Details : | Group Captain Manish Sharma (25040-K) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the flying branch of the Indian Air Force on 27 Dec 97. He is a FCL with over 2100 hrs of flying experience. He has been a Flight Commander of a Bison Squadron, Directing Staff at Tactics and Combat Development & Establishment (TACDE) and is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington. He has also served as Sector Air Operations Officer on deputation to United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) for one year. He successfully commanded a Mirage squadron and is presently selected to undergo Air War course USA. He shouldered the responsibility as Commanding Officer with dedication and ensured highest level of operational status of the Squadron (Sqn). Under his effective supervision, the Sqn participated in 19 flying detachments, 35 exercises and achieved 2900 hours of accident free fighter operations. He ensured 56 aircrew role upgradations, 32 IR upgradations with special emphasis on night missions amounting to 34% of task. His leadership has resulted in Sqn being awarded Exercise (Ex) Eklavya trophy for two years in a row. The Sqn was adjudged as the Best Fighter Squadron of Central Air Command (CAC) for the year 2016. The major achievements of the Sqn during his command included first highway landing by fighter aircraft (ac), first time operations from civil airfields of Saifai and Varanasi, cold weather high altitude Leh trials of upgrade ac, first time live firing of Spice-2000 PGM and first live firing of Mica missile. The officer himself undertook the responsibility and challenge of dropping the first field level live drop of the Spice-2000 weapon by night. His focused approach towards operations resulted in redrafting of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and briefing guides for Spice-2000 along with submission of paper on Operational utilization of Spice-2000. He was chosen to conduct the very first and only Real Time Kill Removal (RTKR) Workshop for CAC which involved formulation and drafting of detailed SOPs. During his tenure, he ensured smooth and seamless induction of the upgrade aircraft in the Sqn and ensured quick and effective up gradation of aircrew and ground crew so as to build up the operational capability of the unit and IAF. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to duty) to Group Captain Manish Sharma. |