Details : | Group Captain Vasudevan Rajalekshmi Sanil (21523) was commissioned as a pilot in the flying branch of the Indian Air Force on 14 Dec 1991. He is on the posted strength of HQ SAC since 16 Apr 2012 and is working as Ops I B ever since. Earlier in his service he has worked as the Flight Commander of a fighter squadron and has been the Commanding officer of a MiG-27 Squadron. He has served as a Joint Director at Personnel Officers branch at AirHQ. As the Commanding Officer he ensured quick rebuilding of the operational capability of the squadron by recovering the serviceability of the aircraft from long grounding due to technical reasons. The process involved extensive in-situ checks on the engine and aircraft. With his meticulous approach and foresight, he was able to plan the build-up of all eighteen aircraft of the squadron within a period of just one month. Even though the Ground Support Equipment, manpower and number of servicing bays were limited, the task could be completed safely and quickly solely due to his leadership, involvement and innovative approach. During his tenure as Joint Director Personnel Officers, he played a key role in redesigning the appraisal form for officers. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor with 2930 hours of accident free flying. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington. In his present tenure, during the last two years, he has been instrumental in smooth conduct of all air operations including the Joint Exercises with the Indian Navy. There has been substantial increase in fighter flying at air bases under this Command HQ. His proactive approach, foresight and deep personal involvement ensure efficient and safe conduct of flying. His involvement and supervision of flying operations at Thanjavur has helped the station to become operational within six months and it now capable of supporting prolonged detachments of all types of aircraft. His operational orientation and conceptualization have effectively integrated the force multipliers like Airborne Warning And Control System and Flight Refueller Aircraft into the operational plans of this Command. He has displayed outstanding resourcefulness for maximizing the utilization of the limited air effort available during various exercises to effectively validate various concepts and contingency plans. He has been instrumental in taking the Maritime Air Operations to the next higher level by integration of effort and understanding between the IAF and IN during the last two years. His planning and conduct of conferences and seminars at Command HQ has been commendable. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Vasudevan Rajalekshmi Sani. |