| Details : | Group Captain Vijay Kumar Garg (18493) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as an engineer in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) branch on 19 Aug 86, He has been on the posted strength of the Directorate of Engineering Transport (Western) since 30 May 11 and has been functioning as the Director. Gp Capt VK Garg has professional approach and positive attitude and has experience on various fleets viz Jaguar, IL-76 and C-130, He excelled as a Cat 'Pi Flight Engineer on IL-76 aircraft and was instrumental in finalisation of a number of SOPs for operations from high altitude and short runways, As the Commanding Officer of No 2 Balloon Barrage Unit, he ensured effective deployment of unit during 'Op Safed Sagar' on a forward base, During his tenure at one of the fighter air base, the officer single handedly and successfully extended maintenance support to two Jaguar squadrons deployed at their Op locations during 'Op Parakram'. Gp Capt Garg was also responsible for successful implementation of 'Just in Time Training' concept while posted at Directorate of Training at Air HQ. Gp Capt VK Garg was the Chief Engineering Officer of Air Force Station, Yelahanka, a premier flying training establishment. He successfully steered the limited resources at his disposal, to ensure time bound completion of enhanced training task, amounting to annual flying task of approximately 20000 hours on five different types of aircraft and helicopters, as well as all maintenance requirements during Aero India -2011. Through his active involvement, hard work, and effective and close supervision, the officer ensured completion of such enormous task without a single incident attributable to Human Error (Servicing). In his present appointment as Director Engineering Transport (Western), the officer is responsible for seven different types of aircraft, from oldest operating transport aircraft, Avro to latest inductions C-130J-30 (Super Hercules), C-17 (Globe Master-lII) and the WIPNIP fleet BBJ, Embraer and Dornier. Monitoring and controlling maintenance of such large varied inventory of aircraft pose multitude of challenges and call for involvement, dedication, detailed planning and multitasking, which Gp Capt VK Garg has successfully achieved. His active interaction with HAL ensured high availability of ageing Avro fleet. By regular interaction with various national and international agencies and meticulous planning the officer ensured successful induction of C-130J-30 aircraft in the IAF His professional approach, resolved many maintenance issues with the manufacturers to ensure trouble free operation of aircraft in the long term. The officer is effectively utilising his professional acumen in planning and designing the maintenance system for C-17 aircraft, to ensure successful induction of this fleet. His active follow up has ensured progress of modification and repair task by M's Boeing on BBJ aircraft well ahead of schedule. For distinguished service of a high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Vijay Kumar Garg. |
