Air Commodore Suryakant Nijanand Bal (10940) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch in Jun 67. During his career spanning 35 years, he acquitted himself commendably in diverse appointments including the post of AOC of the largest transport base, Air II WAC, and CAC, IAF respectively. He has served as Staff Pilot at Air HQ Comn Sqn for seven years.

As AOC, Air Force Station, Agra since Apr 99, Air Cmde Bal made significant improvements in all facets of Operations, Maintenance and Administration. Important achievements include inculcating high standards of professionalism and orientation towards service goals among officers and men through leadership, excellent standard of all Air Mobility operations, provision of transport support for Op Prakaram in an exceptional manner, organization of relief operations for victims of earthquake in Gujarat and floods in Orissa, planning Indo-US joint Air Mobility Exercises ESBALANCE IRIQUOIS and EX COPE IN- DIA. Air Cmde Bal has improved the state of Operational and Maintenance infrastructure which include improving serviceability state of ac, smooth introduction of 1800h servicing of AN-32 ac by HAL and establishing Canberra Overhaul Project for extension of life. Through his dedication and effective liaison with Aeronautical Design Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE), he gave an impetus to manufacture of CMK-8 parachute for Canberra ac and lashing straps for AN-32 ac, resulting in saving of considerable foreign exchange to the exchequer. His untiring efforts have contributed AF Station Agra being adjudged as the Most Improved Station, Best in Administration in HQ CAC, IAF and Runner Up Trophy of 'pride of CAC' successively for the year 2000-01 and 2001-01 and Best in Maintenance for the year 2001-2202.

Air Commodore Suryakant Nijanand Bal has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.