Wing Commander Sanjeev Chandra (17005) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 29 Dec 1982 in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force. In 22 years of distinguished service, he has held important field and staff appointments including command of two OSA-AK-M missile Squadrons in the Northern and Western sectors, during 'OP-Vijay' and 'Op-Parakram' respectively. He held staff appointments of Joint Director Air Defence (Missiles) at Air Headquarters, and Officer-in-Charge Air Defence Weapon Systems at Western Air Command. His professional competence resulted in him being designated as Command Examiner, Western Air Command for the OSA-AK-M missile system. A veteran helicopter pilot with over 3000 hours of flying on Chetak, Cheetah and Mi-17 helicopters, he is a pioneer in helicopter operations in the Siachen glacier, with over 1000 hrs of flying in this extreme environment. He has flown actively in counter insurgency operations (CI Ops) in Assam during 'Op Rhino', and deployed in the field on missiles during 'Op Vijay' and 'OP Parakram', in the Western and South Western Air Command sectors.

In his present appointment as Air II, Headquarters Air Officer Commanding Jammu and Kashmir since 04 Jan 2004, he has been actively involved in supervising transport and helicopter operations in J &K. With personal intervention and active monitoring and control of all air maintenance aspects, he was able to enhance the flying effort of Units under his control. This resulted in fixed and rotary wing air maintenance tonnages being met and exceeded during his tenure, in financial years 2003-04 and 2004-05. This had not been achieved in the previous five years. His supervision and guidance to the op units ensured that all commitments including CI Ops, casualty evacuation, VVIP/VIP Communications, Para military and civil agencies were undertaken with a high degree of professionalism.

During the unprecedented snowfall and avalanches in the J&K sector in FebruaryMarch 2005, all rescue and relief operations were coordinated from HQ AOC J&K. Wg Cdr Chandra was single handedly at the helm of control and coordination of these operations. With meticulous planning, super vision and working far beyond call of duty, he ensured that one of the largest airlift rescue operations by the IAF since 1948, to provide succour to the beleaguered population of J&K, both by fixed and rotary wing ac, was conducted with the utmost professionalism. These efforts earned the appreciation of the State Government and drew nationwide attention by media, bringing laurels to the Indian Air Force during the worst natural disaster in Jammu and Kashmir.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Sanjeev Chandra.