Air Cmde PK Pinto was commissioned as a pilot on 18 Apr 64. During his long and meritorious service, he gained fully operational status on Dakota, Fairchild Packet, AN-12, IL-76 and AN-32 aircraft and aircrew category of 'A' Master Green. He commanded an AN-32 Squadron and a major Air Defence Radar Unit. He was Chief Operations Officer at a major transport base. A graduate of College of Defence Management, he was appointed Air Officer Commanding of a major transport base in the East in Jun 95.

A major task of his station is Air Maintenance of the North Eastern states - a daunting task in the face of highly erratic climatic conditions and treacherous terrain existing in the area. In a very short time and with application of his professional acumen, managerial skills and untiring perseverance, he brought about great change in the operational capability of his station. The squadrons achieved and exceeded the air maintenance task, earlier in a back log, during the period of his command. His exceptional planning skills helped in meticulous planning and execution of the Eastern Air Command Air Exercise. Under his guidance and dynamic leadership, the flying units at his station were able to successfully participate in a major para dropping exercise in the Desert Sector. By dynamic leadership, he brought up the flying units of his base to a very high operational preparedness. An astute administrator and highly conscious of the environment, he made all efforts to protect the ecology and yet improved the quality of life at the station by optimising the resources.

Air Commodore Peter Keith Pinto has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.