Aurelio Celedón
Aurelio Celedón Palma (1902–1996) was a Chilean Air Force officer who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force (FACh) from 1947 to 1952. During his command, the institution expanded its aviation operations to Antarctica and Easter Island, and participated in the acquisition of Chile's first presidential aircraft.
Early life
Celedón was born in Tomé, Chile, in 1902, the son of Chilean farmer and politician Aurelio Celedón Sajord. At the age of six, he moved with his family to Chillán, where he attended the Colegio Seminario and the Liceo de Hombres.
In 1917, he entered the Chilean Military School and began his career in the Chilean Army in 1920. Six years later, he entered the Captain Manuel Ávalos Prado Aviation School to undertake military flight training.
Air Force career
In 1930, Celedón became the first pilot to fly a glider in Chile, contributing to the early development of gliding in the country.
He subsequently held several positions within the Chilean Air Force. In 1946, he served as a group commander in the General Command of the Santiago Air Garrison, an organisation responsible for the administration and coordination of aviation units stationed in the capital.
Commander-in-Chief
In 1947, Celedón was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force, succeeding General Oscar Herreros. He held the position during the presidency of Gabriel González Videla.
During his administration, the Air Force expanded its operations in Antarctica, establishing an air connection with President Gabriel González Videla Base. His command also oversaw the first flight to Hanga Roa on Easter Island, extending the institution's operational reach into the Pacific Ocean.
Celedón additionally supervised arrangements for the acquisition of Chile's first presidential aircraft, a Douglas DC-3 known as El Canela. The aircraft was used for presidential transport and remained in service until 1972, during the administration of President Salvador Allende.
Celedón left command in 1952 and was succeeded by General Armando Ortiz.
Celedón died in 1996.