Details : | Wing Commander Sameer Mehra (19524) Flying (pilot) was commissioned as a Pilot in the Flying Branch on 11 Jun 1988. He has held the appointment of Flight Commander of a Mig-27 squadron and guided the Squadron (Sqn) at various International and Air Force exercises. As Senior Flight Safety and Inspection Officer of Air Force Station Halwara he introduced a number of innovations which significantly reduced the accidents I incidents. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a graduate of Defence Services Staff College. He has a grand total of 3197 hrs of flying. Wg Cdr Mehra is a dynamic officer with exceptional professional knowledge achieved "through hard work and perseverance. He has exhibited exemplary competence and dedication in leading the Sqn from the front. When tasked for the Maritime Strike Role the Sqn achieved Maritime Strike status expeditiously with exceptional armament scores and has since carried out productive interaction with the Indian Navy. He guided the Sqn in achieving high standards and better Operational and Instrument Rating status. He ensured a very high standard of training for the conversion of three Sri Lankan Air Force pilots on to Mig-27 aircraft. Under his leadership, the Sqn maintained an average serviceability of more than 75% in the last one year and achieved 100% serviceability on three occasions, a rare feat by any Mig-27 Sqn. His excellent supervision and management have ensured accident free flying. While officiating as Chief Operations Officer in Jul 2007, Wg Cdr Mehra displayed foresight and worked tirelessly to ensure timely relief to the flood "affected areas in West Bengal and Orrisa. He was felicitated for his concern and speedy response by the Chief Minister of Orrisa, Mr. Naveen Patnaik, at a state level function in Bhubaneshwar. He is a keen sportsman and has motivated the Sqn personnel to perform well in the intra wing and inter wing sports meet. Wg Cdr Mehra was appointed the Joint Director for a bilateral defence exercise SINDEX III at Air Force Station Kalaikunda in Dec 07, involving fighter aircraft from both the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the IAF. He was entrusted with the planning and safe execution of the exercise. His professionalism coupled with active participation at each stage ensured safe and fruitful conduct of the exercise and immense learning value for both the Air Forces. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Sameer Mehra. |