Wing Commander Arvind Verma (15410) F (P) was commissioned on 07 Jul 1978 in the Flying Branch of the IAF as a fighter pilot. He has flown the S-22 and all variants of MiG-21 aircraft besides the HJT-16 Mk I and Mk II trainer aircraft. He has 3918 hrs of flying to his credit with over 1100 hrs of instructional flying. He is a Fighter Combat Leader, a Qualified Flying Instructor, a graduate of Defence Service Staffs College (DSSC) Wellington and a Cat 'B'Group 101 Officer of Surface to Air Guided Weapons (SAGW) stream. He has been the Flight Commander of a fighter Squadron, a Squadron Commander in MiG Operational Flying Training Unit (MOFTU) and a Flight Commander at AF Station, Bidar. For his devotion to duty he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff in 1992. He is presently commanding a fighter Sqn, since 19 Jul 1999.

During his present command tenure combat flights were kept in high state both at base and at Op locations. The Unit has moved thrice for various operations/exercises to as far as 450 Kms from base, without any accident or untoward incident. Combat flights performed creditably well during all the exercises. The unit has consistently maintained a serviceability state of over 90% and 95% of combat flights and specialist vehicles respectively. The unit was adjudged the best SAGW squadron of the IAF for the year 1999-2000 and was again re-nominated for the year 2000-2001.

Wg Cdr Verma is commanding the unit in an exemplary manner. He has maintained the high morale of his personnel through motivation and personal example of hard work, dedication and exemplary leadership.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Arvind Verma.