On the 16th September 1965, Flying Officer Prakash Pingale led a section of two aircraft on a “scramble” mission. His section engaged a Pakistani F-86 aircraft, which was also under its own radar control. With great skill, Flying Officer Pingale manoeuvred his section behind the enemy aircraft when he noticed another Sabre jet coming in to attack. He immediately changed his position and shot down the enemy aircraft, which he had engaged earlier. Then he turned to the other enemy aircraft and flying with great skill and accuracy, engaged it and shot it down also.

The skill and leadership displayed by Flying Officer Pingale in this air combat were in the best traditions of the Indian Air Force.

Group Captain Prakash Sadashiv Pingale took over the Command of Operational Conversion Unit in June, 1986. The unit conducts flying training of ex-Air Force Academy pilots on to an advanced fighter aircraft. This training is required to be completed in one year and at any one time two courses undergo training simultaneously. When Group Captain Pingale took over the Command, he had three courses to train. Keeping the low serviceability of over thirty year old Hunter aircraft in view, this was a stupendous task. Group Captain Pingale got down to tackle this problem with exemplary earnestness.

He exhorted the technical personnel to bring up the serviceability of the Hunter fleet. With his personal liaison with Command Headquarters and the repair agency for Hunter aircraft, he was able to ensure regular supply of rotables and clearance of long outstanding AOGs. These efforts resulted in the serviceability of the Hunter fleet from 25% to 55% in a short period of six months. Using his managerial skills, Group captain Pingale spaced out the training schedule of the three courses undergoing training at Operational Conversion Unit. With his own efforts and personal example, he not only cleared the backlog of flying training but also ensured completion of the two courses of pilots 15 days and three months ahead of schedule.

Group Captain Pinagle displayed an extremely high level of skill and devotion to duty of an exceptional order. His efforts went a long way in maintaining the regular flow of pilots to our front line Fighter Squadrons and in enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Air Force.

For his tremendous zeal and devotion to duty of an exceptional order, in the best tradition of the Air Force, the President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Group Captain PS Pingale.

Air Marshal PS Pingale was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the IAF on 10 Nov 62. Throughout his career he has held a variety of key command and staff appointments with distinction. These include command of two fighter squadrons, a major flying training base, a major fighter base, SOA of an operational command, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Inspection at Air Headquarters, and presently as the Inspector General (Inspection and Safety).

The Air Officer is a qualified flying instructor holding the highest QFI category of A-l. The Air Officer has been on staff of the first MiG-21 Conversion Squadron, College of Air Warfare as Deputy Commandant, Aircrew Examination Board and Flying Instructional School. He took active part in 1965 Operations and was awarded Vir Chakra for gallantry in the face of the enemy. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal in 1988 for displaying unique leadership when placed in command of Hunter Operational Flying Training Unit. The Air Officer is an alumni of National Defence College. During his present assignment, the Air Officer has successfully pursued various studies and programmes related to flight safety and operational preparedness namely HPT-32 engine failure, MiG-21 engine failure, on condition servicing of avionics equipment, review of promotion examinations for airmen, environmental inspections of operational bases, air crew resource management workshops, etc. These studies and programmes have contributed significantly in improving flight safety and operational preparedness. A major drive was launched by the IAF to reduce accidents especially due to technical defects and human error which has resulted in an all time low accident rate in 1996-- 97, The Air Officer played a pivotal role in this commendable performance.

Air Marshal PS Pingale VrC VM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal Prakash Sadashivrao Pingale AVSM VrC VM (6755) F(P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot in November 1962. He saw active service in 1965 war and was awarded Vir Chakra for gallantry. Subsequently he was chosen as one among the core group of pilots of the 1AF to undergo training in erstwhile USSR to become the nucleus for training other pilots within the country. Besides, he is a highly qualified instructor, one among the very few in the IAF to hold Instructional Category A-l.

The Air Officer has the distinction of having commanded two fighter squadrons and two major IAF Bases. He was awarded Vayu Sena Medal for distinguished command of the Hunter Operational Flying Training Unit. In higher appointments he has served as the Staff officer in-charge of Administration of an operational command and as the Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Inspection) at the Air Headquarters.

On promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, he took over the vital post of Inspector General of the Air Force and was responsible to oversee the professional standard and Flight Safety in the Air Force. During two years of his service in the capacity of Inspector General of the IAF, the Air Officer contributed immensely in enhancing operational efficiency and Flight Safety. His untiring effort towards flight safety resulted in reducing the accident rate in the IAF during the 1996-98. He initiated the drive for quality assurance in the aircraft maintenance shop floors at Operational Bases, Base Repair Depots and the industry. This resulted in reduced defects and improved reliability of aircraft and its support facilities.

In his present appointment as SASO HQ SWAC, the Air Officer's contribution in operational matters has been once again of great significance which has helped in enhancing the Op preparedness of the Command.

Air Marshal Prakash Sadashivrao Pingale AVSM VrC VM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.