| Details : | Group Captain Pradeep Arun Shah (22925) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the flying branch on 18 Jun 94. He is currently commanding a Fighter Squadron equipped with Su-30 MKI aircraft since 19 Dec 11. His earlier appointment was FIt Cdr of a Mirage 2000 Sqn, He is a Qualified Flying Instructor having undergone the Pilot Instructor Training course in USAF and has also done a two year tenure in USAF as a Flying Instructor. He is also an IRIE and has been endorsed on both the Mirage 2000 and Su-30MKI. He has an impeccable flight safety record in his 3750 hrs of flying. The officer has earlier been commended by the Chief of Air Staff in the year 1999 for safely recovering an ac after its canopy flew off. The officer was entrusted with the onerous responsibility of first converting and then commanding a Su-30 MKI Sqn in Eastern Air Command, while the sqn was still in its infancy having been raised only two years prior. Despite his limited experience on type, through his diligence, intelligence and professional aptitude, the Sqn's 'Op Status and Orientation' started showing a significant improvement. His foresight, deep involvement, unwavering focus, ability to find practical solutions and managerial skills came to fore when the Sqn was preparing to participate in Ex Red Flag 13-14 and during Ex Livewire, wherein the Sqn's performance was exceptional, having flown 175 hrs from two different locations. The Sqn was given an additional 'Maritime Role, in Dec 11. Due to his unfailing efforts and dogged Perseverance the Sqn today has the best 'Op Status' vis-a-vis any other sqn having a similar role. The outstanding 'op status' of the Squadron and its consistent performance has been appreciated by all dignitaries as well. Currently, under his stewardship, the Squadron is fully geared towards taking on any task that maybe assigned to it and has been awarded the Chief of Air Staff's 'Unit Citation' for exemplary performance in its Operational role for the year 2013. This recognition of the Squadron's achievements bears testimony to his untiring efforts. While according very high priority to the task in hand, he has never lost sight of morale and welfare of Sqn personnel. He exudes zeal for modernisation and innovation and has been able to motivate all the warriors towards better work output. In short he leads from the front and he leads by example. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Group Captain Pradeep Arun Shah. |
