Details : | Wing Commander Rajiv Kumar Mendiratta (16799) F (P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 04 Jun 82. He Is presently the Commanding Officer (CO) of a MiG 27 Squadron. He is a Fighter Strike Leader, with over 2200 hrs of accident free fighter flying. On taking over command of a Squadron on 16 Oct 2000, he faced the daunting task of upgrading the operational status of inexperienced pilots in the basic strike role, alongwith progressing more experienced pilots In the specialised maritime strike role syllabus. With his meticulous planning and judicious use of the ever-scarce aircraft and other resources, he accomplished the task with uncommon competence, efficiency and dedication. Today, the Squadron has an excellent training status, with 10 pilots qualified in its specialist maritime strike role. Also, all pilots, except those posted in recently, have achieved operational status. The squadron was also selected to represent Eastern Air Command in the Air Force level competition, Exercise Vayu Spardha'. In tandem with their routine of training, they geared up for this task also, without compromising on the operation, maintenance and administrative aspects of the squadron, with Wg Cdr Mendiratta leading from the front. The fitting tribute to his leadership, ingenuity, foresight and planning came in the form of the prestigious trophy for the The Best Combat Squadron of the Indian Air Force', which was presented to his squadron by the Chief of Air Staff, on Air Force Day. For exceptional devotion to duty and military leadership of a very high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Wing Commander Rajiv Kumar Mendiratta |