Air Commodore Sajal Kumar Bhaumik (13463) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the IAF on 02 Jul 1973. He has held the appointments of CO of a Mobile Radar Systems Installation Unit (MRS1U), C Sys O at HQ SWAC and HQ MC, Station Commander of a Signals Unit and C Eng O at HQ EAC.

While posted as STO of a Signals Unit, he was responsible in maintaining the first TRS2215 Radar at high degree of operational readiness with high professional calibre. For this achievement, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1989. Further, as CO MRSIU, he was instrumental in installation and operationalising of five new TRS-2215 Air Defence Radars and one PSM-33 Mk-I Radar in record time as well as in providing extensive on site repair support during initialization.

As C Sys O HQ MC, his unique contribution has been in effective launching of the MATCAL project, indigenization of aircraft test equipment and introducing the innovative new policy on "Maintenance Management of Test Equipment in IAF". As CO of Signals Unit, he completed the challenging task of digitalization of all the analogue tropo communication equipment of the Hub Centre and its seven peripherals well ahead of schedule. With variety of old fleet like MiG-21 (T-77/66/69), MiG-23 UB, MiG-27, Mi-8 operating in EAC, as C Eng O, his task was to ensure high serviceability and flight/maintenance safety standards in all Units. With no background experience he had to spend long hours to learn the aircraft thoroughly. Finally in short time he was fully in control of his job and was able to guide the Units to achieve the goals set by the Command. His total involvement in ensuring adequate spares support brought in high serviceability in MiG21 (T-77) fleet. This effected in nil aircraft accident and considerable reduction in incidents due to HE (S), lesser dependence on repair agencies and EAC earning three prestigious awards viz. Best Transport Squadron, Best Helicopter Squadron and Second Best Fighter Squadron in 2004-05.

In addition to monitoring and guiding in achieving greater availability of aircraft for flying, he was instrumental in increasing the knowledge base of technical personnel and creating various maintenance infrastructure in Stations. These were possible because of untiring efforts, coordination, interaction at all levels and conduct of workshops and seminars involving Air HQ/HAL/BRDs/ IOC etc. The officer consistently displayed tremendous zeal, exceptional motivation and unlimited capacity in sustaining spirited efforts to accomplish every task assigned to him and his team.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Sajal Kumar Bhaumik.