| Details : | Group Captain Ahin Kumar Patra (16263) Administration/Fighter Controller was commissioned in 1980 as an Administrative Officer in the IAF. In his 27 years of distinguished service as Fighter Controller and Administrative Officer, he has held the important appointments of Commanding Officer, Chief Operation Officer, Joint Director Air Staff Inspection. Director of Integrated Air Command Central System project in Air HQ and Chief Administrative Officer. He has achieved the highest professional category i.e. '/' and is a Master Fighter Controller. He has passed Higher Defence Management Course in the first division with distinction. Group Captain Patra has commanded two transportable radar units and the operational status of both the radar units were enhanced and assessed 'Average Plus' by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. As Commanding Officer of a radar unit, he undertook the operational task in an exemplary manner for which Chief of the Air Staff commended him in 1998. As Chief Operation Officer of Air Force Station Salua, he was instrumental in making all round development, due to which it was assessed the best Signals Unit in Eastern Air Command for three consecutive years during his tenure. His leadership and guidance ensured smooth and safe conduct of operations throughout "OP Parakram" in HQ Western Air Command. As Chief Administrative Officer of Air Force Station Bidar, he deeply involved himself for meticulous planning and execution of the prestigious project of creating specialized infrastructure for inducting Hawk aircraft into IAF His dedicated efforts extending even beyond normal call of duty ensured timely completion of the Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT)works costing more than Rs. 150 crores which was appreciated by RM, RRM, CAS and many other dignitaries. He left no stone unturned for creating a safe flying environment and providing support for conducting Stage III Flying training for fighter pilots. His contribution for the timely completion of 24 AJT works including extension of two runways was praiseworthy. His leadership has shown path to whole Adm support group to provide support services for achieving operational and maintenance tasks with efficiency. For his distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Ahin Kumar Patra. |
