Group Captain Ajit Shankarrao Bhonsle (15327) Flying (Navigator) was commissioned on 08 Jun 1978 as a Navigator in the Flying branch of the IAF. During his 26 years of service he has held important appointments including that of Commanding Officer of Navigation Training School, Air Force Examiner and Deputy Director Air Staff Inspections at Air HQ. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and College of Defence Management. Presently, he is posted as Chief Admin Officer at a Fighter Base in South Western Sector.

Gp Capt Bhonsle has over 5200 hours of accident/incident free flying involving VVIP commitments and forward area operational flying. The only A-l Qualified Navigation Instructor in the IAF, he has 800 hrs of instructional flying experience. He has the rare distinction of being the staff of both the Aircrew Examining Board and the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection.

On taking over as the Chief Administrative Officer he immediately initiated electricity saving measures by way of sky lighting of buildings, improvement in power factor, use of energy efficient lamps and strict regulation of security and street lighting. This has resulted in saving of Rs. 60 lakhs in the year 2002-03 and Rs. One Crore in the current year even as the electricity requirement at this Base steadily increased in the last two years due to the newly established ground facilities.

As the Chief Administrative Officer, he has ensured that all the related works services are of high quality and on schedule thereby facilitating expeditious operationalisation of the new aircraft in the IAF. His involvement in the runway maintenance has effectively prevented Foreign Object Damage to the aircraft, which is a significant contribution to Flight Safety. During 'Op Parakram' the administrative support to the Squadrons and Radar units for the move to operational locations and during the extended deployment has been exemplary.

The officer has demonstrated exemplary organizing ability, meticulous planning & intelligent use of resources during the SU-30 MKI induction. He has efficiently marshalled the Station manpower in conjunction with the State Government agencies and Army Establishments to create a Station Park as a Rain Water Harvesting project and a well laid out jogger's Park in the most economic manner.

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