| Details : |  Group Captain Sanjeev Vashishth (21818) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 13 Jun 92. He is commanding a Mi-17 I V unit since 29 Nov 10. A Helicopter Combat Leader, he has more than 3000 hours of accident and incident free flying to this credit. Gp Capt Vashishth with his vast operational experience and astute leadership led the unit to unprecedented heights in 'Operation Triveni' during 2010-2011. The unit operated four helicopters, 1000 kilometers away from the parent base against the naxal threat in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and six other states. His relentless pursuit of objectives resulted in 2566 sorties and 1746 hours of flying in support of Para-military forces. He adapted intelligently to each emerging threat scenario and brought about continuous and ingenious changes in flying tactics to muster an accident free record in one of the most hostile peace time terrains. As a result, 'Op Triveni' brought a drastic reduction in the attrition rate of the ground forces and boosted their morale. The contribution was of national significance and was appreciated by one and all. Gp Capt Vashishth was nominated as Commander for conducting a first ever Special Heliborne Operations (SHBO) Training camp in Sep 2011 for aircrew of all Mi-17 I V units in Western Air Command (WAC). He rose to the expectations and conceptualised and executed a brilliant operational plan employing multiple assets in near realistic scenario. Within a fortnight, 15 pilots achieved fully operational status, thus enhancing the operational potential of Mi-17 I V fleet of HQ WAC significantly. Gp Capt Vashishth has several accomplishments to his credit during his command. The unit has been put up for Chief of Air Staff citation for its role in 'Operation Triveni'. It has undertaken more than ten successful joint exercises with Indian Army and friendly foreign forces of Seychelles, France and USA. Weapon delivery results have improved significantly and the unit has won 'Best in Rocketry' and 'Runners up in Gunnery' awards during Exercise Chakravyuh 2011. The unit has won six CAS commendations and seven AOC-in-C commendations. It has reversed the trend of accidents and incidents in the fleet, achieving 3400 sorties and 2200 hours of accident free flying. HQ WAC has recognised the facts and chosen it as the 'Best Helicopter Unit' of WAC in 2011. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Group Captain Sanjeev Vashishth. |
