Wing Commander Yeshwant Rao Rane took over command of a fighter Squadron on 06 Jun 87. During his tenure as Commanding Officer, his squadron has flown 4900 hrs amounting to 8800 sorties on both fighter and trainer aircraft. This stupendous task of accident-free flying was carried out after meeting all the operational commitments allotted to the Squadron. The high state of serviceability maintained by the Squadron, the accident-free flying effort and excellent training status of its pilots won the Squadron the trophy of 'Best Supersonic Squadron of the IAF' for the year 1987-88 and the best assessment for any fighter Squadron inspected by DASI during 1988.

For his exceptional devotion to duty, leadership of a very high order and professional skill, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr Yeshwant Rao Rane.

Air Commodore Yashwant Rao Rane VM (12210) F (P) was commissioned in the Flying Branch as a fighter pilot on 20 Dec 69. He has commanded two fighter squadrons, been the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a fighter base, served on the faculty of College of Defence Management, and has undergone the National Defence College course. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader and, is at present, Air Officer Commanding of a Mirage 2000 base. He was awarded Vayu Seva Medal in Oct 89.

Whilst having a commendable service record, the Air Officer has contributed handsomely to the operational efficiency and preparedness of Mirage-2000 base. His unfettered zeal and dedication has shown significant improvements in the development of Singpur Range, which is the only multi-directional, multi-target air-to-ground firing range in the IAF. The development of this range has immensely contributed towards enhancing the training value of operational pilots while carrying out live firing sorties. In other ranges, firing can be carried out only from one direction only, which restricts the training value of these missions. Due to his drive and motivation, he has ensured improved operational status of the Mirage 2000 Squadrons. His attention to details towards the environment and living conditions has ensured a quantum leap in the quality of life for all personnel at the Air Force Station. His approach has been balanced and result oriented, with personal involvement in every sphere of life. He has also been able to motivate the personnel of the station to constantly strive and achieve higher standards, so as to improve operational potential of the station. Due to his dedication and motivation, this base has become model representative of one of best that exists in service today.

Air Cmde Rane has contributed significantly immensely to the enhancement of the operational potential of the IAF. He has also brought about significant improvement in the quality of life for all personnel at Air Force Station, Gawalior. In addition, the improvements in the environment and working conditions have contributed towards safe, accident free operation.

Air Commodore Yashwant Rao Rane VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Yeshwant Rao Rane AVSM VM (12210) F (P) was commissioned a fighter pilot in the IAF on 20 Dec 69. In his distinguished career spanning four decade the Air Mshl has flown 4600 h on various fighter, bomber and trainer aircraft. He has had varied experience covering a gamut of operational, staff and instructional tenures. He is a Cat A2 qualified flying instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader. He has held various challenging field and staff appointments which include Command of two frontline fighter Squadrons, Command of the only Mirage airbase of the IAF and Principal Director in Operational branch at Air HQ. He has also been the Commandant of Air Force Academy (AFA) and has held the post of Air Officer in charge Personnel (AOP) at Air HQ prior to his taking over as AOC-in-C, SAC since 01 Feb 07. He is a graduate of CDM and an alumnus of the NDC. For his operational and distinguished service of exceptional order, he has been awarded VM in 1990 and AVSM in 2002.

Through out his service career and especially so when holding criteria appointments, he has been the epitome of professionalism, probity and personal integrity. While holding the appointment of Commandant AFA, he was instrumental introducing new pattern of ab-initio flying and ground training which enhanced the quality of output and optimised scarce training resources. While holding the appointment of AOP, he was instrumental in implementing Ajai Vikram Singh Committee (AVSC) within the shortest time frame and formulating the process of AVSC-II report in the IAF. He initiated schemes for Assured Career Progression for PBORs, Second Career option and placement for both Officers and Airmen besides ensuring smooth implementation of 'Just in time training' for airmen and 'Distance Education' scheme for formulation of service courses for officers. He was also instrumental in initiating the case for Short Service Commission in flying branch and introducing Fast Track Selection System for induction of officers in IAF.

As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Air Command, the Air Mshl has used his vast experience to make significant administrative improvements in the working environment, culture and improved the qu-ality of life of all personnel. His vision of futuristic and strategic importance of the Southern Peninsula has led to the thrust given to the development of infrastructure in the various bases situated in the South. Under his professional guidance, the concept of “Flexi-Air Space" in the Southern Peninsula has been implemented with integration of civil and military radars. Various Air Defence sensors and resources have been effectively mobilized and coordinated for providing effective Air Defence surveillance and coverage of the Sri Lankan and coastal air space in anticipation of the threat perspective for the Southern Peninsula. His guidance and leadership has enabled the forces under his Command to successfully undertake operations in aid of the civil administration while carrying out relief and rescue mission during flash floods, heavy rains and natural calamities on various occasions in the recent adverse conditions.

Air Marshal Yeshwant Rao Rane AVSM VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.