| Details : | Wing Commander Ganapathiraju Srinivas (21505) flying (Pilot) is a graduate of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned in the Indian Air Force as a pilot in the Flying branch on 14 Dec 91. He is a Commanding Officer (CO) of a front line Fighter Squadron (Sqn) since 04 Aug 08. Wg Cdr Srinivas is a Qualified Flying Instructor with over 2600 hours of accident and incident free flying, of which 2000 hours are on operational fighter aircraft. He has held the appointments of a deputy flight Commander (Dy Fit Cdr) of a fighter' Sqn and Station Flight Safety and Inspection Officer (SFS&IO) of a major fighter base before assuming command of the present Sqn. During his tenure as Dy Fit Cdr, the Sqn was adjudged as the best fighter Sqn in the command for two consecutive years. As SFS&IO, he was adjudged as the best SFS&IO in the command in 2007. The officer is an alumnus of the Defense Services Staff College with a Directing Staff (DS) grading. He stood first in the Flight Safety and Accident Investigation Course in 2006. He was awarded the AOC- in- C's commendation in the years 2005 and 2006. During his tenure, as the CO, the Sqn was awarded the prestigious President's Standard and celebrated its golden jubilee. Both these momentous events were conducted in a manner befitting the highest traditions of the IAF. As a CO, he undertook the herculean task of relocating the Sqn from Bhuj (Gujrat)to Nal (Rajasthan) in 2009. This incident free activity was accomplished in the shortest possible time, without stopping flying even on a single day. The Sqn has been imparting training to young fighter pilots, meeting all professional standards and deadlines. Under his leadership, the Squadron performed exceptionally well in all inspection visits by Directorate of Air Staff Inspection, and Aircrew Examination Board. The Sqn has been flying the highest quantum in Western Air Command, maintaining an average serviceability of nearly 75% at all times. The officer has always led from the front and served as a role model to his subordinates with his tireless zeal, knowledge and maturity. The Sqn has remained focused and motivated under his leadership with an immaculate welfare and discipline record. For exceptional devotion to duty, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Wing Commander Ganapathiraju Srinivas. |
