Group Captain Suhaskumar Appajirao Jagdale (14780) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the IAF in Jan 1977. He is posted as Commanding Officer of Air Force Liaison Establishment (Nashik) w.e.f. 03 Jul 2003.

He is an honest, forthright and highly experienced professional and has held key appointments at Field Units, Command HQ, Air HQ and MOD. He is a graduate of DSSC, Wellington and completed the LDMC at College of Defence Management, Secunde rabad. During his tenure at field units and prestigious TACDE, the officer ensured high serviceability state of the equipment. The high serviceability state ensured that the units were able to achieve their operational tasks.

Presently as Commanding Officer of AFLE (Nashik Division) he has infused the sense of pride and belongingness among the personnel and brought about a sea-change in their attitude and confidence, which are essential in liaisoning duties with HAL. He has established excellent liaison and rapport at all levels in HAL (Nashik Division), reaping rich dividends in terms of their fast response to any requirement of IAF. With concerted efforts, he has brought down the outstanding AOGs of the MiG-21 and MiG-27 fleet considerably. He has instituted the in-house periodic preservation of rubberized fuel tanks of MiG21 aircraft held at unit, thus reducing dependency on HAL and saving of about Rupees six lakhs annually, which otherwise would have been paid to HAL.

His determination, perseverance and sound leadership resulted in AFLE (Nashik) bagging the "Best Maintenance Unit" trophy during 2003-04. The Establishment was also rated highly by DMI team in Apr 04 and awarded an overall grading of Average Plus. He was instrumental in achieving the timely completion of ACMI modifications on MiG21 Bis Upgrade aircraft in Jan-Feb 04 for the "Cope India" exercise at Gwalior, which was appreciated by the AOM and SMSO, MC.

With his innovativeness, initiative and personal involvement, the Unit Run Canteen (URC) of the Station was renovated and brought up like a Super Market during 200304 and has become a showpiece of the Station. The Officer being an outstanding sportsman, has represented the IAF football team and captained it for two years. He still takes active part in sports activities in the station.

For his dedication, high professional ability, sound leadership and distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Suhaskumar Appajirao Jagdale.