Details : | Group Captain Gursharan Singh Matharu (21276) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in flying branch on 15 Jun 1991. He is in command of 33 Sqn since Jun 12. He has accomplished over 7760 hours of accident free flying, which includes 4630 hours of flying as first pilot. He is a flying supervisor and holds a Master Green rating on An-32 and Embraer aircraft. He pioneered the operationalisation of Embraer fleet in the IAF and displayed highest degree of professionalism towards accomplishment of VIP/ VVIP flying tasks, in India and abroad. Displaying his exceptional aviation acumen, he has undertaken VIP flying missions to 25 countries, flown over 100 operational missions to Carnic and represented Indian Air Force in various international air exercises. Towards humanitarian and disaster relief, he has made significant contributions through successful execution of crucial missions during Kargil operations in 1999, Bhuj earth quake relief operations in 2001 and Tsunami relief operations in the year 2004. As the commanding officer, he exploited his farsightedness, methodical approach, immaculate planning and perseverance in ensuring exemplary conduct of the President Standard Presentation to 33 Sqn. He displayed dynamic leadership, in sustaining air bridge operations between the Indian main land and the strategically important Andaman Islands, overcoming constraints of adverse weather, protracted over sea flying, negative mission endurance and the ageing An 32 fleet. He showed excellent managerial skills in leading his air warriors and thus achieved best aircraft serviceability state in the fleet. For distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Group Captain Gursharan Singh Matharu. |