| Details : | Group Captain Surendar Kumar Indoria (18296) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in flying branch of IAF on 07 Jun 86. He is Qualified Flying Instructor and has been an avid aviator having an experience of approx 6000 hrs on various types of aircraft. He has undergone the prestigious Joint Staff & Command Course at Indonesia. conducted in Bhasha Indonesia, and achieved above Average grading, upholding the image of the Indian Air Force and the nation at large. He worked as Director Training at Air HQ and has been the Commanding Officer of an An-32 Squadron since 06 Jul 09. For exceptional performance and dedication to duty the officer was awarded Commendation by Chief of Air Staff, in 1996. As Commanding Officer of the An-32 Squadron. he has deeply involved himself in every single activity of the squadron and truly set an environment of professional excellence. It was due to his personal involvement and guidance that Bombing by An-32 touched new heights. It was in his command that the Squadron undertook a host of maiden bombing exercises and achieved exceptional results in all of them. In fact in Ex Eklavya he led from the front and won the Bombing Trophy. He put in his professional acumen in formulating SOPs on internal and external bombing, High Altitude Bombing at Toshe Maidan range, Demonstration drop 01 1Ox1000 Ibs Bomb Drop in single stick, among others. He has shown exceptional foresight and initiative in undertaking a study for alternate bombing stores for An-32, which would go long way in enhancing the op effectiveness of the ac. On 21 Nov 10, Gp Capt Indoria, undertook the First Ever Trial landing at the Advance Landing Ground (ALG) at Dharasu, in Uttarkashi hills (Elevation-2950Ieet). which had presented a challenge for years. The Advance Landing Ground is short airstrip ( Length-3400 feet), situated in a bowl with restricted approach due high hills on all sides. The terrain around does not even allow a straight approach to the runway, leaving the option for only a curved approach and demands very high levels of proficiency and control of aircraft. It speaks volumes about the character of the officer that he decided to take on this challenge, himself. He went about the mission in an exemplary planned and professional manner and thereafter, also submitted an SOP on the operations from the ALG, making it possible for other to follow suit with all variables catered for. This mission has provided an altogether a new horizon for the IAF in support of Indian Army deployed in the region. He also led from front by undertaking the First Ever PTT landing by An-32 at Bareilly. His contribution in conceptualising and formulating the out of area contingency plan as Type Force' Commander speaks volumes about his operational understanding and strategic appreciation. It was under his command that the squadron became the first ever transport squadron of the IAF to be affiliated to a combat unit of the Indian Army. The manner in which he has participated in and organised a host of activities to further this affiliation in its true sense has set new standards of jointmanship. He led the unit by example and always stood firmly committed towards the culture of professional integrity and operational mindedness in his working environment. On the maintenance front Sqn passed through a phase of low ac availability. In spite of constraints, the energetic officer drove his way through by keeping flight line serviceability over 90% by proactive planning and managing resources. During the DASI visit in Aug 2010, the squadron undertook all operational missions in the most professional manner and earned laurels for the same. The effect of his directive leadership and visionary approach was well proven when the squadron went on to earn the coveted Average Plus grading in all five aspects of the inspection. The continued excellence of the unit under his command took the squadron to a level where it was adjudged as the Best Transport/Helicopter Squadron of CAC for the year 2009-10. These achievements speak very high of the highest standards 01 morale and professional values in his unit, which are clear indication of the officers' effective leadership and optimum resource utilisation. For exceptional devotion to duty. Hcn'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to duty)' to Group Captain Surendar Kumar lndoria. |
