Group Captain Surya Narayana Murti (15945) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned on 07 Jan 1980 in the Engineering branch of the IAF. During his career of 24 years he has held important appointments including that of Deputy Director of Maintenance at Air HQ Computer Centre, Senior Production Engineer (Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopter Assy) at a premier Base Repair Depot, Chief Engineering Officer at Carnicobar and Commanding Officer of 75 RMU. He has been commended by the Vice Chief of the Air Staff and AOC-in-C. Presently, he is posted to Air Force Station Yelahanka as Chief Engineering Officer (CEO) since 19 Aug 02.

Air Force Station Yelahanka has the important time bound task of conducting training flying for ab-initio Transport Pilots on Do-228 aircraft AN-32 aircraft and for abinitio Helicopter Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flight Gunners on Mi-8 aircraft. Ever since assuming charge Gp Capt Murti has exhibited creativity and ingenuity in improving the serviceability of all type of aircraft held at the Base. His relentless efforts have assured sustained high serviceability of over 80% for Do-228 aircraft, over 65% for Mi-8 and over 60% for AN-32 aircraft for the last one year. This has facilitated completion of all flying training courses on time without augmentation of aircraft from other units.

Gp Capt Murti is highly innovative and accepts each new thought and project as a challenge and has the capacity to show results of his efforts. With his keen involvement and vision to appreciate the importance of standard markings on AN-32 and Do-228 aircraft he has produced aircraft marking albums for both aircraft. This arduous and time consuming task was accomplished most efficiently and has been of immense value to both the fleets. His other notable achievements include setting up a computer repair centre at Base, CVR listening facility on AN-32 and Do-228 aircraft, implementation of quality monitoring system in MCC and preparation of standard TTGE list of Mi-8 helicopter are some other notable achievements of the officer.

For his dedicated hard work, professionalism and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Surya Narayana Murti.