Air Commodore Gurdip Singh Kochar, VM (13149) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 24 June 1972 in the Flying branch of the Indian Air Force. During his service career, he has held various challenging appointments including that of Commanding Officer of a flying Squadron and Training School, Chief Operations Officer of a flying station and Ops 1A of a Command HQ. He is an A2 QFI. He is a graduate of both the Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. He was awarded Vayu Seva Medal for his devotion to duty. Presently, he is Air Officer Commanding of a major fighter Base in the eastern sector. Air Commodore Kochar's personal involvement and sound leadership has enabled the station to achieve a very high degree of professional excellence. In addition to the hectic flying activities of the resident squadrons, the base always had a steady flow of visiting squadrons for range firing and numerous trials at the Interim Testing Range. Meticulous planning and uncompromising supervision have ensued achievements of all tasks with exemplary efficiency and competence. The maintenance standards of the station were improved significantly by ensuring a distinctive thrust on self-help approach and coordination. Efforts to improve hydraulic and fuel discipline, streamlining the MT operations and making the Station Refuelling Section a model for all others to emulate deserve special mention. Air Commodore Kochar has worked tirelessly towards up gradation of domestic facilities to improve the quality of life. A project for married accommodation for warrant ranks was successfully completed. He ensured completion of all the works services within a short span of time to upgrade operational, maintenance and domestic facilities for use by a detachment of the Republic of Singapore Air Force for flying training at this base. Due to his persistent efforts, the Station was adjudged as the 'Best Overall Station' in EAC in 2002-03 and 'Best in Administration' for two consecutive years, 2002-03 and 2003-04. Air Commodore Gurdip Singh Kochar, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. |