Service No & Branch | 16967 F(P) | Stream :Fighters | ![]() | ||||||||||
Date of Birth: -- --- ---- | Commissioned: 29 Dec 1982 | Course: 130 Course | |||||||||||
Service End: | Retired on 31 Jul 2018 Superannuated | Nick Name : | |||||||||||
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Google the Bharat Rakshak Website for : "M Fernandez" |
Dates | Rank | Unit | Location | Appointment | Photo |
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- | Sqn Ldr | No.28 Squadron | Flight Commander | ||
28 Jun 2001 - | Wg Cdr | No.224 Squadron | Jamnagar | Commanding Officer | |
20 Jun 2003 - 16 May 2004 | Wg Cdr | Flying Instructors School | Tambaram | Chief Flying Instructor | |
- | Gp Capt | AFS Bidar | Bidar | Chief Instructor | |
01 Sep 2009 - 12 Dec 2010 | Air Cmde | Western Air Command | Delhi | Air-I | |
04 Jan 2011 - 24 Mar 2013 | Air Cmde | 8 Wing | Adampur | Air Officer Commanding | |
25 Mar 2013 - 16 Nov 2014 | AVM | Air Head Quarters | Delhi | Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Training | |
17 Nov 2014 - 30 Jun 2016 | AVM | Air Force Academy | Dundigal | Deputy Commandant | |
01 Jul 2016 - 31 Jul 2018 | AVM | Maritime Air Operations | Bombay | Air Officer Commanding | |
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Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) | ||||
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Wg Cdr | Michael Fernandez | 16967 F(P) | Award Date | Announced 26 Jan 2004 |
Details : | Wing Commander Michael Fernandez (16967) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 29 Dec 1982. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College. Presently he is the Commanding Officer of a fighter Squadron wef 28 Jun 2001. A few months into his command, post 9/11, the Sqn mounted live Operational Readiness Platform (ORP) and stayed almost continuously on alert until deployed for 'Op Parakram' in mid-December. While deployed, the squadron participated in every command level exercise in every role from live ground attack missions to Control and Reporting Centre (CRC) Combat Air Patrols to Counter Surface Forces Operations strikes to heavy armament loading exercises and acquitted themselves commendably under Wg Cdr M Fernandez's leadership. All this while the Sqn was also carrying out live ORP. Under his guidance, the unit devised a high altitude release sighting technique to overcome the inherent limitations of the aircraft's gunsight with appreciable results. It was also under his command that the fleet dropped live armament by night for the first time. Though severely constrained in terms of aircrew and technical officer strength, he managed to operate his operational detachments efficiently undertaking all assigned tasks. This included successful operation of a two aircraft ORP from the civil airfield at Ahmedabad on a trial basis. With his leadership and motivational skills he had groups of the Sqn's Tech Flight keenly volunteering to be despatched to the op location, thereby allowing the Sqn's Daily Servicing Section (DSS) personnel adequate rotation to spend time at home base. This did wonders for the unit's morale. He enthused his Sqn members to envision the future and innovate in several areas - the most notable one being the use of the hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) as a combat debrief tool. Besides maintaining a high serviceability state throughout his tenure, an average of 62% for fighters and 74% for trainers, also achieved 100% serviceability in Jan 2003. In Jan 2003, with no warning, the unit was inspected by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection (DASI), after almost a decade, two changes in location and a change in role. With absolutely no past indications for guidance, Wg Cdr Fernandez led his unit to achieve 'high average' in all the three prongs while the squadron flew every conceivable type of mission, be it air defence or ground attack. For his exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Michael Fernandez. | |||
Unit : 224 Sqn | ||||
Reference : Gazette of India dated 24th April 2004 - No.32-Pres/2004 dated 26th January 2004 |
Vishist Seva Medal | ||||
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Air Cmde | Michael Fernandez | 16967 F(P) | Award Date 26 Jan 2011 | Announced 26 Jan 2011 |
Details : | Air Commodore Michael Fernandez, VM(16967) Flying (Pilot)was commissioned in the Fighter Stream of the Flying Branch on 29 Dec 82 and is the Air I at Headquarters Western Air Command since 01 Sep 09. During the past 28 years of his service, he has held several important appointments including commanding a fighter Squadron, being the Ops lA South Western Air Command and Chief Instructor of a Flying Training Establishment during the induction of the AJT. An A2 Flying Instructor, he is an alumnus of Air War College USA and has more than 3500 hrs of flying to his credit. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in Jan 04. As Air I HQ WAC, he ensured an all-encompassing quantum improvement in the overall Op preparedness of the forces in Command by synergising meaningful routine training with realistic implementation of the thus developed combat potential during Command Level exercises .. His focussed effort has resulted in closer liaison with the three affiliated Army Commands, improved Int gathering and energising the Air Land War concept in this Command, which was effectively displayed during numerous Army exercises. An online system to help in the creation of the squadron flying programme and compilation of squadron flying returns was actively pursued by him to fruition. He has been briefing visiting delegations, whether they be from abroad or from various service institutes within India, which has always been much appreciated and well received by the audience. Many other activities like AF Day Fly Past in Oct 09 and Republic Day Fly Past ran concurrently and seamlessly under his supervision. His unconditional involvement, devotion to duty, leadership qualities and the highest norms of interpersonal relations ensured a positive and professional work environment. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Air Commodore Michael Fernandez, VM. | |||
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Reference : Air Force Day Booklet |