Group Captain Dhiraj Kukreja (13130) F (P) assumed command of 25 Sqn, AF on 05Jun95.

Group Captain Dhiraj Kukreja has over 3000 hrs of accident free flying on the AN-32 ac. He is fully qualified in all roles of the ac and has actively participated in all para drop exercises in the past year and a half. He was the WAC dett commander at 4 Wing, for the AB assault exercise "GRAND SLAM" in Mar 96, wherein he successfully led 06 ac for a night drop. He was also the Task Force Commander for "EXERCISE SNOWLION", a high altitude drop at DZ Stakna, involving 24 x AN-32 ac and 01xlL-76 ac. The drop was successful with no injuries attributable to the IAF. He has also undertaken the first night sortie from Chandigarh to Leh and back with the AOC-in-C, WAC, IAF in Oct 96. The sortie was appreciated by the AOC-in-C for being conducted in a very professional manner. He is also qualified on the IL-76 ac and has participated in the "BIG BOY" formation on the Air Force Day and Republic Day earning accolades for the IAF from the viewing dignitaries.

An enthusiastic leader, his zeal and enthusiasm is infectious. Under his guidance and encouragement the Unit achieved 100% serviceability on both fleets in Nov 96 and flew all 10 ac (06xAN-32 & 04xIL-76 ac) simulta neously. The Unit has, in the past one year, also airlifted more than the allotted task in air maintenance operations. This is an achievement considering the low availability of ac since the Unit also under takes other tasks as detailed by HQ WAC, IAF and Air HQ.

Under his command, the Unit has grown from strength to strength and earned appreciations from all, for safe and efficient operations, maintenance and administration. The Unit was declared the "Best Tpt Sqn" in WAC for the year 1995-96.

For his high degree of sincerity and loyalty to serv ice aims, lively enthusiasm and dynamic leader ship, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain D Kukreja.

Air Commodore Dhiraj Kukreja VSM (13130) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 24 Jun 72. During his 31 years of distinguished service, he has held a number of challenging staff appointments, which include Joint Director Operations (Transport) at Air HQ. He has undergone a Fellowship Programme at the National Defence University in Washington DC, USA from Jun 2000 to Jun 2001. He has been conferred a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from National War College of the same University. Presently he is the Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Yelahanka since 14 Jul 01.

As the Joint Director Operations (Transport) in Air HQ, Air Cmde D Kukreja initiated several projects for the IAF, which are now bearing fruit. In 1999, he was a member of a delegation to Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan to select and finalize the Fight Refueller Aircraft (FRA) requirement for the Air Force. He also led the first-ever participating team of the IAF, to South Africa for a UN Peacekeeping Exercise along with the Indian Army and Navy. As the officiating Director Ops (T&H), he single-handedly planned and organized the airlift of army and air force units to the war front during Kargil operations in May 1999.

As Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Yelahanka, he has ensured that the task of training of aircrew on transport aircraft and Mi-8 helicopters is undertaken with the emphasis on quality and timely completion, despite the constraints in available resources.

Aero India 2003 was held at AF Stn Yelahanka 05-09 Feb 03. This involved a mammoth task, Air Cmde Kukreja streamlined all planning and procedures for the Air Show. Apart from meeting the training tasks, Air Cmde Kukreja has also led his team of officers and airmen to the additional responsibilities entrusted to the Station. He successfully conducted two mini-Air Shows on the occasion of Air Force Day celebrations in Sep 01 and Oct 02. The latter show was witnessed by as many as 35000-4000 persons. Air Commodore Dhiraj Kukreja VSM has, thus, distinguished service of an exceptional order.