Capt Charanjit Singh Gill is working as the Ops I (F) at Western Air Command (WAC). Earlier he commanded a front line MiG-23 BN squadron and later was Chief Operational Officer (COO) at a premier base.

As COO, Gp Capt Gill was charged with the care, maintenance and utilisation of Sidhwan Khas (SK) range. He applied himself to these tasks with diligence and the SK range utilisation was very appreciably enhanced from about 5000 sorties to over 8000 sorties a year without seeking any additional resources.

At HQ WAC, Gp Capt Gill was made responsible for planning and conducting the command armament meet for 1992-93. The exercise was accomplished in the most professional manner and it was completed to the entire satisfaction of all concerned.

Gp Capt Gill has been closely associated with the development of additional air to ground range facilities in the command. With the inauguration of Toshe Maidan range in Jul 93, the long felt need of the service turned a reality wherein Gp Capt Gill's contribution is creditable.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt Charanjit Singh Gill.

Group Captain Charanjit Singh Gill VSM (11645) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 2nd June, 1968. During his long and meritorious service, he gained high operational status on Hunter, MiG-21M and MiG-23BN aircraft. He commanded a MiG23BN Squadron and was Chief Operations Officer of a major fighter base. Group Captain Charanjit Singh Gill is also a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, USA. He was appointed Station Commander, Air Force Station, Chabua in August 1995. This base was descaled in 1992 and had been denuded of aircraft, equipment and manpower. He was entrusted with the task of reactivating the base for fighter aircraft operations. He had an extremely difficult task considering that the buildings and other infrastructure had deteriorated considerably due to lack of maintenance. The extreme weather conditions, high humidity and excessive rainfall added to the decay of assets at Chabua. He took little time to understand the ground realities and swung into action to make the base operational within the scheduled time frame. With his managerial and professional acumen he had recovered almost all the assets with minimum financial drain. This resulted in smooth induction of two fighter squadrons and a GCA unit in a very short time. Under his able guidance and dynamic leadership, the flying units at his station were able to achieve their tasks well ahead of laid down time schedules. His foresight resulted in creating maintenance infrastructure capable of providing high quality output. This had a direct bearing on flight safety and achievements by both the flying units.

An astute administrator, he was instrumental in initiating many new projects at the Station to improve the quality of life. His drive and involvement was always evident in all areas of station activities.

For his leadership, zeal, professionalism and distinguished services of an exceptional order, the President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Charanjit Singh Gill.