Group Captain Sanat Kumar Mitra was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in April, 1950. He served with distinction in a number of operational units and has commanded two operational Squadrons. He assumed command of an operational Wing in March, 1973. He has made determined efforts to raise the flying standard of the Wing. All flying tasks allotted to the Station have been accomplished with unqualified success. Under his dynamic leadership and able guidance, the Squadrons of the Wing have maintained a cent per cent categorised state of all aircrew. One of the Squadrons of the Wing won the Chief of the Air Staff's trophy for the best categorised squadrons for two years running i.e., 1972-73 and 1973-74. Except for one successful forced landing due to engine failure, the Station has maintained an accident­free record during his command. Aircraft serviceability of the Wing is of a very high order and it was only during his tenure that the Maintenance Control Centre and Central Repair and Servicing Section were organised and set up. This has resulted in reducing the 'down' time of aircraft due to inspection and rectification and thus considerably enhancing the Station's operational efficiency. Due to shortage of funds works services for preparation of football and hockey fields of his Station were held in abeyance. On a self-help basis, with extreme resourcefulness and initiative, he has successfully cleared up a jungle and has prepared hockey and football fields, all at no cost. This has saved the Government a sum of Rs. 70,000/ In addition to this, he has started, during his tenure, a Co­operative AVSM 1975-76 Store, a nursery school, Maternity and Child Welfare Centre, Gymnasium and Cinema. All these efforts for the well being of the Station personnel have raised their morale to the highest peak.

Throughout, Group Captain, Sanat Kumar Mitra has rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.