Group Captain Rajinder Singh (13980) Flying (Pilot) commanded a Fighter Squadron, AF from 23 January 95 to 25 November 96. He is presently posted as COO of a fighter base. He is an experienced Qualified Flying Instructor and has flown over 5000 sorties of accident free flying.

During his tenure as Commanding Officer, the Squadron flew about 8300 sorties without a single flying accident. The excellent managerial skill of the officer is evident from the fact that despite the aircraft being very old, the Squadron achieved 100% serviceability on eight different occasions during which all aircraft were flown. This indeed was a unique achievement. He also conducted permanent move of his Squadron to another base. The move was meticulously planned and executed in such a way that the Squadron commenced full-fledged flying within 72 hours at the new location. For all these achievements his Squadron was adjudged the Best Fighter Squadron in the Command in 1996-97.

As COO, the officer has led from the front and shown a rare sense of drive and total involvement to provide a safe flying environment. He has ensured that the airfield environment is maintained at a very high operational standard. Inspite of the runway surface being in a bad state, his close supervision has ensured that there has not been a single FOD. Also there has been no instance of a bird hit in the last year and a half. The operational performance of the Wing during DASI and CASI visits has been exceptional. The Wing was also declared the Best Operational Wing of the Command for 1996-97.

For his exceptional qualities of leadership, initiative, dedication to service, his continued high performance and constant endeavour to achieve excellence in all areas, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Rajinder Singh.

Air Commodore Rajinder Singh VM (13980) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as fighter pilot in the IAF on 14 December 1974. He has flown over 3000 hours of accident free flying and held several key appointment, which include Commanding Officer (CO) of a MiG-21 Squadron (Sqn), Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a large fighter wing and Station Commander (Stn Cdr) of strategically vital fighter base. He has also held several Important staff assignments, both at Air HQ and Command HQ, and was also the defence attaché in Egypt. A Qualified Flying instructor and an alumni of the Defence Services Staff College, the air officer was twice commended by the CAS in 1988 and1995, respectively, and also awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1999.

During his present tenure as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of Air Force Station Palam, the Station flew a record 11,000 hrs of accident free flying. A rare feat was achieved by the Station in which all aircraft of the Sqn were flown at the same time to attain 100% serviceability. All the VVIP/VIP movements have been handled exclusively well.

The Air Officer's drive and initiative successfully resolved the perennial water shortage at Palam by making Delhi Jal Board water available to the Station for the first time in sixty years. Under his able guidance and direction the prestigious Air Force Day Parade was meticulously planned and perfectly executed, showcasing an impressive and professional display, which was highly appreciated. During Tsunami the victims were received, fed, clothed and dropped at their homes. Prompt airlift of relief material to Jammu & Kashmir during earthquake was appreciated by even the home ministry,

Air Commodore Rajinder Singh, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.