Squadron Leader Pratap Singh was commi ssioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch on 05 October, 1964. He has served with distinction as Engineering Officer in Fighter Squadrons and as Signal Officer in Units and Wings.

He was one of the few technical officers selected for training on the latest type of Fighter/Bomber aircraft. He obtained 'excellent' grade in his training. On completion of training, this officer was posted to a wing as Officer in charge of Type 24 Mobile Conversion Flight and close Range Navigation Complex.

The task of completing installation of the Mobile Conversion Flight equipment and is commissioning was time bound. So was the installation, testing and commissioning of the close Range Navigation Complex. The resources available with the officer were limited. But his professionalism, inspiring leadership and personal example inspired his men to accomplish these tasks with the given time frame. He continued to work with commendable energy, single minded devotion and perseverance and improved the functioning of both the Mobile Conversion Flight and the Navigation Complex. He achieved the similar fetes at two more stations.

Sqn Ldr Pratap Singh projects the image of a dynamic Engineering Officer. His drive and initiative knows no bounds when it comes to any kind of challenge requiring persistent efforts. He has, thus, set a fine example of skilful and competent technical officer and has been a source of inspiration to those working under him.

For his professional excellence, organizing ability man management and selfless devotion to duty, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Squadron Leader Pratap Singh.

Group Captain Pratap Singh, VSM is on the posted strength of an Air Force Station, as Chief Engineering Officer since 21 Aug 89.

Gp Capt Singh quickly assessed that various flying incidents and repetitive snags occurring on Iskra aircraft were synonymous with ageing of the fleet. He undertook the challenge of arresting this trend and was successful. The unresolved hydraulic system malfunctioning since very inception was traced to fouling of the rotary valve in hydraulic reservoir with the dip stick, thus allowing air to be sucked in the system during certain manoeuvres. He ordered for cutting off the dip-stick in Nov 90 and ever since, no hydraulic incident has occurred for the last 4500 hrs of flying. These measures have raised confidence level amongst pilots.

There was a breakdown of supply of critical spares and rotable from abroad. This officer initiated repairs of critical rotables at base by development of repair schemes. Thus local repairs has helped the station to sustain Iskara flying for the last 1½ years and the last four pilot's courses on Iskara could be completed before time. The officer is presently engaged in modification for cooling of R/T set and aircraft battery in Iskra aircraft to reduce time due to persistent snags.

Along with sustaining a fleet of varied types of ac, the officer undertook the task of resource optimisation. The station Workshop was extensively utilised and gave enormous support to MT and other services. A quantum jump in quality, specially for MT in which expenditure on local purchase was reduced to one fourth after a modernisation drive by this officer.

For his unflinching loyalty to service, perseverance of economy and resource optimisation, the President is pleased to award Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt P Singh.

Air Commodore Pratap Singh was commissioned, in the Technical Signals Branch of the IAF on 05 Oct 64 and is commanding No. 11 Base Repair Depot of IAF since 24 Jul 95. Under his guidance, the basic role of the Depot of an advanced strike aircraft overhaul is being sustained with vigour. Capital repair technology for this fleet was indigenously developed and five aircraft have already been produced. The Depot is now engaged in setting up overhaul facilities for an advanced air superiority fighter. The task is progressing with great momentum and overhaul of two of these aircraft will be completed by the end of Oct 97. This fleet had developed serious fuel leaks and cracks in wing ribs in 1996. Air Cmde Pratap Singh ensured development of technology for fuel leak repairs and repairs have commenced. Wing Rib Repair Scheme was developed indigenously and repairs on the whole fleet are due to be completed shortly. This has resulted in saving of very large sums of foreign exchange.

Under the able guidance of the Air Officer, the Depot also undertook a number of life extension studies. All these studies have been completed and the resulting life extensions have also resulted in large savings in foreign exchange. Under the inspiring leadership of Air Cmde Pratap Singh, the Depot was awarded ISO 9002 by Bureau of Indian Standards on 16 Dec 96 and the trophy for the Best BRD in 1996.

Air Commodore Pratap Singh VSM & Bar has thus rendered distinguished service of exceptional order.