of Defense (). The COMAER is the department of the Air Force, the successor of the former Ministry of Aeronautics, when it was absorbed into the Ministry of Defence. The department is led by the "Aeronautics Commander" (). The Commander is the most senior Air Force rank (), is appointed by the President, and reports directly to the Minister of Defense. The COMAER includes the Air Force Staff (Estado-Maior da Aeronáutica (EMAER)). The COMAER is in charge of seven major organization bodies, which comprise the FAB. Readiness Command (Comando de Preparo (COMPREP)) is the successor of the former General Command of Air Operations (). It is headquartered in Brasília, DF and commands most of the air force's flying units, responsible for their operational training and readiness. Aerospace Operations Command (Comando de Operações Aeroespaciais (COMAE)) succeeded the Brazilian Aerospace Defence Command (Comando de Defesa Aeroespacial Brasileiro (COMDABRA)), also headquartered in Brasília, DF. It is responsible for the constant surveillance and security of the country's aerospace and takes over operational command of the COMPREP's units. General Command for Support (Comando-Geral de Apoio (COMGAP)) is in charge of aircraft and infrastructure maintenance and logistics. It is headquartered in São Paulo, SP. General Command for Personnel (Comando-Geral de Pessoal (COMGEP)) is in charge of personnel development, training, medicine and documentation. HQ is in Brasília, DF. Aerospace Control Department (Departamento de Controle do Espaço Aéreo (DECEA)) is in charge of air defence, air traffic control (both civil and military), control and communications, meteorology, cartography and enforcement of civil air traffic regulations. HQ is at Rio de Janeiro - Santos Dumont IAP, RJ. Science and Aerospace Technology Department (Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial (DCTA)) is in charge of technology development, project management and industry relations with the private sector. HQ is at São José dos Campos IAP, SP. Economy, Finance and Administration Secretariate (Secretaria de Economia, Finanças e Administração da Aeronáutica (SEFA)) is headquartered in Brasília, DF. There are also seven "Regional Air Commands" (). The four former operational air forces were specialised into advanced flying training (I. Air Force), maritime patrol and helicopters (II. Air Force), combat aviation (III. Air Force) and air transport (V. Air Force). The seven regional air force commands were specialised into land-based operational support, air force infrastructure maintenance and support to the civilian population. Each region had a single air transport squadron as its only flying unit. Beginning 2016,