| Service No | 21257 | Branch | F(P) |  |
| Date of Birth: | -- --- -- | | |
| Date Commissioned | 15 Jun 1991 | Course | 147 Course |
| Service End | No Details |
| Remarks : | |
| Promotions Gazetted | | Flt Lt : 15 Jun 1996 | Wg Cdr : 16 Dec 2004 | Gp Capt : 01 May 2012 |
|
| Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "N Kumar" |
|
Notes: 1) Ranks shown are substantive ranks at retirement. 2)Branch is at retirement and may not match with branch at Commission 3)Notional seniority is reflected in dates of substantive rank.
| Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) |
|---|
| Gp Capt | Neeraj Kumar | 21257 F(P) | Award Date 26 Jan 2013 | Announced 26 Jan 2013 |
| Details : | Group Captain Neeraj Kumar (21257) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 15 Jun 91. He was the Commanding Officer of a frontline Helicopter Unit from 15 Dec 08 to 28 Nov 10. Gp Capt Neeraj Kumar has been the key person behind successful conduct of 'Op Triveni' the anti-naxal missions in the 'Red-Corridor'. He has been the pioneer in formulating and streamlining the tactics, techniques and procedures in the mission area which extends across eight states including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh. Gp Capt Neeraj Kumar through his professional knowledge and competence has led the way by example. He undertook extensive reconnaissance and surveillance missions to study the terrain and select area for landing zones. He was instrumental in formulation of flying tactics, techniques and procedures for safe operations in an extremely hostile terrain. He carried out in-depth analysis of various challenges in setting up detachments at non-IAF bases in Chhattisgarh, maintained a good liaison with his civil and paramilitary counterparts and despite numerous constraints he established two detachments at Raipur and Jagadalpur in a record time. In fact he undertook this task to such a perfection that the unit today boasts of over 2024 sorties, clocking more than 1500 flying hours, airlifting more than 230 tonnes of load, 15,120 troops and 126 martyrs. Additionally, the unit has conducted training in slithering operations for 763 personnel of the Para-military forces. Based on his threat analysis and analysis area of operation he formulated SOPs for anti-naxal ops. These SOPs are non-conventional in nature but has achieved a very high level of success despite numerous difficulties, which is evident from the fact that under his command unit flew more than 1500 accident free hours towards 'Op Triveni'. At the same time performance of the unit at base was highly praiseworthy. Unit took numerous tasks in its AOR including J&K sector. Also Directorate of Air Staff Inspection and Aircrew Examination Board reviews of the unit were extremely good and unit was declared best in gunnery. He always led from front and undertook calculated risk and displayed exceptional awareness and courage. He led many crucial and difficult missions including the operations post Dantewada massacre in which 76 CRPF personnel were killed by naxals on 16 Apr 10 and extraction/insertion of troops for numerous operations undertaken by the Chhattisgarh police and Para-military forces. Under his leadership, the detachments responded aptly. He has been a major motivating force for all aircrew of the unit to fly fearlessly in one of the most hostile and difficult terrains as on date. The very fact the unit personnel have manned four helicopter detachments for more than 15 months without any break most willingly and professionally, proves the leadership displayed by Group Captain Neeraj Kumar. During his tenure as Commanding Officer, the unit has excelled each day. This would not have been possible without an exceptional leadership, outstanding professional competence and self-belief. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Group Captain Neeraj Kumar. |
| Unit : |
| Reference : Air Force Day Booklet |
