| Details : | Group Captain Amit Vij (21211) flying (Pilot)was commissioned in the flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 15 Jun 91. The Officer is a Pilot Attack Instructor, Qualified Flying Instructor, Command Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner and an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College. He is fully operational on MiG-23BN, MiG-27ML, SU-30K and SU-30MKI aircraft with over 3300 hours of flying experience. His meritorious service is marked by distinguished performance in all service assignments and courses. He stood first in the order of merit in the Flying Instructor's Course bagging all the trophies as also in Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner's Course. He is the holder of 'Thammaiya Medal' from Defence Services Staff College. The officer is Commanding Officer of a premier SU-30 MKI Squadron (Sqn) since 09 Nov 09. On assuming command, the officer led the Sqn in Dec 2009, for the longest operational fighter mission ever planned in the history of Indian Air Force where in four aircraft flew 09:55 hours each over a distance of 6500 kms. The first of its kind mission was a resounding success and remains unsurpassed till date in the history of Indian Air Force. The officer gave a sterling account of leadership and motivated his team to perform in an exemplary manner in an International Exercise GARUDA-IV at France. With assiduity and perseverance, he showcased the professionalism and prowess of Indian Air Force, thus bringing rich laurels to it in an international forum. His indomitable spirit, unflinching determination and grit have resulted in an outstanding performance by the Squadron in all endeavours. His keen sense of involvement and exceptional organising ability has resulted in creation of operational infrastructure thus immensely enhancing the capability of the Sqn. Displaying tenacity to overcome odds, his able leadership has resulted in a record number of aircrew achieving 'fully operational' status, with qualifications and upgradations in all the SU-30 MKI specialist operational roles, all in a span of 17 months. The Squadron performance was assessed as exceptional during the Aircrew Examination Board visit to the unit in November 2010. The Squadron has won the Individual Conventional Dive Attack Trophy of the Year 2009-10 and the Team Bombing Trophy of the Year 2010-11 in Exercise Eklavya in Central Air Command. His sustained efforts and foresight has resulted in the Sqn having the best aircraft serviceability in the entire SU-30 MKI fleet for the last two years. His dynamic leadership was recognised when the Sqn was declared the Best Fighter Squadron for the Year 2009-10. For distinguished service of exceptional order and devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty)' to Group Captain Amit Vij. |
