Gp Capt Henery Osborne Robey has been posted as the Station Commander, Air Force Station, Suryalanka with effect from 19 Sep 88.

On the night of 09/10 May 90, a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 200kmph hit Air Force Station Suryalanka causing total disruption to communications, power, water supply and damage to Air Force property. In the absence of any civil or Air Force Met establishment at Suryalanka, Gp Capt Robey kept a close watch on the movement of cyclonic storm from TV and Radio transmissions preceding the actual date of occurrence. He geared up the Station to meet the challenge and took advance actions to ensure minimum damage to Air Force property and human life. His actions paid handsome dividends in that there was no loss of life or injury and damage to the property was negligible which could not have been avoided considering the fury of the cyclonic storm. Despite the Station being totally water logged, he reactivated the essential services in the shortest possible time. With his excellent rapport with the P&T and APSEB authorities, he was able to speedily restore electricity and essential telecommunication facilities at the Station.

For his leadership in skillfully managing this disastrous situation and for his dedication of a very high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt HO Robey.