Flight Lieutenant S K Saini (21021) F (P) has been on the posted strength of 153 Helicopter Unit since 26 Jul 93.

During the recent Amarnath Yatra tragedy, the IAF was called upon to undertake the necessary relief operations. Flight Lieutenant Saini who participated in the operations, indeed did a very commendable job by evacuating 136 causalities, 28 bodies and 07 passengers. This was the maximum number of causalities that were airlifted by any individual during these operations. It is noteworthy that these operations were carried out in marginal weather, from unprepared surface and in hostile environment.

Flight Lieutenant S K Saini has been operating in OP Meghdoot area for the past three years and has successfully completed over 810 hours on the glacier. He has also flown extensively all over Jammu and Kashmir sector.

The unit was given the task, to carry out a night cross country from Thoise to Leh and back and subsequently lay down SOP for causality evacuation. Flight Lieutenant Saini a selected aircrew was detailed to carry out this task. Flight Lieutenant Saini, a thorough professional got into the minutest of the details and left no stone unturned to carry out the assigned task safely and successfully. For his exceptional courage and professionalism of highest order, excellent team work and exceptional devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award "Vayu Sena Medal" to Flight Lieutenant S K Saini.