Air Vice Marshal Arunachalam Saibaba (9996) Adm was commissioned on 26 Dec 65 in the Administrative Branch of IAF. For the first twenty-five years, as a Fighter Controller, he was associated with Air Defence Operations of Air Force and held various associated appointments at field, training establishments and HQs. He has to his credit more than 300 live interceptions and was Air Force Examiner for seventeen years. He is recipient of 'Best Professional Award (Fighter Controller)' award from the Prime Minister in Oct 84. He also performed creditably during his stint as operation Manager on the research and development project 'Low level Radar Networking Group' at Bangalore. After his reversion to administrative duties in 1991, the Air Officer has distinguished himself in the appointments of Chief Administrative Officer of a Fighter Wing, President of Central Airmen Selection Board, Senior Personnel Staff Officer of an Operational Command, Provost Marshal (Air) and Director Air Force Works. Currently he is functioning as Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration, Training Command. An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, the Air Officer has acquitted himself with credit throughout his service career.

Air Vice Marshal Arunachalam Saibaba has capably handled the administrative support machinery at Training Command leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the required administrative cover is available to meet training schedules as per time­frame. All administrative aspects pertaining to Aero-India 98 namely work services, manpower augmentation, hospitality and security were taken care of adequately under the stewardship of the Air Force. A large number of compliments in this regard were showered by various visiting dignitaries.

Air Vice Marshal Arunachalam Saibaba has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.