| Details : | Group Captain Anurag Sharma (22682) was commissioned in the Indian Air force as a pilot in fighter stream on 18 Dec 1993 and has flown more than 4200 hrs on various types of fighter and trainer aircraft. The officer is a Cat 'A' Qualified Flying Instructor, a M.Sc. graduate from DSSC and an M. Phil graduate from the prestigious School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS), Air University, USA. He has been a Directing Staff at Flying Instructors' School, an Air Force Examiner on Su-30MKI, Jaguar, Kiran and HPT-32 aircraft, and commanded a Su-30MKI Sqn prior to taking over as Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a forward Air Force base in the Eastern Sector. Since his posting as the COO of the easternmost fighter base in IAF, he has been working conscientiously, assiduously and tenaciously towards facilitating the organizational goals. The base that houses a SU-30MKI Sqn is a busy airfield with extensive fighter flying, transport air maintenance sorties and regular helicopter operational detachments for armament training, NVG camps and Operational Exploitation Workshops (HEOW). The operating environment at the base presents very unique challenges and conducting flying operations of such a large variety of aircraft from a deteriorating operating surface with limited parking space under marginal weather conditions requires extensive round the clock supervision and personal involvement. During Ex-Livewire in Nov 15, a variety of aircraft were tasked to operate from the base. The officer's foresight, meticulous planning and personal involvement ensured that old and dilapidated surfaces that had not been used for many years were wrought-up to the desired standards for fighter operations. Round the clock operations of a variety of aircraft, including RPAs for the first time, from the base were facilitated by the officer's personal involvement and initiative. He has used his knowledge, vast experience and initiative to ensure accident/ incident free flying operations under difficult operating conditions with a young and inexperienced team of officers functioning under him. The same has been appreciated by various inspecting agencies and his enormous contribution in all spheres, especially operations was recognised by Eastern Air Command, Indian Air Force by awarding the base the' Pride of EAC'. Apart from executing his primary job with utmost dedication, the officer also involves himself beyond the call of his duty to interact with junior officers to groom and develop their professional, leadership and personal traits as officers of this fine organization. Be it profession, sports or social, the officer with his conscientious approach and initiative, always puts his best foot forward and presents a shining example of the finest traditions of the Indian Air Force. His professional conduct of 1965 Air War Symposium, insightful lecture in Centre of Air Power Studies seminar and hosting Joint interaction with Army officers set the benchmark for conduct of any such events. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Anurag Sharma (Retired). |
