| Details : | Group Captain Surendra Kumar Verma (19895) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as pilot in flying branch on 17 Dec 88. During his 28 years of distinguished service, he has held challenging appointments of Flight Commander of a premier Transport squadron, Commanding Officer an OSA-AK(M) Surface-to-Air Guided Weapon Squadron, Ops IIA of an Operational command of IAF and Directing Staff at the College of Air Warfare. He is presently the Station Commander of Airmen Training School (ATS) , Belagavi, a premier training station for all the airmen of IAF, since 11 Aug 14. He has over 4600 hours of accident free flying hours to his credit. An accomplished professional, the officer is a Right Hand Seat Check Pilot on AN-32 aircraft and is qualified in all the operational roles of the aircraft. He was part of the aircrew that carried out the first successful landing on AN-32 aircraft at the highest Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) of the world at Dualat Beg Oldie in 2008. The same year, he was instrumental in a successful causality evacuation of Indian security personnel from Afghanistan after a bomb blast. For his devotion to duty and dedicated professionalism, he was commended by Chief of the Air Staff. As Ops 11 A of HQ CAC, he was meticulous in forecasting, planning and execution of activation of Dharasu ALG by transport aircraft in Utlarakhand Hills, later utilised for rescue operations during flash floods in year 2013. As the Station Commander of ATS, Belagavi, he has displayed same zeal and professionalism in achieving higher training status for all the trainee airmen of the IAF. Under his personal supervision, various improvements in the training syllabus have been adopted to align the trainees with the changing modern requirements of the IAF. The syllabus in the fields aligns the trainees with the changing modern requirements of the IAF. The syllabus in the fields of weapon training, cyber security and communication skills were proactively reviewed and introduced in a record time. The officer's strict control on quality of training, resulted in 100% success in all the courses for past two years consecutively. His introduction of the books and training material for the cook and mess waiter trainees resulted in improving the standards of the culinary skills across all the messes of the IAF. He has meticulously planned the training infrastructure of the station to cater for the increased intake of trainees in future so that this demand of manpower shortage of the IAF is met seamlessly. The officer has displayed a deep sense of commitment to the service throughout his career and is a true role model for his juniors to follow. He set his own example in grooming the personnel and the new recruits into worthy air warriors. For the distinguished service of a high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Surendra Kumar Verma. |
