| Details : | Wing Commander Joy Thomas Kurien (20782) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned in IAF as a pilot in the flying branch on 16 Jun 90. In his nineteen years of service, he has served in various frontline fighter squadrons. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI)with 3375 hrs of flying experience, and is fully operational on MiG-21 aircraft. For his professional contribution and commendable service, he was awarded commendation by the CAS on 26 Jan 02 and on 26 Jan 09. He graduated from Air Command and Staff College, Royal Thai Air Force with Exceptional grading in 2007. Wg Cdr Kurien is on the posted strength of the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team since 10 Mar 08 and commanding the Team since then. During his command, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic team performed 65 displays in India and abroad. On taking over command, Wg Cdr Kurien had to reformulate the team as the earlier core members had changed. He trained the team with professional acumen, attention to detail and formulated new manoeuvers to set high standards befitting a National Aerobatic Team. The resultant displays within and outside the country have been of a very high quality and lauded by one and all. Wg Cdr Kurien led the team for the first ever displays in China and Laos. The team of 12 ac travelled 7215 nautical miles safely, transiting through eleven airfields in China, Laos and Myanmar braving adverse weather and inadequacy of navigational aids. The team performed at the T" Zuhai International Air Show and the IAF received praise and respect not only from the Chinese Air Force but also other participating countries and the Indian Ambassador in China. The team also performed successfully in the Aero-India 09, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh state raising day and in the 15t},International Youth festival at Bhubaneswar thrilling large audiences. Wg Cdr Kurien by his ingenuity and initiative has found solution to the various hurdles in the extensive display schedule and has ensure that all the tasked displays were executed in a timely and professional manner. Under his leadership, the team has performed at various locations showcasing the prowess and skills of the IAF in an exceptional manner. This has only been possible due to higher levels of training, dedication and devotion to task at hand. Wg Cdr Kurien has been able to mould the entire unit as a compact team, inspiring each team member to achieve professional and operational standards of a very high order. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Joy Thomas Kurien. |
