Air Vice Marshal Bhagwant Singh Bedi (5947) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) was commissioned on 01 Jun 60. The AVSM 1993-94 Air Officer has varied and rich experience of controlling and organizing maintenance activities as Chief Engineering Officer of fighter base, Command Engineering Officer and Command of a Base Repair Depot. His achievements as Chief Engineering Officer at Air Force Station (AF Stn) Ambala were indeed commendable. Under his able guidance, the station has won the “Best Maintenance Wing" trophy achieving “zero maintenance lapse" in practice.

The Air Officer also held the appointments of Command Engineering Officer at Western Air Command (WAC) and Air Officer Commanding of a Base Repair Depot (BRD).

In his present tenure as Senior Maintenance Staff Officer (SMSO) at WAC, he has shown considerable conceptual abilities and has used the skills and experience very effectively in enhancing the quality of maintenance support to field units. A number of workshops were arranged under his guidance with a view to inculcated maintenance safety tenets at tarmac and shop floor levels and to build up a healthy maintenance environment. He has been able to effectively introduce computerization of snag rectification data in all fighter fleets. This has made it possible for aircraft snags analysis to be more scientific and meaningful, thereby improving the qualities of rectification work and initiating preventing actions.

The Air Officer's high innovative abilities and professionalism were optimally utilized in indigenizing, designing and fabricating the cabins which are being utilized as mobile operation rooms for ST-68 radar and Control and Reporting Centre, thus dispensing with the import and effecting savings. Due to his personal guidance and interaction at appropriate levels, the down time of aircraft and weapon systems have been appreciably reduced in the field units.

Air Vice Marshal Bhagwant Singh Bedi has, thus. rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Shishir Kumar Chaturvedi has displayed a singular drive and professional acumen in improving administrative and functional efficiency while he was commanding an Equipment Depot during its formative stage. As CLMO Headquarters Central Air Command, the Air Officer guided and coordinated activities in all the dependent bases contributing to the highest operational preparedness of the Air Force as a whole. He evolved effective guidelines and methodologies to improve the supply effectively from mother depots to the far flung bases. By compartmentalizing the various specializations he streamlined the working to ensure better control and coordination.

The Air Officer, during his tenure as Director of Stores during 1991­92, planned, processed and progressed all the provisioning activities in the most professional manner, thereby achieving optimum supply effectiveness for all ranges of clothing stores, ration items, petrol, oil and lubricants. With his expertise on fuel and knowledge on various items of petrol AVSM 1994 and lubricant he found out the corresponding western substitutes for Russian oils, resulting in colossal saving of foreign exchange in procuring the POL from sources abroad.

On assuming charge as Member (Air) Surplus Stores Disposal Committee, AVM SK Chaturvedi immersed himself in organizing global sales towards speedy disposal of inactive Air Force inventory. The sale was a resounding success wherein 30 tenders were sold at cost of US$ 0.6 million.

AVM SK Chaturvedi, VSM rose to the apex of logistics officer's career as Air Staff (Logistics) and in a short span, he underlined the needs of logistics discipline wherein he had set an example for other officers to emulate.

Air Vice Marshal Shishir Kumar Chaturvedi VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Krishna Bihari Singh (5865) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 26 May 1960.

He made a mark in the history of NCC wherein in April 1973, he successfully attempted cross country in glider for a distance of more than 300 kms. He was awarded VSM in 1973 for this unique achievement. He was AVSM 1994 awarded 'Vayu Seva Medal' in 1974 for distinguished service.

An A-2 Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI), he was specially selected to form part of Indian Contingent for training pilots in Iraq. After this tenure, he was posted as Chief Instructor at Elementary Flying School at Bidar. He has held the appointments of Chief Operations Officer of a Fighter Wing, Air Officer Commanding a forward base in Eastern Sector and JD Training at Air HQ.

As Air Officer Commanding of a Fighter Base, he was responsible for air maintenance, communications and the fighter flying training including that of famous 'Thunderbolts Formation Aerobatic Team'. The Air Officer Commanding of such a base has to perform the onerous task of ensuring safe, smooth and efficient conduct of varied operations, each characterized by its associated problems. That the “Thunderbolts Aerobatic Team" succeeded in increasing the number of aircraft from six to nine, is an indication of his managerial skill.

On his promotion as Air Vice Marshal, he took over his present appointment of Director General, Air Force and Naval Housing Board (AFNHB) in April 1992. The Board, at that time, was facing many legal suits filed by allottees, societies and contractors. AVM KB Singh by his personal efforts, leadership and determination, resolved most of the disputes of intricate nature. He effected strict economy in all spheres of activities thus bringing down the per unit cost of housing. He also ensured completion of long overdue final costing of completed projects in the minimum time which has resulted in substantial refunds to the allottees. These measures have not only benefited the allottees financially but also enhanced the prestige and creditably of AFNHB.

Air Vice Marshal Krishna Bihari Singh VM VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Sudhanshu Kumar Adaval VSM (6486) Medical was commissioned on 20 April 1982 with a post graduate degree in Pathology. In 1981 by virtue of his outstanding work in the field of laboratory services, he was awarded Fellowship in Laboratory Quality Control by World Health Organisation. A fellow of WHO he worked in prestigious laboratories in United Kingdom and United States of America. On promotion to the rank of Group Captain, he was appointed Senior Advisor (Pathology), he remained professor of Pathology in the Faculty of Pathology of Bangalore University between 1980 and 1989. His pioneering work in Aviation Accident Pathology has made aircraft accident investigation easier and has contributed to flight safety. He was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 1985 for his contribution to “Project Pawan" involving Indian Cosmonauts.

On promotion to the rank of Air Commodore he held the appointment of Officer Commanding of an Air Force Hospital in Eastern Sector.

He was posted to the key appointment of Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) on 10 Feb 92. AFCME is a prestigious institution in the field of aeromedical evolution of aircrew, both service and civil. During his Command he has brought about commendable changes worthy of recognition. By streamlining the evaluation system, open communication, positive health education, quick documentation and disposal, he has achieved a remarkable goal of aircrew friendly atmosphere. The institution, originally designed for only medical evaluation, has under his command, developed into a most sought after medical consultation and diagnostic center. He has generated an academic atmosphere and professional excellence amongst his staff by projecting and launching important research programmes under the aegis of Armed Forces Medical Research Committee and Defence Research and Development Organisation. With the goodwill developed through interaction at various levels, he has built up and constantly endeavoured to modernize the medical facilities.

Air Vice Marshal Sudhanshu Kumar Adaval VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Kapil Kak VSM (6784) F (N) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in November, 1962. He served with distinction as a Navigator in Transport, Bomber and Air Headquarters Communication Squadron. He has flown over 5000 hours and has held the highest transport category. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and National Defence College (NDC). The Air Officer has held a number of important and sensitive Staff and Command appointments wherein he always displayed rare professionalism and dedication. He was awarded VSM for distinguished service in 1981.

The Air Officer was specially chosen as a Directing Staff at DSSC in 1981, where he served for three years. In 1984 he was appointed as the Commanding Officer of a Missile Combat Wing in Central Sector. It was due to his relentless hard work and sense of motivation that he was able to effectively integrate the Wing into the total Air Defence network. During his Command of the wing, one of the 'Combat' Squadrons and a 'Technical' Sqn were adjudged the best in the Air Force.

In recognition of his outstanding service profile, the officer was selected as Military, Naval and Air Attaché (MN&AA) in Indian Embassy at Bangkok in 1986. The officer lost no time in coming to the grips with the realties of his new assignment and with his extraordinary abilities he performed superbly in the field of diplomatic domain. This is evident from the fact that the Thai Govt proposed the award of “Most Exalted Order of White Elephant" (Third Class - Commander) to Air Cmde Kapil Kak but this award could not be received by the officer as Service rules do not permit the same.

For his proven professional capabilities and remarkable mental stamina, the officer was chosen as Air Assistant to Chief of the Air Staff in Dec 90. His natural ability to interact most effectively with bureaucracy and interservices at the highest level has been the hallmark of his professional excellence. He has now worked as Air Assistant with two Chiefs of the Air Staff and has displayed unusual capacity to withstand the implicit stress of this assignment.

Air Commodore Kapil Kak, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Sanjiv Sahay VM & Bar (6139) Flying (Pilot) was Air Officer Commanding Air Force Station from 21 Apr 92 till his untimely demise in a fatal flying accident on 18 Apr 93. He was very distinguished and highly decorated fighter pilot with over 4000 hours of flying experience of which more than 2500 hrs were on the MiG 21 aircraft alone.

Jodhpur is the largest operational Wing in the Indian Air Force. There are six flying units at this base and on the average more than 800 hours are flown per month. There are at least two to three movements of outstation transport aircraft every day. In addition, there are other units like a radar unit, missile squadron, tropo unit, etc., for which the Station has to provide maintenance and administrative support to all these units is a colossal task and necessarily warrants close coordination to ensure smooth functioning of the organization. Air Cmde Sahay had deeply involved himself in not only meeting these requirements but also in the attaining the highest operational status of the Wing at all times.

Air Cmde Sahay was an exceptional leader who led from the front. The dynamism and organizational skills displayed by him were a source of inspiration to the entire station. As AOC, his interaction with the civilian functionaries was exceptional. It was mainly due to his untiring efforts that the environment committee at Jodhpur was able to make the civil administration agree to carry out work services worth nearly Rs. 25 lakhs for reducing bird hazard around the airfield area.

Air Commodore Sanjiv Sahay VM & Bar had, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Ashok Kumar Goel VM (8151) F (P) was commissioned in the IAF on 31 Dec 63 as a transport pilot. Due to his exceptional performance he was selected to lead a tem of officers and airmen to the erstwhile USSR in 1984 for training on IL-76 aircraft before their induction into the IAF. On his return he was appointed the Commanding Officer (CO) of the first Il-76 Sqn of the IAF. He was awarded Vayu Seva Medal (VM) in recognition of his achievements as CO. He is presently the Commodore Commandant of the sqn he commanded.

Air Cmde Goel has over 7500 hrs of flying and has held the highest category and instrument rating on most of the transport aircraft. His extra ordinary understanding of transport operations led to his appointment as Joint Director Operations (Transport and Maritime) at Air HQ. He was the think tank behind the meticulous planning and successful execution of Ops Cactus - a milestone in the Maldives Operations.

On promotion to Air Cmde, he was posted as Air Officer Commanding at AF Station Agra. Subsequently he was posted as Air Officer Commanding at Air Force Station Chandigarh on 22 Jun 92. He was specially selected to take over his present command when the station was recovering from the effects of a fatal mid­air collision involving two transport aircraft. Exhibiting rare qualities of leadership he ensured that the station was back on rails and fully operational within the shortest period. In doing so, he fully justified the confidence that the Air HQ had reposed in him. Under his able leadership the wing has performed exceptionally well. It has met all the commitments, including the air maintenance tasks. This has been done without any additional resources being provided to the wing. The Air Officer has the unique distinction of being the Air Officer Commanding of two major transport bases of the IAF. Besides his outstanding contributions in the field of aviation, Air Cmde Goel has organized many Air Force Day parades and a number of Air Force Sports Championships highly successfully.

Air Commodore Ashok Kumar Goel VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Yadavendra Singh VSM (6394) AE (M) was commissioned on 01 Dec 61 in the Engineering Branch of the IAF. Whilst being the Chief Engineering Officer at Air Force Station Halwara, he performed creditably and for the distinguished services rendered, he was awarded VSM in 1978. He has held the appointments of Command Engineering Officer at Western Air Command, Deputy Air Attaché to Embassy of India at Paris (France) and Command of No. 8 Base Repair Depot (BRD). He is a graduate of National Defence College. Air Cmde Y Singh was appointed the Air Officer Commanding of 11 BRD (Ozar) on 01 Mar 92. On taking over, he faced the challenge of overhauling 18 aircraft as against 12 overhauled during the previous year, in the face of uncertainty of availability of spares from the erstwhile USSR. He studied the task thoroughly and restructured the organization. With his managerial and organizational skills, he indigenized many spares and surpassed the target of overhauling task. This effort resulted in a large saving of precious foreign exchange.

In addition to overhauling of aircraft, he also undertook significant additional tasks of repairs and modifications to the aircraft and aircraft spares which resulted in improved operational and training capabilities.

All these tasks were achieved without any addition in manpower or other resources. Air Cmde Y Singh displayed ingenuity in administrative field and resolved the problem of acute shortage of married accommodation to a very large extent. In addition, he created hostel facilities for eight students, studying in professional colleges at Nasik. Under Air Cmde Y Singh's leadership, 11 BRD won the best BRD trophy for the year 92-93. He, with his foresight, accurate planning and perseverance, was able to provide a new purpose and direction to the personnel of 11 BRD, who rose to achieve the tasks which were difficult and challenging. Indigenisation, innovation and additional tasks undertaken under his guidance saved millions of rupees in foreign exchange.

Air Commodore Yadavendra Singh VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Shashindra Pal Tyagi VM (8130) was commissioned in the IAF on 31 Dec 63 as a fighter pilot. He has over 3020 hours of accident free flying experience on various types of fighter aircraft like the MiG 21 and Jaguar. He is a fighter pilot par excellence who underwent the Pilot Attack Instructor (PAI) course at early stage in his career and later completed the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course and was adjudged first in the overall order of merit. He was the first batch of trainees who went abroad for conversion onto Jaguar aircraft. He very ably commanded the Jaguar Squadron and was awarded VM in 1986 for exceptional devotion to duty. A graduate of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), he later served as Senior Instructor at DSSC for two years. He was specially chosen for the diplomatic assignment as Air Attaché in Embassy of India in Saudi Arabia.

Air Cmde SP Tyagi was appointed Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Jamnagar in Dec 90. During his tenure of two and half years, more than 26,270 hrs were flown and nearly 80 detachments of different flying units were handled by the station. It was mainly due to his personal involvement that all the detachments which operated from Jamnagar could achieve their task within the stipulated time frame. In May, 1992, the IAF specially selected Jamnagar to put the Night Fire Power Demonstration which was presided over by then Defence Minister, at Sarmat Range. The Night Fire Power Demonstration was the first of its kind in the history of IAF which required tremendous coordination both on the ground and in the air to ensure its success. This demonstration was conducted safely in the most professional manner due to his personal involvement.

Air Cmde Tyagi is a dynamic leader who, with his meticulous approach and analytical mind, produced excellent results in every aspect of operational preparedness. During inspection by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team, the station performed creditably in all three disciplines of Operations, Maintenance and Administration. This by itself is a unique achievement. During his command, the Air Force Station Jamnagar was adjudged the Best Wing of South Western Air Command for three consecutive years from 1991 to 1993.

Air Commodore Shashindra Pal Tyagi VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore Adi Rustomji Ghandhi, VrC (7722) F (P) was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 28 Oct 63. He has over 3600 of single engine jet flying to his credit. During his 30 years of commissioned service, he has held many important and prestigious field and staff appointments which include Command of a fighter squadron and staff pilot at 'Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment'. He has taken part in both the Indo-Pak war of 1965 and 1971. He was awarded Vir Chakra on 06 Sep 65.

Air Cmde Gandhi has been Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of a Fighter Base at Gawalior since 02 Dec 91. Throughout the period of Command he displayed total dedication to service and absolute involvement in all activities of the Base. His dynamic leadership has inspired the personnel to new heights of motivation and efficiency.

Both the Mirage Squadrons of the IAF along with a squadron each of Pechora and OSA-AK-M missiles are located at this base. The Electronic Warfare Range of the IAF conducts numerous trials and exercises with a view to evolve ECM and ECCM tactics. This Base and its lodger units have acquitted themselves admirably during all Command and Air Headquarters Exercises and also while undertaking specific tasks allocated to the Base. Visiting Inspection teams have adjudged the performance as of high caliber, which bespeaks of the high standards.

Under his able guidance the Base has created a Fourth Line Repair Model based on data generated for the last eight years to ensure better snag rectification. This Base has also developed user friendly software for Trouble Shooting Charts for various maintenance problems. Such technical innovations are a continuous activity at this Base.

Perforce, a large number of personnel have to live in civil areas at a considerable distance from the place of duty. Air Cmde Ghandhi has been able to galvanize local resources to run a number of general welfare activities and provide necessary amenities ease out the problems faced by the personnel and to improve the overall quality of life of all personnel.

Air Commodore Adi Rustomji Ghandhi, VrC has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Vice Marshal Anil Yashwant Tipnis VM (5859) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as fighter pilot on 28 May 60. He was first in his course and maintained this position on completion of the Pilot Attack Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader Courses. He is an alumnus of both the Defence Services Staff College and National Defence College. He commanded a fighter squadron (Sqn) during 1977-79 and was awarded Vayu Seva Medal for distinguished service in 1980.

The air Officer has held the important and sensitive appointments of Ops 1 A at HQ Western Air Command and Joint Director Air Defence at Air HQ. Because of his proven professional knowledge and capabilities, he was selected for a deputation to a friendly country to train their pilots. He was specially chosen to lead the Indian team on deputation to France for Mirage 2000 project during 1983-86.

On promotion to the rank of Air Commodore, he was appointed Air Officer Commanding of a major base in central sector. After completion of his command tenure, the Air Officer was appointed as Joint Director Personnel (Officers). On his promotion to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he was appointed as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Inspection). The Air Officer, with his vast experience and large bank of professional knowledge, set about revising the procedures and assessment criteria for the inspection of field units by the Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. He successfully completed the monumental task in a record time so that these could be implemented to ensure a more realistic assessment of the IAF's combat potential.

Air Vice Marshal Anil Yashwant Tipnis VM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Commodore S Pingali was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 28 Oct 83. He displayed exceptional talent for air combat and was selected to undergo fighter combat leader course at a very early stage. Subsequently he served on the staff of the prestigious 'Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment' (TACDE). In recognition of his exceptional professional abilities, he was deputed to a friendly country to train their pilots. He has been the Flight Commander and Commanding Officer of elite frontline fighter squadron. He has also commanded a major Air Defence Direction Centre responsible for the defence of a very vital area on the Western Front. He has been the Chief Operations Officer of a premier frontline fighter base and was specifically selected to fill the sensitive appointment of Air-1 at Western Air Command. On 09 Mar 92 he was appointed Air Officer Commanding of an important base in western sector.

The area around the base was affected by high militant activity and personnel and the facility at the base were potential targets. Air Cmde Pingali mustered the resources at his command and ensured the personnel, their families and the base facilities were well protected. Under his command the Air Force Station and its lodger units met all their operational tasks in the most professional and commendable fashion, and stood out amongst the very best. The station won the 'best fighter base' trophy of Western Air Command for two consecutive years 1992 and 1993. Additionally, the units based on the station won the 'best fighter squadron' and the 'best missile squadron' trophies of AVSM 1994 Western Air Command for the year 1992-93.

In Oct 92, WAC held a major exercise after a gap of four years. Air Cmde Pingali was assigned the task of planning and implementing the build up phase of the exercise. He undertook this Herculean task very systematically without any compromise on flight safety. He endeavoured and ensured the improvement in combat skills of the crew. It was largely due to this planning that the overall objectives of the main exercise were achieved most convincingly.

Air Commodore Sitaramaiah Pingali has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.