Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal has the rare distinction of having commanded three helicopter units. He has 4700 hours of instructional flying. He has flown extensively over the most treacherous terrain in the Eastern as well as the Western Sectors of the country.

Under his inspiring leadership, one of the helicopter units gave an excellent account of itself when it was assigned the arduous task of bombing operations against insurgents in Nagaland in 1974-75. In recognition of its extraordinary performance, during these operations, the unit became the recipient of three Vayu Seva Medals.

Once again under his able command, another helicopter unit, his second, was adjudged the Best Helicopter Unit of the IAF for the year 1980. It also later won the coveted Flight Safety Award and Maintenance and Operational Trophies of Western Air Command.

In his present appointment as OC of a helicopter unit, Wg Cdr Chahal has undertaken several VVIP commitments to the complete satisfaction of all concerned. He has also led the formation of Mi-8s for Republic Day celebrations and IX Asiad. He was the leader of the Mi-8 detachment during CHOGM. Wg Cdr Chahal has brought up the fully operational state of the aircrew to 99.9%. During his command, all the three units have maintained a unique record of accidentfree flying. Wg Cdr Chahal's performance has been consistently excellent and his contribution to the safe conduct of flying has been exemplary.

For his dedication to duty, professional efficiency, and an exceptional record of flight safety, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal.

Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal VM is commanding a Helicopter Unit since 6 Dec 81. His meticulous planning and optimization of limited resources have helped the Unit in achieving an impressive total of 6661 hours of Accident-Free Flying till date. Under his command the unit took part successfully in 33 special Heliborne Exercises, flying an aggregate of 679 hours. As a Type Force Commander in most of these exercises, each involving as many as 15 helicopters, he not only excelled in their operational execution, but also displayed administrative competence and technical understanding of an exceptional order that contributed substantially to the overall success of the participating elements. His personal involvement and invaluable supervision were instrumental in shaping a proficient and effective operational helicopter force. As a leader of a formation of 9 helicopters in the Feb 82 Fire Power Demonstration he demonstrated his abundant proficiency and professionalism that were observed and applauded by civilian and service dignitaries alike.

Under the able guidance and command of Wing Commander Chahal the unit undertook the challenging task of operations over the Siachen Glacier, airlifting 245 tonnes of vital army supplies, involving 670 hours of flying in a hostile environment above inhospitable terrain. The facile manner in which these operations were carried out was due to the unit commander's aggressive and imaginative planning. During 'Operation Blue Star' he personally supervised and actively participated in operations which required constant night patrols and immediate evacuation of casualties.

As the commanding officer of a helicopter unit for three years and six month, Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal has displayed superior qualities of leadership, a high sense of duty, and enthusiastic interest in raising the maintenance standards of the unit and its operational potential.

For his devotion to duty, excellent administrative capability and exceptional qualities as an Air Force Officer, which enhance the prestige of the service, the President is pleased to award Bar to Vayu Seva Medal to Wing Commander Narinder Singh Chahal.