Flt Lt Gopalkrishanan Sreepal Warrier is on the posted strength of an Air Force Wing since 07 Dec 89 and has been working as Senior Engineer (mechanical).

On 03 Jul 90, one Chetak helicopter flown by Flt Lt MV Rao had to be left behind at Amar post due to engine failure. Change of engine to retrieve the helicopter from Amar post situated at 19000 ft AMSL and pressure altitude of 23000' in the face of random shelling and on the actual line of control, was a challenging task by any standards.

Flt Lt Sreepal volunteered to take upon himself the uphill task of replacing the engine at site. Notwithstanding the adverse weather condition and enemy shelling during the process of changing the engine by the team to successfully do the job which started at 1800 hours on 12 Jul 90 and ended at 0900 hrs on 13 Jul 90. The helicopter was flown out at 1740 hrs on 13 Jul 90.

For his exemplary courage, single-mindedness of purpose, determination and professionalism, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Flt Lt Gopalkrishanan Sreepal Warrier.

Group Captain Ashok Dhar (13940) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 14 Dec 1974. He has held important appointments such as Commanding Officer of a MiG-21 Sqn, Command Air Defence Officer, Central Air Command and Director Operations (Joint Planning) at Air HQ. Presently, he is the Chief Operations Officer (COO), AF Station, Leh, since 19 Nov 2001.

The air maintenance activity at this station is the most important activity involving movement of supplies and personnel to and from the valley. These activities entail tarmac management, baggage and passenger security and passenger facilitation. On an average 600 personnel transit on any given day. The officer exuded professionalism by adopting innovative measures and simplifyi ng procedures for passenger manifest and security, passenger facilitation and overall tarmac management.

While taking over the Kargil airfield from the Airport Authority of India in Feb 2002, the officer was entrusted with the task of presiding over a Board of Officers and supervising taking over of all assets at the airfield both domestic, technical accommoda tion and the runway. By sheer hard work, foresight, keen involvement and dedication, he was able to operationalise the airfield and commence air operations by fixed wing ac in a short span of time.

The Air Defence of Ladakh is under the control of Air Defence Direction Center at Leh. He drafted a detailed SOP with a proactive posture in the 'Op Meghdoot' sector, which was approved and appreciated by Air HQ. Immense courage and valor displayed by the officer, as the COO in all activities in the station, detachments at Kargil and Base Camp is praiseworthy.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Ashok Dhar.

Group Captain Sudhanshu Rath (15726) F (P) was commissioned in the flying branch of the IAF on 03 Dec 79. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, Instrument Rating Instructor and Examiner (IRIE) and a graduate from Defence Service Staff College. He has over 3000 hours of fighter flying to his credit and has been flight commander of three fighter squadrons. He has been in the operational staff at a Command HQ. While working as the Command Flight Safety Officer, he developed an Operational Risk Management matrix for all types of aircraft which went a long way in enhancing flight safety. He also introduced the concept papers for Air Warrior Team and Multi-Skilling, which were further institutionalized and extended to all the Commands of the IAF.

During the last two years, he has been the Chief Operations Officer at the highest operational airfield in the world. He has worked incessantly with exceptional devotion to duty under trying circumstances and brought about significant enhancement in the operational efficiency of the base. He established a very strong bond of mutual support with the associated Army Corps, para-military forces and civil administration of Leh and Kargil and thereby became a single point contact for all these agencies in time of need. Also, he shouldered the additional responsibility of officiating as the Station Commander of the base for over six months continuously. He managed the station creditably and today all officers of the station look up to him for advice and guidance on varied matters. His personal efforts in managing with reduced strength of officers and handling of certain critical situations at the station have been highly appreciated by Command HQs and all the visiting senior officers. Apart from this, his presentations on Air Force activities and interaction with all the visiting teams from various training institutions from within the country and abroad, have been of a very high order, thus projecting a good image of the IAF. Through his personal involvement and drive, he also ensured that the air maintenance task of the base was expeditiously achieved and the highest ever tonnages were achieved for two successive years.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Sudhanshu Rath.