Group Captain Rajiv Sharma (13299) AE (L) was commission in the Aeronautical Branch on 01 Jan 73. He has held the appointments of Assistant Director Signals (Air) and Assistant Director Plan ADGES at Air Headquarters, Senior Engineer (Electronics) at two premier air bases and Head of Faculty (Electronics) at Air Force Technical College. An outstanding officer, he has done post graduation from IIT, Kanpur and Staff Course at Defence Services Staff College Wellington. In 1987, he was selected to undergo a course abroad on LUCH74 Flight Data Recorder (FDR) system. Presently, he is working as Chief Engineering Officer at a flying Base since 22 Oct 98. At this Base the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) analysis system was unserviceable since installation, which could not be rectified by specialists also. In 1994, Gp Capt R Sharma was entrusted the repair of FDR system. Using his innovative ideas and experience, he successfully repaired the equipment by using Indian components. This resulted in a saving of Rs. 27 lakhs.

The officer, with his wide outstanding planning ability and close monitoring of aircraft servicing activities, has reduced aircraft servicing time to the minimum, increasing the availability of aircraft for operations. During the recent operation 'Safed Sagar' the serviceability of both IL-76 and AN-32 aircraft fleet was maintained consistently over eighty per cent. During 1999, he success fully got two armament modifications completed on AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft. These modifications have made the practice bombing from AN-32 and IL-76 fleets most cost effective. Gp Capt R Sharma, with his innovative brain, has successfully developed Indian substitute of Russian aircraft washing machine and aircraft toilet cleaner by undertaking local design and fabrication work. His indigenisation drive and innovative ideas have resulted in saving of approximately Rs. 54 lakhs during last one year. He is an extremely meticulous and highly cost conscious officer. The high maintenance stands set by him as CEO are commendable which have been brought the 'Best in Maintenance' trophy to his Station.

For devotion to duty and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Rajiv Sharma.