Squadron Leader Michael McMohan was posted to tactics and Combat Development Training Establishment again in September, 1977. He had served in this establishment earlier during February 1973 to June, J975. In the later tenure, he was initially appointed as the Officer-in-charge Training where he implemented modifications in the Fighter Combat Leader training pattern with commendable results. In addition to the above charge, he took over as Officer-in-charge Development from January, 1978. The Establishment finalised Air Combat Tactics during that period and ensured completion of other development tasks allotted to the Establishment. Squadron Leader Michael McMohan was appointed as the Signal Unit Flight Commander in July 1978. During this tenure, he has ensured that despite the high risk exercises in the Establishment, the Flight Safety is maintained at its peak level.

Squadron Leader Michel McMohan has thus displayed professional skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal McMahon was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 22 Jun 63. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) and a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL). He participated in the 1965 and 1971 Indo- Pak operations and was Mentioned­in­Despatches in each. He commanded two front­line strike squadrons and was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1980. A graduate of the Australian Joint Services Staff College, he was specially selected as the Director Air Staff Requirement at Air HQ and subsequently as the Air Attaché in France from Apr 93 to Mar 95.

In Mar 95, then Air Commodore M McMahon was appointed Air Officer Com-manding, Air Force Station Ambala. He used his vast experience to upgrade the operational environment and the flying effort was increased by 30 to 40 per cent. It was largely due to his tireless efforts that the three flying units located at Ambala won the top honours in the 1996 Western Air Command Gunnery Meet. He successfully marshalled available resources towards reducing accidents as a result of bird strikes and improving the airfield environment resulting in safe and efficient operations.

He was also instrumental in supervising the runway resurfacing work which was completed in a record time of ten weeks. All these tasks were achieved by most effective use of existing personnel and material resources.

Air Vice Marshal M McMahon, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Michael McMahon AVSM VM (7399) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in the Flying branch on 22 Jun 63. He commanded two Jaguar squadrons and held the posts of Director of Air Staff Requirements, Air Attaché, Paris, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Ambala, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations), Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) at Headquarters Western and Eastern Air Command and Inspector General. He presently holds the appointment of Air Officer Commandingin-Chief of Headquarters, South Western Air Command. He served twice on the Staff at Tactics and Combat Development Establishment and is an A2Qualified Flying Instructor. He was twice awarded Mention-in-Despatches (1965 & 1971). He was commended by the CAS and awarded the Vayu Sena and Ati Vishisht Seva Medals. The Officer was the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) for a period of two and a half years during a critical time in the history of the Air Force. He handled Air Force and tri Service operations with balance and maturity. During this tenure, he was also a key member of Janakiraman Committee, which enquired into, and made recommendations towards resolving some of dire most contentious issues of contemporary times.

On promotion to Air Marshal, the officer was posted as the Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), HQ Western Air Command. Responsible for all the operational aspects of Op “Safed Sagar", it was his single-minded insistence that led to the initial location and subsequent destruction of the logistics camp at Muntho Dolo. This much publicised success was largely responsible for early culmination of the operations. Subsequently, posted as SASO, HQ Eastern Air Command, he provided the impetus towards greater operational thinking as well as for rationalising infrastructure requirements within the Command.

Air Mshl McMahon was then posted as the Inspector General. Despite a short stint in this post, he brought about an awareness of the need for greater clarity and transparency in all aspects of Flight Safety. The Air Marshal was promoted and posted as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, HQ South Western Air Command on 01 Aug 01. During this period, he applied his mind to the detailed planning of operational requirements, in the event that the effects of Op 'Enduring Freedom' unintentionally spread further than designed.

Air Marshal Michael McMahon AVSM VM has thus distinguished service of the most exceptional order.