Squadron Leader Kanwar Bharatendra Singh was posted to a fighter squadron as a Senior Flight Commander on 23 Mar 85. At that time this Squadron was the first unit to be fully equipped with Badal aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. As a Flight Commander, he had the arduous job of converting the squadron pilots onto a new type and to raise the operational status of the squadron. It was primarily due to his initiative, farsightedness and organizational capabilities that the squadron was able to fly more than 3700 sorties without any accident. This incredible task has been achieved despite a low trained manning state, and the low serviceability state, with an average not more than 5 aircraft available daily. Notwithstanding the low manning and serviceability state, ten pilots were trained to fully operational status. Proper planning and correct staggering sequence enabled the squadron to fly the number of sorties already mentioned and also meet the additional requirements of frequently manning Operational Readiness Platform. The squadron has an excellent record of flight safety and operational status till date. This record is attributable mainly to the high professional competence and close supervision exercised by Sqn Ldr KB Singh. He neglected his personal comforts and worked for very long hours to achieve this difficult task. For his sincere work and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Squadron Leader Kanwar Bharatendra Singh. |