| Details : | Air Cmde Kirti Khajuria (19538-R) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Flying branch of Indian Air Force on 11 Jun 88. He took over command of a premier base of Air Force on 21 Dec 15. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and Defence Service Staff College. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader and has flown nearly 2,700 h on various fighter and trainer aircraft. He has commanded a MiG-23MF Squadron and commissioned and commanded the first Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) Node of the IAF. He has also held the staff appointments of Joint Director (Training) and Director Weapons at Air Headquarters and was involved in major weapons procurement during the period 2012 - 2015. Within two days of his assumption of command of the Air Force Station, the Deputy Commissioner had illegally used Section 133 of Cr PC to enter into Air Force Land. With his decisive and prompt handling of this sensitive situation, he displayed his crisis handling capability and exceptional decision making under stress. He briefed the media and the local population adequately and diffused a potential civil-military confrontation in an admirable manner. As Air Officer Commanding, he ensured that all aspects of Operations, Maintenance and Administration were supervised effectively, all the while allowing various station appointments a free hand and giving necessary advice and course correction, when required. His awareness and knowledge of all activities being undertaken by the Station has been comprehensive and incisive. His constant guidance and effective leadership ensured that the station always achieved its tasks well ahead of time and the performance of his team can be gauged from the fact that under his command, the Station was awarded the trophies for Best Flying Training Establishment, Best Aerospace Safety Unit and Best MT Section for the year 2016. He regularly flies with the Hawk squadron pilots and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) and gives necessary guidance for conduct of operations and training. His guidance and involvement with upgradation of SKAT has ensured that the team successfully upgraded itself to a six aircraft display team and is now in the process of upgrading to a nine aircraft aerobatic display team. His attention to detail and sterling leadership prior to and during the DASI inspection in December 2016 ensured that the Station performed very well in all spheres. With his strict emphasis on discipline, probity and integrity while leading the way with personal example, he has ensured that Air Force Station Bidar performs all its tasks effectively and efficiently. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Air Cmde Kirti Khajuria. |
