| Details : | Group Captain Kallappa Hollannavar Suresh (18124) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a helicopter pilot in the IAF on 06 Dec 85. In 26 years of distinguished service he has held several important appointments as Fit Cdr and Commanding Officer of the only heavy lift helicopter unit of the IAF, Fit Cdr of a Medium Lift Helicopter unit in IAF UN Peace Keeping Contingent at Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) , Station Commander of a flying base and Director of Operations at Air HQ (VB). He is a flying supervisor and a graduate of Higher Air Command Course .. As Fit Cdr and CO of Mi-26 unit, he contributed immensely towards the successful trials of SSM Agni by airlifting the boosters & associated equipment to wheeler island with outmost safety & professionalism. During the tenure he flew various live under slung missions to retrieve accidental aircrafts & heptrs. As the Fit Cdr of an operational unit at UN peace keeping mission in DRC, he ensured that all the tasks were met with utmost professionalism. The unit flew more than 1500 hours without any accident/incident in an environment that was fraught with rebels who did not want return of normalcy in the country. During the terrorist attack in Mumbai in Nov 08, the officer was the Station Commander of AF Stn Mumbai. He was instrumental in planning and execution of air operations during 26/11 attack which brought laurels to the IAF and the nation. The officer has been working as the Director of Operations (Helicopters) and is directly responsible for all the operations including air logistics, Search and Rescue, Joint training with other services and other friendly foreign countries, HA/DR operations across the country, operationalisation of new types of helicopters and training of all air crew. Upon the Govt of India's decision to launch operations against LWE elements, the IAF was called in for support of these ground operations. Gp Capt Suresh very meticulously planned all the air operations and set up the Air Force contingent to undertake the operations. He has ensured relentless operations towards Op Triveni in support of CPMF. He has put in his best in revamping various orders that govern helicopter operations of the IAF throughout his stint as director. He has been an active part of the team at Air HQ which has allowed helicopter operations to reach a new level. His dynamic leadership, personal example and lively enthusiasm have always ensured a well-knit fighting team that goes beyond the call of duty to achieve desired output. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Kallappa Hollannavar Suresh. |
