Air Commodore Pradeep Vasant Naik (12005) F (P) was commissioned in the fighter stream of the IAF on 21 Jun 69. He has flown more than 3000 hours on all MiG-21 variants and MiG-23 BNs. In his distinguished service of 33 years he has held many important Command and Staff appointments. These include command of a MiG-21 Bis squadron, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of AF Station, Bareilly and Directing Staff at Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and Defence Services Staff College. He has commanded two bases, AF Station Srinagar, an operational base in the Kashmir valley and AF Station, Bidar. He is an alumnus of the National Defence College.

As COO, AF Station, Bareilly he streamlined operational procedures for the base flying five different types of aircraft leading to "Average Plus" grading by Director Air Staff Inspection (DASI). During his tenure as AOC at Srinagar and Bidar not only the operational effectiveness improved but also he effected major improvements in works services and quality of life. At Bidar, he was responsible for Suryakiran Aerobatics Team. The standard of their displays bears testimony to his involvement and hard work.

He was posted as Air I, Western Air Command (WAC) from 16 Dec 01. At the time of taking over this challenging assignment, WAC was in a state of high alert. With his vast experience he not only blended with the plans but also took up the reins of operational activity in WAC and was instrumental in raising it to new heights of combat preparedness. With his deep insight into activity at field level, he was able to inject enough operational challenges into day-to-day training of the combat units to ensure that the state of preparedness was sustained over the prolonged period of alert.

His active involvement in both macro and micro aspects of operations ensured optimization of resources and expeditious translation of concepts into actionable ideas. His clarity of thought and directions enabled his subordinates to work for clearly defined objectives, thus maximizing their output.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Pradeep Vasant Naik.

Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik, VSM ADC (12005) F (P) was commissioned in the fighter stream on 21 Jun 69. He has flown over 3000 hours on all MiG-21 variants and MiG-23 BNs. In his distinguished career spanning 38 years, he has held many important command and staff appointments, including command of a MiG-21 Bis Squadron, Chief Operations Officer of AF Station Bareilly, Directing Staff at Tactics And Combat Development Establishment and Defence Services Staff College, and command of two important flying bases. He is an alumnus of the National Defence College. As Air I, Western Air Command (WAC) during Op PARAKRAM, he was awarded the VSM in 2003 for meritorious performance. In addition to above the Air Officer had held the appointments of Air Defence Commander, South Western Air Command, DG Air Force Naval Housing Board (DG AFNHB), and Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) WAC, before being appointed the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command (CAC), IAF wef 01 Nov 06.

As DG AFNHB, he overhauled its functioning and was instrumental in settling long pending court cases. He revamped the Finance Department, enhancing transparency in AFNHB transactions and significantly improving its public image. During his tenure as SASO, WAC, his involvement ensured optimization of resources and expeditious translation of operational concepts into actionable solutions. His clarity of thought and directions enabled his subordinates to focus on clearly defined objectives, maximizing their output, which was evident during the futuristic 'ExerciseGagan Shakti'.

During his tenure as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command, there was considerable enhancement in flying effort coupled with flight safety. Under his guidance, all strategic assets were further operationalised and extensively exercised, and the first ever Air Show was conducted over Sangam in Allahabad. HQ CAC forces won laurels in Ex INDRADHANUSH in UK. The forces under his control also provided prompt relief to flood affected areas in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, significantly enhancing the image of the IAF at home and abroad. He brought about administrative improvements not only in the work environment but also in the quality of life of personnel below officer rank.

Air Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik, VSM ADC has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.