Wing Commander Avinash Deodatta Joshi assumed command of a frontline fighter Squadron on 15 Apr 85. Throughout the period of his command, Wing Commander Joshi stressed the primacy of operational capability. He trained his Squadron to a very high level of efficiency in its primary and secondary roles. The fully operational and instrument rating status of his pilots was raised to 100%. In addition, his Squadron came to be recognized as highly specialized in undertaking tasks involving extended periods of valley flying.

In acknowledgement of his professional capabilities and achievement of exceptional standards, Headquarters Western Air Command assigned to his Squadron a number of special missions designed to optimize the Vijay's operational utilization. Wing Commander Joshi led almost all of these missions himself. As a result of the trains he conducted and as a result of the success of these special missions, the operational capability of the centre Vijay fleet increased substantially.

Wing Commander Joshi had to sacrifice much of his personal convenience and comfort, and his time, in order to train his Squadron to the peak of operational efficiency. At the same time, he made a noteworthy contribution to the optimization of the Vijay aircraft's operational envelope. He approached these takes and accepted his success with admirable humility. Through his action and attitude, he roved himself a true leader.

For his initiative, professional zeal and out standing competence and for his exemplary leadership qualities, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Avinash Deodatta Joshi.

Air Marshal Avinash Deodatta Joshi, VM (10886) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force on 04 June 1967. During his distinguished service of nearly 40 years, he has held many challenging flying and staff appointments. He has flown a large number of combat aircraft in the lAF's inventory. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. He has flown a number of combat missions during the 1971 war with Pakistan in the western theatre while serving in a Hunter Squadron. For gallantry displayed during the operations, he was awarded Mention-in-Despatches. While posted to a MiG-21 Squadron in 1979 he was the first to carry out night flying from Srinagar and subsequently clear the valley for night flying as a routine. In 1981 he was specially selected for training on the MiG-23 BN In the erstwhile USSR and posted subsequently as the senior Flight Commander of the Squadron when it was formed in India. In 1984 during Op Meghdoot he was the first MiG-23 pilot to have commenced active operations from the highest operational base Leh in Ladakh.

In 1985, Air Marshal Joshi took over command of a MiG-23 BN Squadron. This squadron had been specially selected for Op Meghdoot. With his vast experience in this sector, he was entrusted with a number of operational photo reconnaissance missions which he flew himself. For his dedication and high level of professional skills he was awarded the VM in 1988. Air Marshal Joshi commanded a Forward Air Base in Rajasthan sector. He also commanded Air Force Station Bidar where he was given the responsibility of raising the now famous “Surya Kiran" aerobatics team.

A graduate and Instructor of the Army War College Mhow, he also attended the course at the National Defence College and the National Security Programme at Gallillee College, Israel. His staff appointments include deputy Commandant at CAW, ACAS (Safety and Inspections) and ACAS (PO). As SASO HQ South Western Air Command he handled two very important events. After a long gap, the air power demonstration Vayu Shakti 2004 was conducted at Pokhran Air to Ground range, where all the latest aircraft and weapons were showcased. Subsequently he was also responsible in handling the Awareness Campaign at Bombay, which was one of the largest air demonstrations that included Air India aircraft also. Due to his meticulous planning and preparation, both events were highly successful, Incident free and were well received.

Air Marshal AD Joshi took over as AOCin-C, Eastern Air Command (EAC) on 01 November 04. During his tenure, the training and operational standards of EAC have been greatly enhanced. Operations were conducted from civil airfields for the first time. The serviceability states of aircraft and avionics systems exceeded all expectations from a fleet of ageing aircraft. Administrative aspects also went through a welcome change. He has now been specially selected to take over as C-in-C of Strategic Forces Command.

Air Marshal Avinash Deodatta Joshi, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.