Air Commodore Adi Rustomji Ghandhi, VrC (7722) F (P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 28 Oct 63. He has over 3600 of single engine jet flying to his credit. During his 30 years of commissioned service, he has held many important and prestigious field and staff appointments which include Command of a fighter squadron and staff pilot at 'Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment'. He has taken part in both the Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971. He was awarded Vir Chakra on 06 Sep 65.

Air Cmde Gandhi has been Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of a Fighter Base at Gawalior since 02 Dec 91. Throughout the period of Command he displayed total dedication to service and absolute involvement in all activities of the Base. His dynamic leadership has inspired the personnel to new heights of motivation and efficiency.

Both the Mirage Squadrons of the IAF along with a squadron each of Pechora and OSA-AK-M missiles are located at this base. The Electronic Warfare Range of the IAF conducts numerous trials and exercises with a view to evolve ECM and ECCM tactics. This Base and its lodger units have acquitted themselves admirably during all Command and Air Headquarters Exercises and also while undertaking specific tasks allocated to the Base. Visiting Inspection teams have adjudged the performance as of high caliber, which bespeaks of the high standards.

Under his able guidance the Base has created a Fourth Line Repair Model based on data generated for the last eight years to ensure better snag rectification. This Base has also developed user friendly software for Trouble Shooting Charts for various maintenance problems. Such technical innovations are a continuous activity at this Base.

Perforce, a large number of personnel have to live in civil areas at a considerable distance from the place of duty. Air Cmde Ghandhi has been able to galvanize local resources to run a number of general welfare activities and provide necessary amenities ease out the problems faced by the personnel and to improve the overall quality of life of all personnel.

Air Commodore Adi Rustomji Ghandhi, VrC has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Adi Rustomji Ghandhi AVSM VrC (7722) F (P) was commissioned in Air Force on 28 Oct 63. During his 39 years of service, he has held many Important and challenging field and staff appointments which include Command of a fighter squadron, Command of a prestigious Air Force Station, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (PO), Commandant of College of Air Warfare, Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of South Western Air Command and Western Air Command. Presently he holds the appointment of Air Officer Commanding-inChief, Western Air Command. He has taken part in both the lndo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. He was awarded Vir Chakra on 06 Sep 65 for acts of gallantry.

As Air Officer Commanding of an important fighter base, where both the Mirage of the IAF along with a Squadron each of Pechora and OSA-AK-M missiles are located, he displayed total dedication to service and absolute involvement in all activities of the base. As a result, the base and its lodger units acquitted themselves admirably during all Command and Air Headquarter exercises. For his exceptional service and devotion to duty, he was awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 1994.

As Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers) he took keen interest in evolving personnel policies for the Officer cadre of the IAF. As SASO of two operational Commands, he provided the impetus towards greater operational thinking as well as rationalization of infrastructure required within the Command.

On taking over as AOC-in-C of Western Air Command, he set into motion a variety of measures aimed at sharpening the fighting edge of the most important Command of the IAF. He also strived relentlessly to improve the work culture, morale and motivation level of the personnel at all levels. As a result, the Command was able to mobilise resources and move units to their Op locations in the shortest possible time during of Op Parakram.

Air Mshl Ghandhi has been instrumental in initiating a series of major drives to reduce accidents due to bird strikes, beautification of technical and domestic areas improving the quality of output by the MES and most important of all, improving the quality of life of Air Force Personnel specially at remote and difficult Stations.

Air Marshal Adi Rustomji Ghandhi AVSM VrC has thus rendered distinguished service of most exceptional order.