Air Commodore Pravesh Kumar (12411) F (P) was commissioned as a transport pilot on 13 Jan 70. He has over 5900 hours of accident free flying. He has commanded a Pechora Squadron, an IL-76 Squadron and two flying stations prior to his present assignment as Air Officer Commanding of a transport aircraft base since 01 Dec 01. He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College.

Air Cmde Kumar set about achieving excellence in all facets of the Station soon after taking over command. He ensured that despite lower serviceability, the squadrons fulfilled all tasks in Op Parakram. The flying units also displayed significant improvements in their qualification and operational status. Several modifications, innovations and selfhelp projects were carried out under his able leadership. As a result the Station has been declared the best in Maintenance for two consecutive years. In 2003, the Station has been selected to represent Eastern Air Command in the competition for selection as the Air Traffic Service provider in the IAF.

He has embodied every trait of an air warrior. He has ensured a clean and healthy working and domestic environment, carried out camp beautification with optimal utilization of available assets and provided the maximum welfare requirements within service resources.

Air Commodore Pravesh Kumar has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.