Air Vice Marshal Pramod Kumar Mehra, VM (11581) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 18 May 1968 in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force. During his 36 years of distinguished service, he has held various appointments including Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Test Pilots' School, Station Commander of a front line Air Force Station, Commandant of Aircraft and System Testing Establishment, AOC of an operational base and Air Defence Commander of SWAC. He has over 5000 hrs of flying on over 30 different types of aircraft to his credit. He is an alumnus of the College of Defence Management and the National Defence College. He was awarded Vayu Seva Medal in 1989 for his distinguished services. Presently, he is Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence) at Air Headquarters.

As ACAS (Int), Air Vice Marshal Mehra has been instrumental in synergizing the work in the Directorate and the newly formed Defence Intelligence Agency. This has contributed towards shaping the structure envisaged by the Group of Ministers (GOM) recommendations and the RM's post-Kargil Directives. His efforts have helped streamline the flow of information and enmesh various functions of the Dte of Int towards realizing the envisaged objectives. While doing so, he contributed towards making the restructured Joint Services Intelligence Committee (JSIC) more effective by ensuring regularity of meetings and involvement of other military and civil agencies.

Air Vice Marshal Mehra has reoriented the focus of the Directorate from general to “actionable" intelligence. He has lead greater emphasis on analysis of intelligence and has actively involved the user Branches at Air HQ. Towards this, a system of regular intelligence briefings at Air HQ now encourages a participative role by the Operations Branch and the Int Directorate of other Services. Special studies are now conducted each month aimed at understanding the regional/global security environment. He has initiated steps towards hi-tech upgradation of photo interpretation facilities at Air HQ and has proactively guided Air Force Liaison Units towards counter intelligence functions in order to meet present and future demands. Under his stewardship, a systematic review of outdated directives/policies on intelligence and security has been carried out so as to make them contemporary and futuristic. He steered a project study of a futuristic Intelligence Network for timely and need-based access to imageries and intelligence data by field users.

Air Vice Marshal Mehra has consistently rendered timely advice on matters of defence cooperation in order to facilitate intelligence sharing, training and strategizing defence trades.

Air Vice Marshal Pramod Kumar Mehra, VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Arvind Jeet Singh Walia, VSM (12155) Adm was commissioned on 27 December 1969 in the Administrative stream of the Indian Air Force. During his 34 years of service, he has distinguished himself in various appointments, which include Commanding Officer of a Radar Squadron, Chief Administrative Officer of three major Air Force Stations, JD Org (Cer) and D Org, performing a sensitive charter of duties. He is a graduate of the College of Defence Management. Presently, he is posted as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Air Force Works) at Air HQ since April 2003.

A versatile, innovative and self motivated Administrative officer, Air Vice Marshal Walia has consistently exhibited a very high degree of professionalism and administrative acumen through out his career. During his tenure as Chief Administrative Officer at Tezpur and Guwahati, the stations were adjudged “Best in Administration". He was adjudged as “Best Chief Administrative Officer" of the Eastern Air Command in 1994-95. For his professional ability and distinguished services as Administrative Officer par excellence, he has been commended twice by the Chief of the Air Staff and awarded VSM in 2002.

With his exceptional organizational abilities, Air Vice Marshal conceptualized, planned and motivated the establishment of the 'Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra' which has added honours to the prestige of the Air Force by its highly acclaimed performance across the country and abroad. His appreciation of the complexities of works services is complete and has provided catalytic direction for cohesive coordination of related activities though out the Air Force, resulting not only in scheduled commencement of various infrastructural projects but also in optimum utilization of funds, placed at the disposal of the IAF. With his in depth knowledge, ingenuity and meticulous planning, he has ensured initiation of a vast variety of infrastructural works keeping pace with the induction of latest high technological systems for the modernization of the Air Force. This includes highly prestigious projects like the induction of AJTs, development of airfields at Phalodi and Deesa. His analytical approach and foresight has constantly spurred his team to successfully launch the largest ever Capital Works Plan of the IAF in 2003-04. This has resulted in providing a threshold and the much needed impetus to the ever-growing modernization needs of the Air Force.

Air Vice Marshal Arvind Jeet Singh Walia, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Jai Krishan Gupta (12308) was commissioned on 15 January 1970 in the Medical branch of the Indian Air Force. During his 34 years of service career he has held various significant staff appointments, which include Deputy Principal Medical Officer at two operational Commands and Deputy Director Medical Services (Civil Aviation) at Air HQ. He has specialized in Aviation Medicine. He is a recognized Professor and Examiner of Aviation Medicine with Bangalore and Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Presently, he is the Air Officer Commanding Air Force Central Medical Establishment. In his present assignment Air Commodore Gupta has brought AFCME up to the level of being a center of excellence. Apart from the physical improvements, which have been appreciated by all who visit the Establishment, he has able to infuse a great deal of professionalism into AFCME with a kind of a gentle face. By inculcating a positive attitude in his staff and providing a congenial atmosphere, the anxiety and suffering of the clientele has been enormously mitigated. New equipment has been added and manpower usage has been optimized. Systematized utilization of resources and close monitoring by him have not only reduced the time for medical evaluation considerable but also raised the standards of medical boards resulting in the speedy up-gradation of many aircrew. Through networking all the departments, he has made AFCME almost paperless. His vision to transmit medical boards to Air HQ digitally and get online approval so that upgraded aircrew can start flying from the day they finished their medical examination at AFCME is nearing fruition.

At Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) Air Commodore Gupta made a significant con tributions to the field of Acceleration Physiology. He initiated the high G training to IAF Air Superiority Fighter pilots and has also published many noteworthy research papers in this field. At Air HQ he brought a quantum change in the quality of licensing medical evaluation of civil pilots. At HQ WAC as PMO he did meticulous planning and ensured smooth handling of medical men and material during 'Op PARAKARM'. He has always displayed a very high degree of professionalism and his determination, dynamic leadership and vision have enthused many young doctors in the IAF medical service. His noteworthy work in the field of aviation medicine has contributed in improving the operational efficiency of IAF aircrew.

Air Commodore Jai Krishan Gupta has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Gurdip Singh Kochar, VM (13149) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 24 June 1972 in the Flying branch of the Indian Air Force. During his service career, he has held various challenging appointments including that of Commanding Officer of a flying Squadron and Training School, Chief Operations Officer of a flying station and Ops 1A of a Command HQ. He is an A2 QFI. He is a graduate of both the Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. He was awarded Vayu Seva Medal for his devotion to duty. Presently, he is Air Officer Commanding of a major fighter Base in the eastern sector.

Air Commodore Kochar's personal involvement and sound leadership has enabled the station to achieve a very high degree of professional excellence. In addition to the hectic flying activities of the resident squadrons, the base always had a steady flow of visiting squadrons for range firing and numerous trials at the Interim Testing Range. Meticulous planning and uncompromising supervision have ensued achievements of all tasks with exemplary efficiency and competence.

The maintenance standards of the station were improved significantly by ensuring a distinctive thrust on self-help approach and coordination. Efforts to improve hydraulic and fuel discipline, streamlining the MT operations and making the Station Refuelling Section a model for all others to emulate deserve special mention.

Air Commodore Kochar has worked tirelessly towards up gradation of domestic facilities to improve the quality of life. A project for married accommodation for warrant ranks was successfully completed. He ensured completion of all the works services within a short span of time to upgrade operational, maintenance and domestic facilities for use by a detachment of the Republic of Singapore Air Force for flying training at this base. Due to his persistent efforts, the Station was adjudged as the 'Best Overall Station' in EAC in 2002-03 and 'Best in Administration' for two consecutive years, 2002-03 and 2003-04. Air Commodore Gurdip Singh Kochar, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Raghbir Singh Sandhu VSM (13174) AE (M) was commissioned on 02 Jul 1972 in the Engineering branch of IAF. During his 32 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments, including that of Chief Engineering Officer at two flying bases, Director (Engineering 'B') at Air Headquarters and Commanding Officer of a Base Repair Depot (BRD). He was awarded VSM in 2001 for his distinguished services. Presently, he is Air Officer Commanding of a premier Maintenance Base since November 2002. During his tenure as Director (Engineering 'B') at Air Headquarters, Air Commodore Sandhu had the challenging task of setting up Dornier aircraft overhaul and servicing facilities at a BRD. His careful planning ensured setting up of the required industrial facilities at the BRD in a very short period, which resulted in early commencement of Dornier aircraft servicing, and consequent early availability of the aircraft in IAF. As Chief Engineering Officer at two flying bases, he set high maintenance standards to increase serviceability and availability of MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighter aircraft, resulting in both these flying bases being awarded “Best Maintenance Wing" trophies. As Commanding Officer of a BRD, he brought in visible improvement in the work culture, quality of output and enhanced aero engine production to ensure achievement of task.

Air Commodore Sandhu took over the command of a premier Maintenance Station on 11 November 2002, where he was responsible for functioning two BRDs, one Equipment Depot and many other maintenance and administrative units. His regular interaction with Depot Commanders, constant supervision of aircraft and aeroengine production lines and close monitoring of provisioning of spares ensured achievement of allotted task during the last two years. His innovative measures like formulation of new repair schemes, introduction of new modifications and focused approach on indigenization have helped achieve the station goals in professional arena. His special effort to set up overhaul facilities for Nose Landing Gear of AN-32 aircraft has helped the AN-32 fleet by reducing dependence on Russia besides saving phenomenal FFE to the exchequer.

Air Commodore Raghbir Singh Sandhu VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Sushil Kumar Jha (112490) was commissioned on 26 December 1970 in the Logistics branch of the Indian Air Force. During his 33 years of distinguished service, he has held various appointments including that of Commanding Officer of an Equipment Depot, Senior Logistics Officer of a premier fighter base, Commanding Officer of an Air Stores Park, Command Logistics Management Officer (CLMO) of an operational command. He is a graduate of College of Management. He was commended by AOC-in-C Maintenance Command in 1986 and by the CAS in 1991. Presently, he is Air Officer Commanding of an equipment depot since 01 Oct 2002.

As CLMO, Air Commodore Jha was instrumental in providing prompt and effective logistics services to Air Force Station, Bhuj during earthquake in January 2001. During Op Parakarm, he meticulously planned and provided effective logistics support to the operational units.

As the Air Officer Commanding of the largest Equipment Depot of the IAF, Air Commodore Jha has followed a dynamic and result oriented approach to maximize demand satisfaction, identification of non moving stores and vigorously pursue their disposal. To this end, non moving stores worth Rs 8 Crores have been identified and disposed of in the last two years. His emphasis is on correct and accurate PR/SR submission which has not only brought about a saving of Rs. 29 Crores, but would also avoid future accumulation of non-moving stores. His initiative on conduct of Provisioning Capsule Courses for Technical and Logistics Officers has highlighted the finer nuances of provisioning, coupled with correct applic-ation of financial regulation in an effective manner. Due to his sincere efforts and effective liaison, the Govt of Maharashtra has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 14 lakhs for a Water Harvesting Project in the station.

Air Commodore Jha has displayed all round ability to upgrade knowledge, improve efficiency and professionalism on the one hand as also vastly upgrade the quality of life of all personnel on the other. As a result the Depot was declared Best Depot by HQ MC on 18 December 2003

Air Commodore Sushil Kumar Jha has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Yash Kumar (12872) was commissioned on 05 July 1971 in the Engineering branch of the Indian Air Force. During his illustrious service career of 33 years, he has held many important field and staff appointments. He commenced his career in a Bomber Squadron and was awarded a commendation by the CAS in early days of his career. The officer completed his post graduation in Aerospace Engineering from IIT and was awarded Air India Medal for best performance. Presently, he is on the posted strength of HQ Western Air Command, IAF with effect from 01 July 2002 as Command Engineering Officer.

Air Commodore Kumar has undergone training in France on Mirage 2000 aircraft and then in USA on Engine Test Bed. Subsequently, he installed the state-of-the-art Engine Test Bed for Mirage engines to support the then newly inducted Mirage squadrons. Later, as Commanding Officer of a premier aero-engine Repair Depot, with focus on 'higher production with improved quality', he accomplished the highest ever production, leading to a quantum jump in flying efforts by operational squadrons. He is also a graduate of National Defence College.

WAC, being the foremost command, comprises almost all types of fighter, transport and helicopter fleets, which need to be maintained operational at all times. With his deep involvement, high initiative and constant interaction and guidance to technical personnel at bases Air Commodore Kumar has been able to maintain high serviceability and operational effectiveness. He achieved this through daily monitoring and liaison with repair and supply agencies to provide timely support to operational bases. Throughout he has displayed deep sense of responsibility and commitments towards interest of service. With his vast and varied experience Air Commodore Kumar has always been innovative. His relentless effort to improve infrastructure and quality of maintenance of aircraft and equipment has helped to enhance flying effort despite various constraints. He also guided the units on innovations and self help approach and provided a sense of purpose to the personnel who rose to the occasion and took up the challenges. These innovations proved highly useful to improve reliability of systems besides the saving to exchequer.

Air Commodore Yash Kumar has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Bidanda Chengapa Nanjapa, VSM (13246) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 23 December 1972 in the Flying branch of the IAF. In 32 years of distinguished service, he has held many key appointments, including Directing Staff at Tactics and Combat Development Establishment. He has attended prestigious Security Studies Course in the USA and the 42nd Course at National Defence College. He was awarded VSM in 2002 for his distinguished services. Presently, he is the Air Officer Commanding of a major Fighter Base in Southern Western Sector.

As Air Officer Commanding, Air Commodore Nanjapa has worked ceaselessly to a very focused plan encompassing operations, maintenance and administration. He has been instrumental in achieving induction of the SU-30 MKI which involved evaluation of the state of the art aircraft, liaison with the Russian warranty team and the Soviet Design Bureau to resolve all issues to the benefit of the IAF, as well as operationlisation of theSu30 MKI fleet in all its roles including air to air refueling and multi mission long duration sorties, in record time. All flying units a this Base, which include the SU-30 Ks, the SU-30 MKI of Phase I and II and the Maritime Jaguar have maintained the highest operational status.

Under the inspiring leadership of Air Commodore Nanjapa, the Station developed state of the art maintenance procedures promoting outstanding professionalism, safety and serviceability. In recognition of the tremendous efforts put in by the station, it was awarded the SWAC Trophy for the year 2003. Based on his guidance and drive, the Station has an enviable record of environmental cleanliness, civic discipline and boasts of personnel, who are highly motivated. Innovative efforts have been launched in rain-water harvesting, power/water conservation and road safety.

Air Commodore Bidanda Chengapa Nanjapa, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kamal Singh (13302) AE (M) was commissioned on 31 December 1973 in the Engineering Branch of Indian Air Force. During his 31 years of distinguished service, he has held several important appointments, including that of Joint Director (Quality Assurance Service) and Director (Engineering 'B') at Air Headquarters, Chief Engineering Officer at two flying bases and Assistant Air Attaché at the Embassy of India at Washington (USA). Presently, he is the Air Officer Commanding of a premier Base Repair Depot.

In his present appointment at BRD, Air Commodore Kamal Singh has initiated steps for in-house refurbishment of life-expired Pechora missiles. The pioneering work on recovering two Pechora firing units at Vadodara and Narela, both of which had done more than 5000 hours, has put both these units back into action. Similar retrieval was also effected on critical and expensive components of the very important THD-1955 and PSM-33 radars. Adding of life to old equipment has saved phenomenal Free Foreign Exchange (FFE) to the exchequer by delaying new procurement. Techno-logistics functions at the depot has also received his special attention. An IT-enabled network today steers repairable for rejuvenation or liquidation faster than before, disallowing uncontrolled accumulation. 139 obsolete vehicles and 90 tons of waste metal have been disposed off to generate for new equipment.

Air Commodore Kamal Singh has especially exerted himself to improve the quality of life. His untiring efforts with the otherwise difficult civic organization bore fruit when chronic problems of 20 year old open sewage flowing through the domestic area, choked storm drains, languishing married accommodation project, acute shortage of drinking water, and of dangerous traffic on the main road beyond the domestic area were resolved within one and a half year of his tenure.

Air Commodore Kamal Singh possesses a special managerial ability of instilling camaraderie in his men. This has blended the civilian and MES components of the depot with service personnel and their families to form a synergetic team.

Air Commodore Kamal Singh has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Anjan Kumar Gogoi, VSM (13382) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying branch of the Indian Air Force on 02 June 1973. During his 34 years of distinguished service career he has held various important field and staff appointments including that of Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Chief Operations Officer in a Fighter Wing, Station Commander of a Fighter Base and Air Officer Commanding of a Frontline Fighter Wing. He has over 3000 hours of flying to his credit. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, a Fighter Combat Leader and graduate of the Defence Services Staff College. He attended the National Defence College course in South Africa. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 2002 for his distinguished service. Presently, he is Principal Director Operations since 03 November 2003. On assuming his present appointment, Air Commodore Gogoi immediately prioritized the tasks of the three sub directorates of Tactical Operations, Weapons and Nuclear Biological Chemical Warfare. In addition to the responsibilities of the directorate he was also tasked with planning and execution of major Air Force exercises including the Exercise Vayu Shakti - 04 (Fire Power Demonstration) which was conducted at Pokharan range with precision and finesse. The exercise involved coordination of over 100 fighter, transport aircraft and helicopters. A host of conventional and guided weapons were delivered, showcasing the professionalism and firepower of the Indian Air Force.

In July-August 2004 the Indian Air Force took part in Exercise Cooperative Cope Thunder a multilateral exercise at Alaska with 10 aircraft and 300 Air warriors. The exercise involved the first ever deployment of Indian Air Force fighter aircraft out side the SubContinent. The entire planning, coordination and execution of the exercise was conducted under the direction of Air Commodore Gogoi. The excellent performance of the aircrew, technical and support personnel in the exercise was in large measure due to his meticulous planning and professional leadership.

Air Commodore Anjan Kumar Gogoi, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kuzhikombil Joseph Mathews, YSM (13393) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 02 June 1973 in the fighter stream of the IAF. During his service career of 31 years, he has held various important appointments including that of a Commanding Officer of a an FBSU in the J&K Sector, Chief Operations Officer of a fighter base, Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Command Air Defence Officer and Senior Flying Training Officer. He has over 3300 hrs of flying. He is a qualified flying instructor and a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Air War College, USA. He was awarded Yudh Seva Medal during Kargil operations as Base Commander in the J&K Valley and Commendation by the Chief of Air Staff in 1978 and 1989. Presently, he is Air Officer Commanding of a major fighter Base in Western Sector. In the present assignment, Air Commodore Mathews has brought about distinct improvements in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of flying, maintenance and administration. He has been instrumental in setting up an Air Defence Group consisting of Aircrew and Fighter Controllers and has ensured the training and building up of a core Air Defence group for combat operations. He has successfully implemented the pilot project of Squadron Concept at his base. During his tenure the squadrons flew a total of over 10,100 sorties. The station maintained very high serviceability of Radar, Ranads, MT Vehicles and considerably improved the serviceability of aircraft. As a result the Station was declared the best Operational Wing of Western Air Command in 2003-04. During Op Parakarm and thereafter, Air Commodore Mathews has ensured highly proactive support to inducted combat forces to optimize performance. He accepted every challenge and ensured that his team performed to achieve each task with high standards. He has ensured innovative methods of disseminating information through a network of various media increasing awareness of the personnel. While maintaining a sharp operational and maintenance edge he has ensured a very high quality of life for all personnel.

Air Commodore Kuzhikombil Joseph Mathews, YSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Group Captain Balakrishanan Suresh, VM (16206) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 13 December 1980. During his 23 years of service he has held various important field and staff appointments which include CO of a fighter Squadron and two tenures as Directing Staff at Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE). He is a Fighter Strike Leader (FSL) with 2390 hours of flying to his credit. He was commended by AOs-in-C of WAC (1989) and SWAC (1993 and awarded Vayu Seva Medal (VM) in 2001 for bringing about improvement in operational status and capability of the Squadron commanded by him. Presently he is posted as Commandant TACDE since 25 November 2002. A sever shortage of FSLs, Fighter Combat Leaders (FCL), Master Fighter Controllers (MFC) and Helicopter Combat Leaders (HCL) developed in the field between May 2001 and October 2002. After taking over as Commandant in November 2002, Group Captain Suresh ensured the completion of two FCL/ FSL/MFC course and one HCL course. As Commandant TACDE, Group Captain Suresh was nominated as the Director for Exercise Cope India 2004, a major Indo-US Air Force exercise involving air superiority aircraft. The entire process of planning, training of own forces and conduct of the exercise started in September 2003 concurrently with the heavy training commitments of TACDE. The exercise was successfully conducted as per plan. Group Captain Suresh led his team in a highly professional manner. During this period, TACDE also undertook several additional task like formulation of Standard Operating Procedures for Laser Guided Bombs, revision of type specific Briefing Guides for Air Defence and Ground Attack aircraft, development of Compo GPS as an effective debrief tool and formulation of Multi-level ingress philosophy as well as BVR tactics.

Group Captain Balakrishanan Suresh, VM has thus rendered service of an exceptional order.