Details : | Wg Cdr Raj Kumar Sharma (25343-B) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in the Flying branch of Indian Air Force on 19 Dec 98. He is Commanding Officer of 112 HU, AF wef 03 Aug 15. He is fully Ops on ChetaklCheetah, Mi-8/Mi-17 and has a total 4350 hrs of accident free flying. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, IRIE and holds present Cat IR AMG on both Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters. In the recent past, Wg Cdr RK Sharma displayed exemplary courage in a Casevac mission post naxal attack Ex Jagdalpur at mid night and another Casevac Mission post mine blast Ex Tuensang for Indian Army troops in inclement weather. He also displayed exemplary situational awareness in handling of critical emergencies of engine failure during day and engine surge during night at critical stages of flight during his tenure at 128 HU. Wg Cdr Sharma took over the command of 112 HU at a stage when there was lack of flying efforts due to Mi-8 helicopters employed in completing TCl. Utilizing his professional acumen, he along with his team worked out the requirements and convincingly projected these requirements at various levels for induction of Mi-17s as alternate. He meticulously worked out the modalities and ensured induction and operationalisation of Mi-17s in a record time. He also ensured merger of Tech Fit and ensured efficient functioning of both Mi-8 & Mi-17 technical setups. With his close supervision and guidance, the unit has the rare distinction of flying 4000 hrs accident free flying every year, the highest by a Helicopter unit with simultaneous training on both Mi-8 & Mi-17s. With his extremely professional outlook, he ensured professional growth of unit officers, high training standards, 100% categorization of pilots and appreciable standards during AEB, CASI and DAS visits. He willingly volunteered for operations with NSGs, Ex Yojna for Army troops and even led Ensign Formation despite involvement as OIC Access Control during Aero India 2017. He displayed good resourcefulness in timely completion of training courses and conduct of valedictory ceremonies befitting to service customs. With his professional leadership, he ensured good working environment and high morale in unit personnel. With his personal involvement the units won inter unit sports championship in consecutive year and unit air warriors participated in inter/ intra command sports championship. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to duty) to Wing Commander Raj Kumar Sharma. |