Air Vice Marshal Suresh Chand Mukul VM VSM (12930) flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 22 January 1972 in the Flying Branch of the IAF. During his 34 years of service, he has held several important and challenging command and staff appointments, which include Commanding Officer of a MiG-29 Sqn, AOC of a front line station during Op Parakram, two tenures as Joint Director/Director Air Staff Inspection at Air Headquarters and Air Assistant to Chief of the Air Staff. For devotion to duty and distinguished services, the Air officer was awarded VM in 1992 and VSM in 1996.

The Air Officer has been working as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) [ACAS (Ops)] at Air Headquarters since December 2004. In this highly challenging assignment, he has a demanding task, with the responsibility of planning and coordinating all air operations of the Indian Air Force. On assuming charge in his present appointment, the Air Officer was faced with the onerous task of coordinating all air activities for relief operations, when the nation was hit by Tsunami. He displayed a very high level of maturity and determination in handling the emergency situation by decisively taking control of the situation. During the Jammu & Kashmir earthquake relief operations in October 2005, he once again displayed exceptional qualities of leadership and professionalism by effectively coordinating the massive air effort towards relief operations,

As ACAS (Ops) at Air Headquarters, the Air Officer has displayed the highest level of foresight and initiative to improve operational efficiency and professionalism in the IAF. He has been instrumental in successfully plan ning the executing various international exercises with foreign air-forces in India and abroad. Among these exercise, Exercise Cope India-05 with USAF arid Exercise Garuda-II with French Air Force at Istres, France are noteworthy, as they brought a high level of respect and accolades to the Indian Air Force in the international arena. His interaction with Command Headquarters, Army and Naval counterparts, through his initiatives and coordinating ability, has been instru mental in resolving many outstanding inter-service issues amicably, thus paving the way for closer tri-service operational coordination.

Air Vice Marshal Suresh Chand Mukul VM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Venkataraman Ramamurthy lyer (12939) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a pilot in the flying branch on 22 January 1972. He has held, amongst other appointments, the important ones of Commanding Officer of a Jaguar Squadron, Station Commander of Air Force Station Suratgarh, Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Ambala and Principal Director Personnel (Officers).

The Air Officer is currently the Commandant of College of Air Warfare (CAW). He has undergone various flying and staff courses, inclusive of the Air War College course in the USA. He also holds a double Masters degree in Defence and Strategic Studies.

The Air Officer has performed commendably during various challenging appointments he has held during his 34 years of service. Especially noteworthy were his command of AF Stn Suratgarh during Op Safed Sagar and Command of AF Stn Ambala for the entire duration of Op Parakram. He has to his credit over 3200 hrs of accident free flying on various operational and training aircraft. During his current tenure of 1 ½ years as Commandant CAW, he has incorporated significant improvements in the curriculum and conduct of courses held at CAW. The course content of Higher Air Command Course has been expanded and modified in keeping with futuristic requirements. Similarly, Joint Air Warfare Course and Weapon Employment Course have been merged by altering the conduct methodology. This has helped reduce the absence of officers from their op units from 10 weeks to 5 weeks, with no dilution of course content. Training infrastructure at the College has also been upgraded and modernized.

Air Vice Marshal Venkataraman Ramamurthy lyer has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Sundaresan Swaminathan VSM (13044) AE (L) was commissioned on 03 January 1972 in the Engineering branch of the IAF. In 33 years of distinguished service, he has held important appointments of Senior Technical Officer of a Mirage- 2000 Squadron, Chief Engineering Officer of a Flying Station, Station Commander/Air Officer Commanding of two Air Force Stations and Principal Director AWACS at Air HQ. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service of high order on 26 January 1997 and commended by the Chief of Air Staff on 26 January 1993.

As the Chief Engineering Officer at Air Force Station, Bidar, he coordinated all engineering activities related to the formation of Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team. High quality maintenance practices introduced by him, with his engineering acumen and personal involvement, continue to help the Surya Kirans bring laurels to the IAF in India and abroad. As Station Commander, AF Station, Dalhousie, he personally located P-18 radar at a height of 9100 ft for the first time, which provided vital air defence coverage during Op Parakram.

In January 2002, on a specific assignment by the CAS, he designed and modified one Dornier and four Avro aircraft using ground communication systems in a specialized airborne Electronic Warfare role. Successful flight worthy modification was possible due to the high level of ingenuity, professional excellence and system integration caliber of the Air Officer. The system provided very important operational role during Op Parakram. This indigenous modification saved the exchequer a substantial amount in foreign exchange to avoid import of a similar system as also a large amount of expenditure towards modification by HAL.

As Principal Director, AWACS, Air HQ, with his excellent professional and management skills, he concluded contracts for procurement of many vital systems like Aerostat radar, AWACS aircraft and other air defence radars in a short span of 18 months. As Air Officer Commanding, AF Station, Jalahalli he instituted effective steps to provide high quality of training and also improvement of overall quality of life to the trainees. He played a pivotal rote in the introduction of 'Just-InTime Training' for all electronic trades.

In the present appointment, despite severe constrains of remote locations, adverse weather and poor connectivity, with his absolutely professional command and control over all maintenance activities of Eastern Air Command, the serviceability and reliability of various fleets of aircraft, radars and other systems have improved to high levels. This has resulted in higher operational utilisation of the assets with better maintenance safety standards. With his active supervision and involvement, two international exercises, COPE INDIA and SINDEX, were successfully conducted at Air force Station, Kalaikunda.

Air Vice Marshal Sundaresan Swaminathan VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Jagjit Singh Gandyok, VSM (13216) Admin was commissioned

in the Administrative branch on 30 December 72. Important appointments held by him were SATCO at AF Stn Jamnagar, Joint Director Personnel Airmen (JDPA) at Air HQ, C Adm O at AF Stn Kalaikunda, PD PP&R and PD Org at Air HQ and Senior Officer in charge Administration (SOA) at HQ EAC IAF. For his distinguished service of high order, he was awarded with VSM on 26 January 2002.

Since his commissioning, he has been demonstrating his professional approach and acumen while handling key portfolios invested to him. As JDPA he was instrumental in rationalising the manning level of airmen and Non Combatants (Enrolled) at all Air Force

units. He completed the task of identifying the AF units and determining the required manning level in remarkable time. As C Adm O of a premier flying station, the administrative support provided under his guidance enabled timely creation of Flight Safety Zone with his personnel liaison with the District Forest Officer and Defence Estate Officer, This went in a long way in providing a bird free environment for reducing aircraft accidents. As PD Org he was directly responsible in coordinating RD Parade, Independence Day Parade and other national level ceremonies. The Air Force Symphony orchestra reached its prime under his guidance. He was instrumental in getting the field dress authorised for PBOR from the Govt. All the above activities ensured that the Air Force flag flew high.

The Air Officer, having taken over the appointment of SOA visited each and every station under EAC ensuring personal interaction with all personnel. Based on their feedback, a number of works services and welfare measures could be initiated at command level to improve the working environment in the North-East. A number of innovative security measure initiated were supervised by him for safe guarding the bases against ANEs and for better utilisation of human resources. He was instrumental in conducting a number of workshops within command so as to heighten the overall administrative knowledge in various field activities which has brought about synergy at work.

Through his interactive style of functioning, the Air Officer infused a new sense of enthusiasm and work culture amongst the personnel. This channelised their collective energy into solving problems through innovation and self help. A large number of welfare activities have seen a perceptible improvement in the quality of life and consequent upliftment of morale of personnel. With sincerity and dedication, the Air Officer always led his personnel from the front by his personnel example and was able to set a very high professional standard for his subordinates.

Air Vice Marshal Jagjit Singh Gandyok has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Navin Verma (13282) AE (L) in 33 years of distinguished service has held several important command and staff appointments. This includes Command Engineering Officer of Operational Command, Chief of Planning & Coordination Officer at AMSE, Chief of Planning at AF Stn Ojhar and Joint and Dy Dir Systems Application at Air HQs.

The Air Officer is a Post Graduate from IIT Kharagpur. He has been commended by the CAS in 1985 for his commendable and exceptional work in making the Radar operational that had been non-operational after its installation. During his tenure at AF Stn Ojhar he

was instrumental in accelerating the pace of indigenization of MiG-29 spares and thereby ensuring timely completion of the overhaul task.

As Senior Engineer at AMSE he established the repair facility with in the existing infrastructure for multi layered sub assemblies of French manufactured Radar. This indigenous repair facility not only saved the foreign exchange but also built up the expertise to undertake repair of state of art electronics PCB and sub-assemblies.

After taking over as AOC AF Station Kanpur, he became instrumental in providing necessary co-ordination, guidance and vision to ensure optimum utilisation of all available resources. He, with his foresight, leadership, accurate planning and guidance ensured that one of the BRD at AF Station Kanpur was adjudged the best BRD in year 2005. During year 2005 the equipment depot, under the station was also adjudged as the best ED. The Station was inspected by DMI and was awarded an overall grading of High Average and HQ MC also adjudged the station with the Best Technical Support Group. With immaculate planning and professional approach the Material Testing Laboratory is fully commissioned now to undertake the task. Under his administration AN-32 mother depot, has ensured timely procurement of indigenous ARS and mandatory spares for the fleet. This has been instrumental in improving the overall serviceability of AN-32 fleet.

Air Commodore Navin Verma has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Dinesh Chandra Kumaria VM VSM (13366) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in June 1973. In his 33 years of distinguished service. He has held various important appointments including Commanding Officer of a Maritime Jaguar Squadron, which was declared the Best Operational Squadron and overall winners of the Inter Command Gunnery Meet. He also commanded an operational base which was adjudged the best Station in Operations, Flight Safety and Administration as well as won the trophy for 'Best in Air Traffic Services' in the entire Air Force. He has been a member of the Directing Staff at TACDE and founder member of Air War Strategy Cell, where he co-authored the IAF Doctrine. He has served as a Defence Attaché at the Embassy of India in Italy, and Principal Director Concept Studies at Air Headquarters. For his exceptional devotion to duty and distinguished services, he has been awarded VM in 1983 and VSM in 1996, The Air Officer has been the Air-1 at HQ WAC since 01 November 2004, where he was responsible for all facets of fighter operations of the largest Operational Command of the IAF. As Air-1, he adopted a pro-active approach and contributed immensely in dissemination of Air Combat Tactics learnt during lAF's participation in various interna tional exercises, which had a significant impact in improving the operational preparedness of this Command. By meticulous and innovative ground work, it was ensured that new concepts were proven with the least air effort, thus ensuring high productivity. The lessons from these exercises have been accepted at the highest levels of the IAF and form the basis of operational planning for the future.

The Air Officer's close interaction with his counterparts from other services resulted in a very high level of Jointmanship and Synergy. The lessons of joint exercises in the recent past have led to an all round acceptance of the lead role that would be played by the Air Force in future. As Air-1 he was also responsible for the conduct of Fly Past at the Republic Day and Air Force Day Parades for past two years. Each of these was executed with flawless precision, earning high esteem for the professionalism of the IAF. He also put into practice concepts of Host Squadron Operations and Pilot TRS which provide operational flexibility to an operational commander. The successful implementation of these concepts have fed to their introduction in other Commands subsequently.

Based on experience of HQ WAC in Disaster Management and Relief, he was tasked to compile a handbook on Disaster Management. With his usual diligence and perseverance he has written a comprehensive handbook which would serve as a guide for disaster relief operations in the future. He has also authored another book on Air Power for better comprehension of the subject by young Air Warriors. As the Air-1, Air Cmde Kumaria has been the epitome of professionalism, probity and personal integrity.

Air Commodore Dinesh Chandra Kumaria VM VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Madhusudan Banerjee VM, VSM (13400) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 02 June 1973. He has held several important Command and Staff appointments that include Directing Staff at the Tactics and Combat Development Establishment, Comm and of a fighter squadron, Command of an Air Defence Direction Centre, Command of a front line flying station and Principal Director Flight Safety at Air HQ. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Electronics Warfare expert. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal for exceptional devotion to duty in 1999 and Vayu Sena Medal for distinguished service of a high order in 2003.

The Air Officer has been Air Officer Commanding of a premier flying Station since 11 October 2004. In this period he has exhibited exceptional leadership qualities and ensured a very high state of operational preparedness of the Station. During this period the station inducted and operationalised the SU-30 MKI Phase III aircraft in a short span of six months. The flying efforts increased substantially despite a manifold increase in civil aircraft operations on a 24 hours basis. There was a noticeable reduction in aircraft incidents, especially related to Foreign Object Damage, which contributed towards tremendous cost savings.

A striking feature of the officer's achievement has been his ability to obtain results at minimal cost through ingenious methods and innovative ideas. The Station has managed extra tasks most admirably and sustained the morale of all its personnel at a very high level through superlative welfare measure, Noteworthy has been the extensive repair and renovation of a large number of old and dilapidated buildings as Temporary Married Quarters for airmen. This led to an appreciable improvement in the overall quality of life on the Station. The Air Officer has consistently displayed extraordinary zeal, enthusiasm, leadership and vision.

Air Commodore Madhusudan Banerjee VM, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Keshav Gopal Bewoor VM (13570) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 22 December 1973 in the fighter stream of the flying branch of the IAF. In 33 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments namely the command of a Fighter Squadron, DS in DSSC, Examiner in the Air Crew Examining Board, the Defence Attaché in Israel, Air-1 of an Operational Command, and Command of the three premier bases in the IAF including the present Mirage 2000 base at Gwalior. He was awarded the Vayu Seva Medal in January 1994.

An A2 flying instructor, the Air Officer has been a founder member of the first aerobatic team of the IAF “Thunderbolts" and was also amongst the first batch of pilots to have converted onto the Mirage 2000 aircraft. As Defence Attaché in Israel the Air Officer played a pioneer role as he played a key role to enhance cooperation in the defence field between the two countries. During the firepower demonstration at Pokharan in 1998 and 1999 and the Kargil Operation in 1999, the Air officer then as Base Commander Jaisailmer had a major contribution in the success of these events/operations.

The Air officer has contributed significantly to the operational efficiency and preparedness of the Mirage-2000 fleet both as Air-1 and now as the Air Officer Commanding of the Mirage 2000 base. The shock effect exercises conceived and implemented during his tenure as Air-1 have been instrumental in determining the ops potential of the fighter Squadrons from time to time. His balanced and result oriented approach with personal involvement in every sphere of activities has been significant both in Ops planning at Command HQ as well as growth of the Air Force Base at Gwalior as a model base. Air Commodore Keshav Gopal Bewoor VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Atul Saikia VM (13585) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the fighter stream on 22 December 1973. As a young Flying Officer he was commended by CAS for his extraordinary skill and professional knowledge. He has served as ADC to the President of India, directing staff of Flying Instructor's School and as Staff Officer to AOC-in-C, EAC and SWAC. As Commanding Officer of a MiG-23 BN squadron, he was awarded Vayu Sena Medal and AOC-in-C's commendation. He also served as Chief Instructor Flying at Air Force Academy, Air-I at HQ AOC J&K and as Station Commander of premier AF Station. He was selected to undergo Systems and Safety Management Course in USA in 1990 and secured first position. He served as Principal Director Training at Air HQ. As the Flight Commander in fighter Sqn he was commended by the CAS for the second time and the Sqn was adjudged the Best Fighter Squadron for two consecutive years in WAC. The legacy further continued, as the Squadron he was commanding was once again adjudged the Best Squadron in SWAC. For his professionalism and exceptional devotion to duty, he has been awarded VM in 1996. He took command of AF Station Kalaikunda in November 2004 with base in a state of operational disuse for three years. The runway was in the process of rehabilitation and the fighter squadrons were waiting to return to home base. With remarkable expertise, he expedited the process of rehabilitation of not only the runway but the entire airfield and its operations, maintenance complexes, thus brought it back to its original status of a premier airbase in the IAF. The base was then given the mandate of hosting the joint international exercise COPE INDIA2005 in November 2005, which besides being an air exercise had ramifications on Indo-US relations as well. The base was prepared in record time, to host the exercise, against heavy odds including local political constraints. With his able guidance and operational acumen, the exercise was conducted impeccably and all objectives were fully met. Immaculate execution of the exercise enhanced the image of the IAF internationally. The base thereafter hosted the Republic of Singapore Air force for exercise SINDEX-06 in Jan 06. This exercise was conducted equally meticulously and was immensely appreciated by all including the Chief of Air Force, RSAF.

The Air Officer contributed not only for enhancing the operational setup of the base but also concentrated his zealous efforts towards improving the domestic environment the station to an international standard in a short span which would not have been possible in absence of the ceaseless effort and drive of the officer.

Air Commodore Atul Saikia VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Trikandiyur Kollath Venugopal VM (13598) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 22 December 1973. He has to his credit over 5550 hours of accident free flying. A Qualified Flying Instructor on the IL-76 aircraft, he has also flown the AN-32 and HS-748 aircraft. An alumni of the National Defence College and the College of Defence Management, he took over command of AF Station Chandigarh on 03 January 2005. For his professionalism and exceptional devotion to duty, he has been awarded VM In 2000.

As the AOC of AF Station Agra from October 2002 to January 2004, the Air Officer successfully conducted a joint Indo-US para exercise; Cope India 02-01 in October-November 2002. This exercise displayed the might of the IAF in para and heavy drop and was very well received, both in the print and in the electronic media. He was also instrumental in pioneering the successful induction of IL78 MKI Flight Refueller Aircraft into AF Station, Agra. During his short span as the AOC of AF Station Chandigarh, AF, he led his team from the front to handle the after effects of three major-national calamities. Aircraft from this base flew out over 1695 passengers from the worst-ever natural disaster in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. When National Highway 1A, the only road link between the Jammu & Kashmir valley and rest of the nation was blocked, it was the aircraft under his command which flew round the clock and airlifted a record breaking 29086 passengers across the Banihal pass in a matter of just 37 days. This was an air effort that put forward the nation's capability as a potent force in front of the entire world. In the aftermath of earthquake, which struck the state of Jammu and Kashmir on 08 October 2005, transport aircraft from this base flow relentlessly, both by day and night, ferrying stores, medical aid and relief material, providing immediate succor to the affected personnel. The limited air effort placed under his command was so optimally utilized that this was achieved without sacrificing any load meant for troops in Ladakh sector, a routine activity of this station, which was executed simultaneously.

Under his dynamic leadership, the Station organized an IAF publicity awareness Campaign in March 2006. The conduct of the air show, the static display and the Air Warriors Symphony Orchestra was executed to perfection under his command. The ongoing Married Accommodation Project at AF Station Chandigarh had suffered a major setback due to a penalty of Rs. 15.2 crores levied by the UTI Administration, Chandigarh. The matter was so tactfully handled by him that a waiver was sanctioned by the Administrator, UTI for the entire amount. This has not only put the Married Accommodation Project back on line but also made it cheaper by Rs. 15.2 crores.

Air Commodore Trikandiyur Kollath Venugopal VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Rajinder Singh VM (13980) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as fighter pilot in the IAF on 14 December 1974. He has flown over 3000 hours of accident free flying and held several key appointment, which include Commanding Officer (CO) of a MiG-21 Squadron (Sqn), Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a large fighter wing and Station Commander (Stn Cdr) of strategically vital fighter base. He has also held several Important staff assignments, both at Air HQ and Command HQ, and was also the defence attaché in Egypt. A Qualified Flying instructor and an alumni of the Defence Services Staff College, the air officer was twice commended by the CAS in 1988 and1995, respectively, and also awarded the Vayu Sena Medal in 1999.

During his present tenure as the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of Air Force Station Palam, the Station flew a record 11,000 hrs of accident free flying. A rare feat was achieved by the Station in which all aircraft of the Sqn were flown at the same time to attain 100% serviceability. All the VVIP/VIP movements have been handled exclusively well.

The Air Officer's drive and initiative successfully resolved the perennial water shortage at Palam by making Delhi Jal Board water available to the Station for the first time in sixty years. Under his able guidance and direction the prestigious Air Force Day Parade was meticulously planned and perfectly executed, showcasing an impressive and professional display, which was highly appreciated. During Tsunami the victims were received, fed, clothed and dropped at their homes. Prompt airlift of relief material to Jammu & Kashmir during earthquake was appreciated by even the home ministry,

Air Commodore Rajinder Singh, VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Pramod Kumar Roy, VM, VSM (14100), Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 11 July 1975. He is on the posted strength of Air Force Station, New Delhi since 08 March 2005, as Air Officer Commanding. The Air Officer is a qualified Flying Instructor with over 4500 hours of accident free flying to his credit. His past assignments include Command of a helicopter unit and Air Force Station Thoise as well as tenure each at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection and Embassy of India, Ukraine as Military & Air Attaché. He is also the Commodore Commandant of 107 Helicopter Unit. During both the commands, the helicopter unit as well as the Air Force Station were declared the best unit/station of the respective Commands.

A highly motivated, diligent and responsible officer, he has always been able to motivate his air warriors to a very high level of performance and has been awarded Vayu Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal in 1995 and 2000 respectively.

Air Force Station New Delhi during his stewardship has provided exceptional admin is tration, logistics and maintenance support to almost 10000 air warriors in and around Delhi, A modern Airmen Mess with automated kitchen, a model Logistics section with a unique Uniform Display Room, modernization of MT section, handing over of MT refueling to IOC, along with equipping ten UN Contingents to Congo & Sudan and their regular re-supply, are some of his major achievements. Also, the Station has undergone noticeable transformation in terms of quality of life for air warriors in respect of water, sewage, electricity, maintenance of Temporary/Service Married Quarters and the surroundings. His involvement in pursuing various works services for beautification of area, CSD shopping complex, canteen - specially the new Noida canteen, provision of RO water system, etc, is highly appreciable. As Deputy Chairman, Akash Mess he successfully executed evacuation of mess premises by unauthorised occupants, which could not be done for over a decade.

Through hard work and personal management of high order he has been able to imbibe in his subordinates a zeal for commitment to task and obtain willing support. He has recasted the local welfare ventures with the creation of facilities such as new shopping complex with self service counters, modern food court, internet facility, new parks and activation of similar market complex at Safed Sagar, Gurgaon.

Air Commodore Pramod Kumar Roy, VM, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.