Air Commodore Thekkekara Thomas Job (11507) AE (M) is commanding a premier Base Repair Depot (BRD) for fighter aircraft.

The BRD was assigned the task of overhaul of a front line fighter aircraft. Due to disintegration of erstwhile USSR the project had got delayed. Spares were not forthcoming. There was considerable delay in arrival of equipment and specialists. Consequently, only one aircraft could be overhauled in 1997-98. A large number of aircraft started falling due for overhaul. Under the leadership of Air Cmde Job a life extension study was successfully carried out involving specialists/ scientists from Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, NAL, IGCAR and RCMA (N). Consequently, the aircraft could be given a longer lease of life before overhaul, thereby preventing the possibility of sending the aircraft abroad for overhaul. This saved crores in foreign exchange.

Extension of life of aircraft was a shortterm solution. Therefore, Air Cmde Job took on the uphill task of fully setting up the overhaul facilities to enhance production of aircraft. He motivated a team of officers and men to install test equipment and rigs without the help of Russian Specialists. Consequently, the requirement for Russian Specialists reduced. He guided another group to successfully indigenise and produce spares. Consequently, six aircraft were overhauled in 1998-99. He simultaneously devoted considerable time and energy in improving quality of life in the Depot by introduction of a number of welfare measures. Under his able leadership, the Depot has won awards for best BRD, best MI Room and best Nursery School in Maintenance Command as well as best Nursery School in IAF.

For his exemplary vision, dedication and professional competence, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Thekkekara Thomas Job.

Air Commodore Thekkekara Thomas Job VSM (11507) AE (M) is commanding a Base Repair Depot since 01 Aug 97.

The overhaul of MiG-29 aircraft commenced at this BRD three years ago. Since then the production capacity in respect of MiG-29 overhaul has been steadily increased. During a visit to the Depot the Chief of the Air Staff had stressed the need to give priority to trainer Aircraft. The depot produced a record number of aircraft even exceeding Air HQ task. Also, three trainers were produced instead of the task of one, even though the depot was attempting overhaul of trainers for the first time. Establishing the overhaul line of MiG-29 aircraft was beset with problems like non-availability of spares and technology as well as late arrival of Russian specialists. Under the able leadership of Air Cmde TT Job, the depot undertook the task of installing and commis sioning a number of test rigs without any help of Russian specialists, problems of non-availability was tackled by boosting indigenization efforts to a record level. Under his leadership, life extension study of MiG-29 aircraft was successfully completed, thereby avoiding sending of aircraft abroad for overhaul. The allotted task of overhaul of MiG23 aircraft was also completed well in time. In addition, a large number of modifications have been completed on MiG-29 and MiG-23 aircraft. Also, a number of innovative measures have been introduced in the depot to improve the quality of life.

Air Commodore Thekkekara Thomas Job VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.