Group Captain Vijay Shanker Kapani (12766) F (P) was commissioned on 12 Jun 1971 in fighter stream and is fully qualified on MiG-21 variants with 2800 hrs of accident free flying. He is an A-2 QFI as well as Fighter Combat Leader. He is posted as Chief Operations Officer of a base, which is unique in its operations requirement and has the distinction of operating fighter, Tpt, Hepters and guided weapon elements. He has shouldered this immense responsibility with total commitment, foresight and constructive planning spanning over two years.

This base by virtue of being a nodal point for complete air maintenance of the northern sector demanded expert management of meagre resources. His rational application of experience and effective operational handling yielded commendable results in achieving 100% air maintenance tasks during 1997-98 and 1998-99. VIP commitments, national flypasts and specific operational task assigned to the Station at short notice were also commendably executed under his able leadership. Because of his sincerity, dedication and flawless guidance this base could achieve all operational tasks during his tenure.

Understanding and far sightedness of Gp Capt VS Kapani to appreciate operational requirements provided him the impetus to rejuvenate the loop dispersal area, which housed 17 Blast Pens. This loop dispersal and assets worth crores were lying disused since last ten years and were in a dilapidated condition. Through personal example, grit, perseverance and time bound programs, he managed to retrieve these irreplaceable assets without any MES expenditure, thus affecting savings of crores to the exchequer. The area is now fully fit for fighter operations.

He is also responsible for heralding computer awareness at this station. His personal involvement and dedication has resulted in establishing of LAN and associated training including repair of large number computers which demanded extremely long and sustained quality work, much beyond the normal call of duties.

For his exemplary dedication total commitment and self-less contribution to service, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Vijay Shanker Kapani.