turning in neat precision, once more bringing pride and glory and fame and once more demonstrating the Blue Diamonds vaunted skill." Brig Gen Faustino flew the F-5A Freedom Fighter, which is depicted here. 

 

In the Philippine Military, Brigadier General is the first level of General. It is one-star. This means that, at the time, my grand-uncle could command units that were NOT in the Air Force, as well as those within. For example, there is a station in Palawan with Army, Navy, and Air Force there, but only one commander, which has to be some sort of General, as Generals are the only ones that can command other branches. According to Brig Gen Ricardo Faustino, PAF Brigadier General is equivalent to a Commodore in the US Navy.