Group Captain Ravinder Sharma (15646) AE (M) was commissioned on 01 Jan 79 in the Engineering branch of the IAF and is presently on the posted strength of Air Force Station Palam since 01 Dec 03. In 27 years of distinguished service, he has held several important staff and field appointments that include Senior Technical officer (STO) of Mi-35 attack helicopter squadrons, CO of two Training Schools, Senior Engineer (Mechanical) of a fighter base and joint director for helicopter maintenance at Air HQ.

Whilst being the STO of Mi-25 Helicopter Squadron (Sqn) in Oct 87, the officer was entrusted with the challenging responsibility of deploying the Sqn for overseas operations as part of IPKF at a very short notice. Under trying circumstances in the unfamiliar terrain, the officer handled the whole gamut of complex operations diligently with unflagging zeal. As a result, his resourcefulness blended with technical expertise stood the Sqn in good stead in maintaining an accident/incident free record during the entire tenure with IPKF.

Owing to the exceptional professional acumen, he was one amongst few officers who were selected to undergo maintenance conversion course on Mi-35 helicopters in erstwhile USSR in Sep 89. On return he was instrumental in erection and subsequent induction of Mi-35 helicopters to the Air Force inventory. As STO of Mi-35 helicopter Sqn, he designed and indigenized few test equipment and simplified servicing procedures for which he was commended by the Chief of Air Staff in Jan 95. As the CO of the Workshop Training Institute (WTI), he created high quality training facilities and documents which paved the way towards recognition of training at WTI equivalent to Engineering diploma by the All India Council of Technical Education.

The officer was appointed as Chief Engineering Officer of Air Force Station Palam on 01 Dec 03. Since then, Station's impeccable record of accident free flying of over 20,000 hrs stand as a mute testimony to the officer's leadership qualities, exhaustive technical skills and devotion to duty. With his charismatic personality, he carried the whole team in synergy towards realization of the organizational goals. This was amply evident when Dornier aircraft of the Station not only achieved 100% serviceability after a gap of 20 years but also sustained it for one month. He also played a pivotal role in induction of Embraer aircraft in the IAF for VVIP role and setting up its type training facilities at this station in record time. The officer created an environment of technical excellence in the station that prompted a series of innovations which included design and fabrication of mini tarmac sweeping machine, ac washing rigs and onboard work station for operating special equipment on Dornier ac. During Air Force Day Parade 2005, the officer with imaginative innovations, conceptualized and created an exceptional parade backdrop, which was highly appreciated and won the Air Force many accolades from the sister services as well civil dignitaries.

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