Group Captain Rajat Sharma (17008) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch on 29 Dec 82. During his 25 years of distinguished service he has held the challenging appointments of Flight Commander (Flt Cdr) of a premier Transport Sqn and Chief Operations Officer (COO) of two major airbases. He is presently commanding a Strategic Airlift Sqn and has 7400 h of accident free flying.

An accomplished professional, the officer was commended by the CAS in 1999 for professional competence. In 2001, as Flt Cdr, he carried out the path breaking night landings at high altitude airfields in Leh and Thoise on IL-76 thereby upgrading operational potential. As COO at Nagpur, despite manpower/infrastructure constraints, he displayed immense resourcefulness and ensured timely and safe induction of an IL-76 Sqn. At Agra, he was instrumental in enhancing operational effectiveness by resurrecting operations from blast pens and the Station was adjudged the "Pride of CAC".

On assuming command of an IL-76 Sqn, he resolved to improve the operational status of aircrew and aircraft serviceability, which had suffered after relocation of the Sqn and achieved laudable success on both fronts. The operational and categorization status of Sqn aircrew improved substantially in a short span of time as also the availability of aircraft facilitating achievement of all assigned tasks. A believer in leading from the front, he flawlessly executed the post hurricane relief operation to USA ordered at very short notice. During exercise 'Gagan Shakti' he ensured timely execution of all assigned missions despite resource constraints. With his innovative ideas and untiring effort, he started the Station Officers Mess and rapidly brought it up. It is his motivation, leadership and faith in subordinates that makes such demanding achievements possible. He has served the Air Force with dedication and outstanding professional integrity.

For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Rajat Sharma.