| Details : | Group Captain Rajesh Narayan Medikeri (18730) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as an engineer in Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch on 16 Feb 1987. He has held several field and staff appointments which include Chief Engineering Officer of a Su-30 aircraft base, Command Engineering Officer of an Operational Command and Joint Director and Director Engineering at Air Headquarters since 01 Apr 2013. He has been commended twice by the Chief of Air Staff in 1997 and 2002. As Senior Engineering Officer of a MiG-29 Squadron, during Op Vijay, he marshalled his resources to maintain 98% serviceability of the aircraft in fully Ops condition for a sustained period of six months, allowing the Op Task of the Squadron to be achieved. Later as Senior Engineer (Aircraft) at Air Force Station, Pune, he was responsible in the meticulous planning and execution of the international Exercise Red Flag in United States of America. This called for consolidation of anticipated maintenance activities along with requisite logistics to ensure that the twelve participating aircraft ferry to USA and effectively participate in the conduct of exercise for joint air operations. It is due to his immaculate planning that 99% serviceability was achieved and the detachment of IAF won laurels and appreciation. During the officer's appointment as Chief Engineering Officer of Air Force Station, Tezpur, induction of Su-30 fleet in the Eastern Air Command was done. The officer's experience and indomitable spirit ensured smooth induction of the Su-3D fleet. He spearheaded the modernization of the infrastructure to absorb the state of art technology Su-30 at Tezpur in a record period of six months. As Director Engineering (Basic Trainers) at Air Headquarters, the officer initiated various steps to enhance the availability of Kiran aircraft for Basic Jet Training of Ab-initio pilots. The overhaul of Viper Engines and its fuel aggregates by an alternate source abroad was successfully contracted through Ministry of Defence in less than a year which resulted in enhanced availability of Viper Engines for sustaining operations. Presently, as Director Engineering Su-30 Projects, the officer has been involved in setting up of Repair and Overhaul facilitie sat 11 BRD for Su-30 MKI aircraft and setting up of Service Support Centers at Barreilly, Tezpur and Pune. These projects are being closely progressed by the officer. For his distinguished service of high order with continued task oriented performance, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Rajesh Narayan Medikeri. |
