Wing Commander Kanthalloor Saraswathy Suresh Kumar (18822) F (P) was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the Flying Branch on 13 Jun 87. He is presently the CO of a frontline Mirage Sqn. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor with more than 3500 h of accident free flying. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and has held various important appointments prior to the present appointment. In 2004, he was commended by CAS for devotion to duty. He is one of the very few pilots to achieve more than 1000 h of accident free flying on Mirage-2000. Under his command, he has been able to motivate the unit to a very high level of performance. The operational capabilities of the Sqn kept on improving along with the training of under trainee (U/T) pilots of the Sqn. The Sqn was appreciated by Air HQ and HQ CAC for involvement of Sqn in various out station commitments and progress of U/T pilots training. In the year 2006, he was given the responsibility of leading a combined Mirage -2000 detachment to Singapore for Exercise Sindex-06/ OS. The exceptional result achieved during the exercise is a result of his meticulous planning and thorough professionalism. Leading by example, Wing Commander Suresh has been able to instill confidence, enthusiasm and a sense of pride in his men, binding the unit into a strong and potent team of professionals. The Sqn being adjudged the best fighter Sqn in the Command bears testimony to this fact. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Kanthalloor Saraswathy Suresh Kumar. |