Group Captain Pulikkaparambil Kuruvilla Kuruvilla (12269) AE (L) took over as the Chief Engineering Officer of a fighter base on 17 June 1998. At that time the average serviceability of the fighter Squadrons on the base was low. There were 15 aircraft on AOG, and only 18 aircraft were flying worthy. Group Captain Kuruvilla adopted innovative means and methods to improve the serviceability. In addition to restructuring the centralized AOG section, he enforced a strict control on cannibalisation and spare consumption. With his excellent rapport with HAL he obtained timely assistance, wherever required. All these efforts paid high dividends and there was a significant improvement in the serviceability of aircraft. Due to these efforts, 28 fighter aircraft were kept fly worthy and the operational squadrons achieved an all time high of 750 flying hours in the month of March 98.

In addition, Group Captain Kuruvilla has analyzed many operational and flight safety hazards thoroughly and offered practical solutions. Inadvertent release of the brake parachute in the aircraft fleet was posing serious safety hazards. The fault was pinpointed to a rigging problem at fourth line. This study helped IAF to take the requisite corrective action. He also introduced other innovations and modifications like manufacturing of aircraft washing rigs, tractor modification as jungle-jims, fuel dump collecting rigs and conversion of a helicopter to semi VIP standards.

Under Group Captain PK Kuruvilla's leadership the Maintenance Branch of the base has been reoriented towards better work culture.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain PK Kuruvilla.