Air Commodore Thekkekara Thomas Job (11507) AE (M) is commanding a premier Base Repair Depot (BRD) for fighter aircraft. The BRD was assigned the task of overhaul of a front line fighter aircraft. Due to disintegration of erstwhile USSR the project had got delayed. Spares were not forthcoming. There was considerable delay in arrival of equipment and specialists. Consequently, only one aircraft could be overhauled in 1997-98. A large number of aircraft started falling due for overhaul. Under the leadership of Air Cmde Job a life extension study was successfully carried out involving specialists/ scientists from Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, NAL, IGCAR and RCMA (N). Consequently, the aircraft could be given a longer lease of life before overhaul, thereby preventing the possibility of sending the aircraft abroad for overhaul. This saved crores in foreign exchange. Extension of life of aircraft was a shortterm solution. Therefore, Air Cmde Job took on the uphill task of fully setting up the overhaul facilities to enhance production of aircraft. He motivated a team of officers and men to install test equipment and rigs without the help of Russian Specialists. Consequently, the requirement for Russian Specialists reduced. He guided another group to successfully indigenise and produce spares. Consequently, six aircraft were overhauled in 1998-99. He simultaneously devoted considerable time and energy in improving quality of life in the Depot by introduction of a number of welfare measures. Under his able leadership, the Depot has won awards for best BRD, best MI Room and best Nursery School in Maintenance Command as well as best Nursery School in IAF. For his exemplary vision, dedication and professional competence, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Thekkekara Thomas Job. |