Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Sihota (5522) was commissioned in the IAF as an Administrative Officer in June, 1958. During his career spanning a period of over two decades, he has held various appointments both in the field as well as on the staff with distincition. He has proved himself to be a highly capable and dedicated officer, who, with his zeal and single-minded devotion to duty, has excelled himself in every assignemtn he has held.

Since October, 1978 Wg Cdr Sihot has been on the posted strength of Headquartes South Western Air Command, IAF as Command Org and Works Officer. During this period, there was a big spurt in works services activities at all Stations in the Command. In his capacity as Command Works Officer, Wg Cdr Sihota, with his hard work, foresight and meticulous planning was responsible for the implantation of a well planned opertioanlly oriented works programme which provided stations in the Command the necessary infrastructure essential not only to conduct and sustain operations but to absorb new weapons systems at short notice.

The capabilities of Wg Cdr Sihota were highlighted in the course of induction of a

new weapon system in this Command. No expertise or trained manpower were available to advise on the specific requirements of works services. Notwithstanding this handicap, with imaginatice application and improvisation, all works services for accommodation, training and operation of two Squadrons wer completed well in time.

Apart from new inductions, Forward Bases had to be provide facilites like Base Operatrions Room, Operational Readiness Rooms, Aircrew Rest Rooms, Bomb Dumps and additional Bulk Petrol Installations to increase operational capability. Also runwas had to be strengthened and a new type of Blast Pen to accommodate the freshly inducted aircraft had to be constructed. Wg Cdr MS Sihota led a tem of Military Engineering Service personnel to different airfields to determine the size of Blast Pens to cater for the larger dimensions of the newly inducted aircraft. Trials were carried out on the ground and suggested design and drawings forwarded. This has been accepted and adapted as a standard design.

Most Stations in this Command are located in far flung desert areas. Immense difficulties were experienced in provision of basic essentials like adequate water and power supply, single and married accommodation, schooling and games and recreational facilities. Wg Cdr Sihota has been able to not only provided them the where-with-all to lead a reasonably comfortable life compatible with an established township.

The complete gamut of works services planning and implementation in the entire Command have been extremely thorough and flawless. With a rare combination of attributes of high professional competence, diligent application, imaginiative planning and excellent utilization of resources and man management. Wg Cdr MS Sihota has been instrumental in enhancing the operational potential of the Command. His success in providing domestic and allied facilites are proved by the high morale that prevails in all stations in the Command.

For his distinguished service of an exceptional order, the Rashtrapati is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Wing Commander Mohinder Singh Sihota.