Air Marshal Velayudhan Girish Kumar VM was commissioned as a pilot In the F(P) Branch on 10 Nov 62. He has over 8000 hrs of flying to his credit. AVSM 1998 He has been on the faculty of Defence Services Staff College. As the Commanding Officer, Air HQ Comm Sqn, he formulated various operating procedures and upgraded the internal facilities on the newly Inducted Boeing-737 and Mi-8 to International standards. As the Air Attaché, USA, he provided significant inputs to Air HQ, on the arms transfers to a neighbouring country. As the AOC, AF Station, Palam, he refined VVIP operational and security procedures. As the SOA, HQ EAC, he completely revamped the Administrative set up, leading to increased efficiency, and better quality of life. As Director Intelligence, he produced several incisive analyses regarding the changing military balance in the region. He forcefully put across India's view points at the ASEAN Regional Forum Meeting held in Bangkok. In the present appointment as SASO, HQ CAC, he has provided the impetus, for enhancing the operational potential of Jaguar and Mirage­2000 aircraft. He has organised trials on transport aircraft which have yielded important lessons relating to the operations and protection of these aircraft during operational missions. Air Defence network, and utilisation of radars of CAC improved demonstrably due to his direct supervision and guidance. Several large scale exercises have also been planned and undertaken in CAC successfully. He has evaluated and introduced valuable lessons that emerged from such exercises to enhance the operational capabilities of the IAF.

Air Marshal Velayudhan Girish Kumar VM has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.

Air Marshal PS Pingale was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on 10 Nov 62. Throughout his career he has held a variety of key command and staff appointments with distinction. These include command of two fighter squadrons, a major flying training base, a major fighter base, SOA of an operational command, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Inspection at Air Headquarters, and presently as the Inspector General (Inspection and Safety).

The Air Officer is a qualified flying instructor holding the highest QFI category of A-l. The Air Officer has been on staff of the first MiG-21 Conversion Squadron, College of Air Warfare as Deputy Commandant, Aircrew Examination Board and Flying Instructional School. He took active part in 1965 Operations and was awarded Vir Chakra for gallantry in the face of the enemy. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1988 for displaying unique leadership when placed in command of Hunter Operational Flying Training Unit. The Air Officer is an alumni of National Defence College. During his present assignment, the Air Officer has successfully pursued various studies and programmes related to flight safety and operational preparedness namely HPT-32 engine failure, MiG-21 engine failure, on condition servicing of avionics equipment, review of promotion examinations for airmen, environmental inspections of operational bases, air crew resource management workshops, etc. These studies and programmes have contributed significantly in improving flight safety and operational preparedness. A major drive was launched by the IAF to reduce accidents especially due to technical defects and human error which has resulted in an all time low accident rate in 1996-- 97, The Air Officer played a pivotal role in this commendable performance.

Air Marshal PS Pingale VrC VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Surender Singh Chauhan VSM (7853) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Oct 63. The officer held various staff and other key appointments, including that of Senior Test Engineer at Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment, Chief Engineering Officer at Mirage base, Command Engineering Officer at Headquarters Central Air Command, and Director Engineering 'A' and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Engineering 'B') at Air Headquarters (VB). The officer is a Graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and the National Defence College. As Chief Engineering Officer of Mirage base, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1989.

During Dec 95 to Jul 96, as Director Engineering 'A' responsible for the maintenance of Russian combat fleet, he carried out a composite study defining the future maintenance needs of all MiG Variants and finalised provisioning contracts to the tune of Rs. 292 crores, accepted and executed by the MOD. This included the contract enabling setting up of indigenous overhaul facilities for MiG­29 aircraft.

In Jul 96, the Air Officer was promoted and appointed as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Engg 'B'), responsible for the maintenance of complete Indo-Western aircraft fleet. During his tenure, there has been a marked uptrend in serviceability state, attributed to the extraordinary perception of the Air Officer in resolving the production bottlenecks in HAL/IAF. He also completed a vital study on restructuring of the Aeronautical Engineering branches in the IAF.

Air Vice Marshal Surender Singh Chauhan VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Bhushan Lal Bhan, VSM (8034) Adm was commissioned in the Air Force in Dec 63. An alumni of National Defence College he has held important Field, Staff and Instructional appointments and has left a mark of dedicated professionalism in every field of activity.

The Air Officer started his career as a specialist Photo Interpreter. His analysis of aerial photographs of operational missions and enemy targets contributed significantly during the 1965 and 1971 wars. As APM and Security Officer of sensitive Units, his professional competence led him to substantially improve the security and vigilance setups. As Chief Administrative Officer of the AF Station, Srinagar, he brought out vast improvement in the Administration - particularly when the security environment was severely vitiated, due to sudden spurt of subversive activities in Kashmir Valley. As Provost Marshal (Air), he once again displayed outstanding professionalism resulting in qualitative improvement in the Security and Counter Intelligence measures.

AVM Bhan was appointed as SOA of South Western Air Command in Apr 96. In an incredibly short span of time, under his dynamic leadership substantial progress has been achieved in various ops­related admin works services. The Air Officer has methodically and with timely planning, cleared several key cases and Boards relating to development of two strategic airfields in the SWAC, Sector married/OTM accommodation and KLP cases. Completion of these projects will immensely enhance the operational preparedness, quality of life, morale, health and hygiene in SWAC. His deep personal involvement and meticulous planning in providing the extensive administrative arrangements during major events like Ex-Vayu Shakti, Vijay Diwas, Longewala Day, Visits of VIPs Air Force & Foreign dignitaries, ensured successful culmination of these events. Air Vice Marshal Bhushan Lal Bhan, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

AVM Brijendra Mohan Ball VM (8438) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot, on 18 Apr 64. He has over 3800 hours of accident free flying to his credit on different fighter aircraft variants inclusive of over 600 hours on the MiG-25R. He has flown several operational missions during the Indo­Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971 and commanded the Air Force element at Jaffna during the IPKF operations in 1990. He was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal for personally leading several strategic reconnaissance and elint missions deep into operational areas,

AVM Bali is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College and as a Fighter Combat Leader served as an instructor with the Iraqi Air Force. As Director of Plans at Air Hqs, he was personally involved in the procurement of important aircraft and radar equipment.

AVM Bali was appointed as Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Pathankot on 28 Aug 95. During the ensuing period he has progressively optimised maintenance and operational performance on the base to unprecedented levels with significant results. The base recorded an average increase of twenty percent in flying effort with corresponding improvements in the operational status of the fighter squadrons. During August 1996, the station was tasked with the airlift of over 9000 para­military personnel and equipment into J&K and the base responded to meet this special

commitments well

within

specified time

frames

and without impediments.

During his tenure, the station has been amongst the best administered wings of Western Air Command. During the induction of forces for Exercise Trishul, the station was able to effortlessly absorb additional strike squadrons and air defence elements comprising 600 officers and men. The exercise was also the proving ground for certain innovative measures and concepts which were successfully tried out under his guidance.

AVM Brijendra Mohan Ball VM has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.

Air Commodore Pirthi Pal Singh Kahlon, VSM (7979) AE(M) was commissioned on 12 Oct 64 in the AE(M) branch and is posted as AOC, AF Station, Jalahalli since 16 Oct 95. Air Officer has held important appointments of STO No 1 and 10 Squadrons, CEO No. 10 Wing, JD MiG-27(Weapon Systems), CO No 1 TETTRA etc.

During 1971 operations, the officer devised mechanised loading of Canberra Bombers in the blast pen itself, thereby resulting in reduced turn around time. As the first STO of MiG-23 BN ac, the officer was instrumental in the Squadron attaining Ops status within a short period of three months.

At Air Force Station, Jalahalli, the Air Officer Commanding, through his dynamic leadership, has given a new orientation and impetus to achieve high quality of Training, through utilisation of the CAI Packages and introduction of paper­less examination. Jalahalli has perpetually suffered from acute shortage of water due to successive failure of Monsoons. Air officer has displayed vision, persuasive skills and leadership in liaising with the State Govt and other agencies to find alternate means to supply required quantity of water. The station is now better placed with adequate internal generation and has thus avoided disruption in training. The Station, with a few villages interspersed, was afflicted with a spate of robberies of Sandal Wood. Air Officer displayed daring and tenacity in stopping the robberies through imaginative utilisation of security measures and intelligence. He also enlisted the support of Civil Police and Forest Dept who were otherwise reluctant to undertake preventive measures.

With a trainee population of 4000 and a total population of about 8000, Administration of Air Force Station, Jalahalli presents, at the best of times, a formidable task. Air Officer has discharged his responsibility admirably. He has brought about tremendous improvement in the quality of life and through ingenious Financial Management, added a total of nearly Rs. one Crore to the NPF of the Station. Air Commodore Pirthi Pal Singh Kahlon, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Cmde Narayan Menon was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot on 25 Dec 64. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader. Apart from the 3200 hours of flying experience, he has served with credit on the faculty of TACDE & CDM and graduated from the NDC in Dec 96. His field service includes command of not only a fighter squadron but also the rare achievement of three flying stations as well, last of which was Adampur, where four combat squadrons were based. His leadership and intellectual capabilities were responsible for the safe conduct, of flying, formulation of war plans, conduct of major exercises and management of a crisis during extensive flooding consequent to unprecedented monsoons in 1995. Air Cmde Menon has held a variety of challenging staff appointments and has contributed significantly towards the formulation of policies for the enhancement of professionalism in the IAF. In his present assignment as Director Operations (Air Defence), he has displayed considerable foresight and a deep sense of involvement in the management and optimisation of resources for the defence of our skies.

Air Cmde Narayan Menon has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore JS Dalal was commissioned on 23 Dec 64. Since then he has accomplished many challenging tasks in Flying Stations/EDs, BRDs and Air HQs thereby making an outstanding contribution to the operational preparedness of the IAF.

In 1968, as CLO of 28 ED AF, he, with his innovative approach and initiative, sourced and procured indigenised spares of T10 French Rockets which gave unlimited lease of life to this weapon resulting in substantial saving of foreign exchange. As CO 29ED, he rationalised the Local Purchase System which yielded an yearly savings of Rs.35 lacs. AVSM 1998 As DDMA at Air HQs he cleared all the outstanding losses of stores and audit objections and greatly pruned his Dte which resulted in a recurring saving to State. He was commended by AOC-in-C, CAS and was awarded VSM.

As AOC 24ED with his indefatigable drive, he reduced inventory holdings by 50%, gave a big boost to computerisation and vigourously carried out commonality establishment which resulted in colossal savings to state. The depot was judged at 70.70% by DMI and bagged the best ED trophy of the year.

As Director of Purchase he brought about in house organisational changes which resulted in placing of 720 contracts and clearance of 1833 invoices in a record time liquidating all the indents prior to 1996. A detailed systematic analysis by him led to sourcing and procurement of 390 difficult-to-get items from OEMs at much lower prices than those of principal manufacturers which resulted in big saving of foreign exchange. He also initiated cases on enhancement of financial powers/release of FFE through MOD which when approved would result in perceptible change in centralised procurement system.

Air Cmde Jagdish Singh Dalal VSM has thus rendered distinguished services of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Satish Kumar Jain VM was commissioned in the fighter stream of IAF on 16 Oct 65. He has rendered sterling service in many important flying and staff assignments, including command of two front-line fighter stations, a fighter Squadron, and as faculty member at the Staff College. He has flown over 4100 hrs on 25 types. He was commended by the CAS and AOC-in-C Trg Command for good performance as a QFI. For his distinguished performance as Squadron Commander of a MiG­21 Squadron he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1987.

In 1988 he was selected for the post of Air Adviser at our Mission in Islamabad. He acquitted himself admirably despite the hostile environment which was appreciated by the three service HQs. As the Commander of Air Force Station Bhuj, he made significant improvements in the operational capability and maintenance record of the Station.

As AOC of AF Stn Adampur, a key operational Fighter Wing of the Air Force, through his meticulous planning, sustained hard work, and by example, he brought the Stn, its Fighter Sqns and air defence units to a pinnacle of efficiency. The operating environment and the maintenance and support facilities witnessed sweeping improvements thus enabling higher operational preparedness and 40% increase in flying hours and very high ac serviceability. He ensured significant clearance of vegetation in the airfield area and clean up of the aircraft maneuvering areas. This enabled significant reduction in incidence of bird strikes and FOD. The latter which brought down to zero from a high seven in previous year, saving the Air Force many crores. As a welfare measure, he set up a new MI room for a distant campus within the Station resources. He has also done many papers, studies and presentations including CCPA papers, the draft AST for LCA, revision of DSSC Entrance exam policy and syllabi.

Air Commodore Satish Kumar Jain VM has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.

Air Commodore Ravindra Dattatraya Limaye was commissioned on 29 Oct 66 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. He had participated in the Indo-Pak war of 1971 and had carried out 24 operational missions on Gnat aircraft from Pathankot. During his career so far, he has held important appointments like Flying Instructor with Govt of Iraq, Commanding Officer of a Fighter Sqn, Directing Staff at DSSC, Wellington, Chief Operations Officer at a fighter base in the Eastern sector and Battalion Cdr and Senior Instructor (AF) at NDA Khadakwasla, and in all these varied command, staff and instructional, appointments his contribution was very significant and noteworthy not only for the cause of the IAF but for the Indian Armed Forces, as a whole.

Air Commodore RD Limaye has been the Air Officer Commanding of No 1 Wing Air Force, Srinagar since 25 Sep 95, which is actively engaged in joint counter militancy/ insurgency operations in the valley. In spite of difficulties like militancy related IS situation and weather, he brought about tremendous improvement in the Station environment in terms of cleanliness, works services, safe maintenance activities, high serviceability and efficient administration. The security measures too were upgraded to ensure safety of this vital military air field.

As AOC of this frontline fighter base, he has indeed acquitted himself well in executing all the assigned operational and other tasks successfully and safely. No 1 Wg AF was adjudged as the Best Fighter Wing in operations in Western Air Command for the year 1996, During 1996, timely rescue operations by IAF helicopters during Amarnath Yatra tragedy saved lives of over 400 sick and stranded pilgrims. This was made possible due to meticulous planning and detailed coordination on the part of the Air Officer Commanding.

Air Commodore Ravindra Dattatraya Limaye has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Pratap Singh was commissioned, in the Technical Signals Branch of the IAF on 05 Oct 64 and is commanding No. 11 Base Repair Depot of IAF since 24 Jul 95. Under his guidance, the basic role of the Depot of an advanced strike aircraft overhaul is being sustained with vigour. Capital repair technology for this fleet was indigenously developed and five aircraft have already been produced. The Depot is now engaged in setting up overhaul facilities for an advanced air superiority fighter. The task is progressing with great momentum and overhaul of two of these aircraft will be completed by the end of Oct 97. This fleet had developed serious fuel leaks and cracks in wing ribs in 1996. Air Cmde Pratap Singh ensured development of technology for fuel leak repairs and repairs have commenced. Wing Rib Repair Scheme was developed indigenously and repairs on the whole fleet are due to be completed shortly. This has resulted in saving of very large sums of foreign exchange.

Under the able guidance of the Air Officer, the Depot also undertook a number of life extension studies. All these studies have been completed and the resulting life extensions have also resulted in large savings in foreign exchange. Under the inspiring leadership of Air Cmde Pratap Singh, the Depot was awarded ISO 9002 by Bureau of Indian Standards on 16 Dec 96 and the trophy for the Best BRD in 1996.

Air Commodore Pratap Singh VSM & Bar has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.

Air Commodore KR Bali, VSM was commissioned on 30 Oct 66 in the AE(L) B ranch of the IAF. The officer has held various staff and key appointments like Chief Technical Officer of a premier radar unit, Chief Engg Officer of a fighter Base and Joint Director/ Director at Air Headquarters. The officer is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. He was commended by the CAS in 1986 and awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1989.

As the Chief Engineering Officer of Air Force Station, Srinagar (Nov 92 to Apr 95) the officer had organised all activities in this very important base extremely efficiently and during the most troubled times in the valley. Always leading by the front, the officer gave near 100% result in vast spectrum of activities despite tremendous environmental and climatological problems. He also helped in operationalising high altitude air to ground range as well as in evolving a unique plan for Air Defence of the valley. The station had picked up trophies of the best Fighter Squadron and best maintained Station in Western Air Command during his tenure. In his present appointment as Director Plan ADGES, the officer is required to look after one of the most demanding systems concerning Air Defence Radar and Communications network of the IAF. He helped to evolve a new overhaul policy for radars resulting in saving of approx Rs. 15 crores per radar alone without compromising assured availability. Similarly, the officer has made concerted efforts for indigenization resulting in saving of crores of rupees yet ensuring enhanced operational availability. His participation in complex state-of-the-art futuristic projects has helped extract better dividends from numerous PSUs/organisations, The officer has also done pioneering work in a large number of studies like rationalisation of the IAF manpower, revised Air Defence Plan, trifurcation of AE Branches and trade restructuring etc. The officer has brought to bear his very matured thinking and exceptional foresight In all these vital areas which will result in tremendous long term benefits to the IAF.

Air Commodore KR Bali, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.