At the time of independence, the Air Force were organised into two groups. The No 1 Operational Group controlled all the flying units including the flying training units. On 22nd July 1949 the No 1 Operational Group was re- designated as the Operational Command. The Air Officer Commanding the Operational Command was then of the rank of an Air Commodore. This was upgraded to the rank of Air Vice Marshal in 1958 and later to the rank of Air Marshal. The Command assumed its present name of Headquarters Western Air Command on 1th June 1963, primarily as a consequence of formation of other operational commands and demarcation of specific areas of responsibility.