Group Captain Ashok Dhar (13940) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 14 Dec 1974. He has held important appointments such as Commanding Officer of a MiG-21 Sqn, Command Air Defence Officer, Central Air Command and Director Operations (Joint Planning) at Air HQ. Presently, he is the Chief Operations Officer (COO), AF Station, Leh, since 19 Nov 2001.

The air maintenance activity at this station is the most important activity involving movement of supplies and personnel to and from the valley. These activities entail tarmac management, baggage and passenger security and passenger facilitation. On an average 600 personnel transit on any given day. The officer exuded professionalism by adopting innovative measures and simplifyi ng procedures for passenger manifest and security, passenger facilitation and overall tarmac management.

While taking over the Kargil airfield from the Airport Authority of India in Feb 2002, the officer was entrusted with the task of presiding over a Board of Officers and supervising taking over of all assets at the airfield both domestic, technical accommoda tion and the runway. By sheer hard work, foresight, keen involvement and dedication, he was able to operationalise the airfield and commence air operations by fixed wing ac in a short span of time.

The Air Defence of Ladakh is under the control of Air Defence Direction Center at Leh. He drafted a detailed SOP with a proactive posture in the 'Op Meghdoot' sector, which was approved and appreciated by Air HQ. Immense courage and valor displayed by the officer, as the COO in all activities in the station, detachments at Kargil and Base Camp is praiseworthy.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Ashok Dhar.