Air Commodore Kesava Kurup Vijay Kumar (13396) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 02 Jun 1973. During his 31 years of service, he held several appointments including Air Force Component Commander, Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) during the Tsunami disaster in the Islands.

Air Force Station, Car Nicobar, under his command was devastated by the Earthquake and Tsunami which struck the island on 26 Dec 2004. There was complete communication failure between Car Nicobar and Port Blair. The Officer immediately established an airborne communications centre using an IAF aircraft and carried out preliminary damage assessments. He worked out a comprehensive strategy for immediate evacuation of service and civilian personnel.

With his experience, management skills, and dedicated efforts, the Station evacuated 205 people on 26 Dec 04 itself and nearly 1200 defence personnel and 700 civilians on 27 Dec 04. He organised and ensured that the daunting task of operating a large number of aircraft at Air Force Station, Car Nicobar, from a partially damaged and shortened runway, was well managed. Besides the transport operations, he took on the task of optimally utilization of all aviation assets including helicopters for relief and rehabilitation at various islands of ANC. He stayed at the Station in the open to give succour and raise the morale of his men and families during the post Tsunami relief operations. His careful planning and organising capability ensured that as many as 461 sorties by transport aircraft in 19 days and 203 sorties by helicopters in 11 days for evacuating more than 7778 persons from the Islands and transporting nearly 424 tonnes of relief material were undertaken without compromising safety.

As Air Force Component Commander, he was also responsible for the restoration of Car Nicobar Air Force Base to operational status by Apr 2005. This was well proved in a weeklong exercise wherein aircraft from the mainland participated on the island.

For his dedication, professional excellence and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Kesava Kurup Vijay Kumar.