| Details : | Group Captain Rakesh Raturi (18642) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in Logistics branch on 06 Dec 86. In 26 years of service, he has held varied appointments including Director Maintenance Inspection (Logistics) and Senior Logistics Officer at operational bases. In addition he has done two staff tenures at Air HQ which include Joint Director Procurement and Staff Officer (Coord) to ACAS Lgs. The officer was selected for the distinguished UN Peace Keeping Force to represent IAF on deputation to Democratic Republic of Congo during 2008-2009. The officer is presently Commanding 31 Movement Control Unit since 02 Apr 2012. During his tenure as JD Procurement, the officer single handedly successfully concluded a major project of procurement of 110 fully indigenized Crash Fire Tenders for the IAF amounting to Rs 112 Crores and was commended by the CAS on 08 Oct 08 for his contribution towards efficient functioning of Indigenous Purchase Wing. While on the posted strength of 12 Wing, the officer was commended by AOC-in-C WAC for rendering exemplary logistics support during the Presidential Fleet Review (2007) held at AF Stn Chandigarh. While in the DG (I&S) branch as Director Maintenance Inspections (Logistics), the officer was tasked to undertake 'Process Based Audit of the Stocking and Storage Practices in the IAF' and Joint Quality Review of SU-30. Mirage 2000 and other fighter fleets of the IAF. As Commanding Officer of 31 MCU, the officer dedicatedly worked towards multifarious improvements in the core activities of the unit, which involved extensive handling of stores. negotiating imports and exports. handling of IAF Foreign delegates and Courier operations. He incorporated an excellent distribution management system using multimodal transportation resulting in incident free handling of approximately 10.500 tons of inland cargo and 3,500 tons of Export-Import cargo. Under his guidance on Cargo Management, the MCU achieved a NIL load status at 31 MCU for the entire Air Force on 16 Jun 12, which is a rare but a land mark achievement for any MCU. He has successfully operationalised two Air Cooled Cargo Divisions the only of its kind in the IAF which will provide the much required controlled environment to the cargo divisions in addition to enhancing working culture. Towards Courier Operations, Gp Capt Raturi planned and created state-of-the-art facilities and total facelift in the existing infrastructure in a short span of time which has brought it at par with any civil terminal in terms of passenger amenities and comforts. His overall efforts as a Commanding Officer have been appreciated by a number of senior Army and Air Force officers from time to time. As a recognition of his personal involvement in Army Courier Operations. he was awarded Commendation by Vice Chief of Army Staff on the Army Day. For distinguished service of high order. Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Rakesh Raturi. 123 |
