Wing Commander Anil Tipnis took over the command of an Air Force Squadron in July, 1977, when it was decided to phase out the Gnat and re­equip the Squadron with MiG-BIS aircraft. He was also required to move his Squadron to its new location. At the new location, while sorting out the numerous administrative problems relating to re-settlement he, simultaneously, undertook the task of equipping his unit with new aircraft. He formulated every detail concerning the collection of aircraft and the ground and test equipment, and organised his Squadron into an efficient unit for training of aircrew and technicians. It was due to his dedication and inspiring leadership that his fledgling Squadron accomplished the significant achievement of accident-free flying in the first year of its re-equipment and turned out five pilots fully operational and seven other pilots operational by day. Within a short period of nine months of its change over to MiG BIS aircraft, it was required to take part in the Western Air Command Armament Meet 'Arjuna 78'. Despite the limited experience of its personnel on the new aircraft, the Squadron displayed commendable performance at the Armament meet. The planning, organisational and man­management capabilities of Wing Commander Tipnis have been above average. The commendable contribution of his professional competence is that he has maintained an accident free record right from the beginning. His unit has also achieved 100 % serviceability twice during this year.

Wing Commander Anil Tipnis has thus displayed high professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Anil Yashwant Tipnis VM (5859) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as fighter pilot on 28 May 60. He was first in his course and maintained this position on completion of the Pilot Attack Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader Courses. He is an alumnus of both the Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. He commanded a fighter squadron (Sqn) during 1977-79 and was awarded Vayu Seva Medal for distinguished service in 1980.

The air Officer has held the important and sensitive appointments of Ops 1 A at HQ Western Air Command and Joint Director Air Defence at Air HQ. Because of his proven professional knowledge and capabilities, he was selected for a deputation to a friendly country to train their pilots. He was specially chosen to lead the Indian team on deputation to France for Mirage 2000 project during 1983-86.

On promotion to the rank of Air Commodore, he was appointed Air Officer Commanding of a major base in central sector. After completion of his command tenure, the Air Officer was appointed as Joint Director Personnel (Officers). On his promotion to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he was appointed as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Inspection). The Air Officer, with his vast experience and large bank of professional knowledge, set about revising the procedures and assessment criteria for the inspection of field units by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. He successfully completed the monumental task in a record time so that these could be implemented to ensure a more realistic assessment of the IAF's combat potential.

Air Vice Marshal Anil Yashwant Tipnis VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal AY Tipnis, AVSM, VM was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 28 May 60. He has held several key field and staff appointments in his long and distinguished career. A pilot attack instructor and a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College, he has commanded a fighter squadron and was the leader of the Mirage project team in France. He was awarded VM in 1980. On return from France he was appointed the Air Officer Commanding of the Mirage-2000 Base. An alumnus of the National Defence College he has held the staff appointments of Joint Director and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Inspection) at Air Headquarters. A year later he was appointed the Air Officer Commanding Jammu and Kashmir and was awarded AVSM in 1994.

The Air Officer holds the unique distinction of serving as the Senior Air Staff Officer of two operational commands, Eastern Air Command and Western Air Command. He took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command on 01 Aug 95. As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, despite the existing monetary, equipment and manpower crunch, through a rational reallocation of the available resources he has successfully enhanced the operational preparedness of the largest Operational Command of the Indian Air Force. He flew the Mi-26 on its first landing at the treacherous Dalhousie helipad, flew the AN-32 on its first landing at Leh by night, and lead the fly-past on 26 Jan 96, thus leading by example and making valuable contribution in maintaining a high state of morale amongst the personnel.

Air Marshal AY Tipnis, AVSM, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.