Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
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AVM | Gordon Peter D'Souza 10984 LGS | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Vice Marshal D'Souza is an upright and honest officer who has high degree of professional excellence and perserverance in marshalling the limited resources available to achieve various tasks. Since his arrival at HQ Maintenance Command, he has exhibited a single-minded devotion to enhance the work ethos of his personnel. His leadership and professionalism has contributed immensely in fine tuning logistics management activities of the Equipment Depot and Base Repair Depots. His concerted efforts have raised the performance level of EDs/BRDs, and also generated a saving of Rs. 11 Crores in local and central purchase. Disposal of non-moving inventory has increased and continued pursuance and efforts have fructified in 47446 lines identified as useful. AVM D'Souza has laid special emphasis on monitoring and control of provisioning activities to ensure availability of spares and serviceability of aircraft fleet. As a result of his initiative availability of spares has improved at all levels. Also critical examination of the projections of spares based on comprehensive assessments has resulted in saving valuable foreign exchange. Movement of stores to operational units has been speeded up through civil courier contracts at depots for items weighing more than 35 Kgs, cutting transit time. Under his guidance, the Central Purchase Cell at HQ MC has addressed critical shortage of clothing by ensuring strict vendor discipline and timely supply increasing satisfaction of airmen's entitlement. Air Vice Marshal Gordon Peter D'Souza has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
AVM | Arvind Kumar Nagalia 11633 F(P) | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Vice Marshal Arvind Kumar Nagalia VM VSM (11633) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 02 Jun 67. During his 36 years of service career he has held important and challenging staff and field appointments, which include Commanding Officer of a maritime Jaguar Sqn, Joint Director Air Staff Requirements at Air HQ, Air Attaché at Kiev, Ukraine, Director Projects at Air HQs, Commandant Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) and Director NFTC. He is a qualified Flying Instructor. He has undergone Advance Staff Course at UK. He is also an alumnus of National Defence College (NDC). He was awarded VSM in 1985 and VM in 1993. Presently he is holding the appointment of Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Planning) at Air HQs since 16 Sep 02. Throughout his service career and especially so when holding criteria appointment he has been the epitome of professionalism, probity and personal integrity. During a very difficult phase, through forethought, effective intervention and persistent efforts, he resolved vexatious issues of product support, settlement of warranty claims and on site training personnel not only of the IAF but also of the Army, DRDO and Defence PSUs. This had a significant impact on the maintenance of operational preparedness. During his tenure as Commandant ASTE, a record number of difficult trials involving complex systems were carried safely and effectively. Whilst being the Project Director NFTC, he was instrumental in formulating overall Flight Test Plan for the Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft). Appointed ACAS (Plans) Air HQ in Sep 02, he was responsible in breaking the deadlock between the Russians and Israelis in the integration of a major weapon system for the Su-30 MK I project. His close interaction with officials of Ministry of Defence, DRDO and Defence PSUs, unbiased and professional advice and budgetary issued as well as a truly long term perspective have facilitated clearance of a large number of projects in a reasonably short time frame. Air Vice Marshal Arvind Kumar Nagalia VM VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
AVM | Balatikalandra Uthaiah Chengappa 12112 AEL | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Vice Marshal Balatikalndra Uthaiah Chengappa, VSM (12112) was commissioned in the Engineering Branch of the IAF on 05 Jan 70. He has undergone training abroad on Mi-25 aircraft and has successfully carried out armament trials without the assistance of the Russian warranty team. During his service of 33 years he has held various important appointments, which include Commanding Officer (CO) of Guided Weapon Training Institute (GWTI), Joint Director Signal/Eng at Air HQ, CO MiG-23/27 Technical Type Training School (TETRA), Chief Engineering Officer at Fighter Training Wing (FTW) and AOC of a BRD. He was awarded VSM in 1996 for consistently maintaining the ageing Iskra fleet at more than 99% serviceability through high levels of involvement and innovativeness. Presently, he is the Senior Maintenance Staff Officer of Central Air Command since Jan 03. As Air Officer Commanding of one of the premier systems BRDs, with his proactive approach he was successful in not only identifying and obtaining crores worth of Pechora systems from Tajikistan but also recovering the Cat 'D' Pechora combat flight through extended medium repairs to provide additional combat flight for Air Defence during Op Parakarm. As Senior Maintenance Staff Officer (SMSO) of Central Air Command he has brought in positive change in the ethos and work culture both at command as well as in the field units. He has brought all round improvements in aircraft activities and system functioning. His innovative approach in focusing on maintenance and flight safety has contributed immensely towards the promotion of safety consciousness in bases both in flying and nonflying environments. With his initiative and personal liaison with Public Sector Undertaking (PSUs), ADRDE and Air HQ AVM Chengappa has been able to achieve quality improvements in both aircraft serviceability and systems functioning. Under his technical leadership, Central Air Command has been able to bring up the Jaguar, AN-32 & IL-76 serviceability, provide thrust for further exploitation of Mirage capability, plan for smooth induction of Su-30 MK I, focus earnestly on multi-skilling and induct smoothly the Fighter Reconnaissance Aircraft (FRA) Sqn in spite of various constraints. Air Vice Marshal Balatikalndra Uthaiah Chengappa, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
AVM | Jayant Satchidanand Apte 11900 AEL | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Vice Marshal Jayant Satchidanand Apte (11900) was commissioned on 30 Dec 68 in the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) Branch of the IAF. In his 34 years of distinguished career, he has held a number of important appointments, such as Chief Engineering Officer (CEO), Command Signals Officer (CSO) and Deputy Senior Maintenance Staff Officer (Dy SMSO) at Western Air Command (WAC), Eastern Air Command (EAC) and Maintenance Command (MC) respectively. He has been Air Officer Commanding of AF Station Kanpur, the largest Maintenance base in the IAF. Presently he is the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Engineering) at Air HQ. As the CEO he contributed to the achievement of high level of serviceability of fighter ac and other systems. Under his leadership, the Station was adjudged best in maintenance for two consecutive years. As CEO at HQ WAC, he provided direction and guidance to all the bases under WAC, operating different types of weapon systems. He also successfully coordinated various maintenance requirements of three Trishul Exercises. Whilst being CO of ADGESTI AVM Apte brought about a tremendous change in the training philosophy by introduction of IT tools for training. While serving as CSO EAC, he standardized instal lation of exchanges and other communication systems resulting in better operational preparedness. As AOC of Air Force Station Kanpur AVM Apte motivated the officers and personnel to perform together as a team. Under his leadership the Station had much higher production than the allotted tasks in overhauling of AN32 and various types of aero-engines in the two production years. He successfully led life extension study teams on AN-32 aircraft, rotables and Viper aero-engines resulting in enhanced availability of fleet. AS Dy SMSO at HQ MC he has been able to coordinate maintenance activities of BRDs efficiently resulting in timely completion of task. During the Aero India 2003, he coordinated the display of items at the Maintenance Command stall which evoked keen interest from representatives of various business houses. Air Vice Marshal Jayant Satchidanand Apte has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
Air Cmde | Pravesh Kumar 12411 F(P) | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Commodore Pravesh Kumar (12411) F (P) was commissioned as a transport pilot on 13 Jan 70. He has over 5900 hours of accident free flying. He has commanded a Pechora Squadron, an IL-76 Squadron and two flying stations prior to his present assignment as Air Officer Commanding of a transport aircraft base since 01 Dec 01. He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College. Air Cmde Kumar set about achieving excellence in all facets of the Station soon after taking over command. He ensured that despite lower serviceability, the squadrons fulfilled all tasks in Op Parakram. The flying units also displayed significant improvements in their qualification and operational status. Several modifications, innovations and selfhelp projects were carried out under his able leadership. As a result the Station has been declared the best in Maintenance for two consecutive years. In 2003, the Station has been selected to represent Eastern Air Command in the competition for selection as the Air Traffic Service provider in the IAF. He has embodied every trait of an air warrior. He has ensured a clean and healthy working and domestic environment, carried out camp beautification with optimal utilization of available assets and provided the maximum welfare requirements within service resources. Air Commodore Pravesh Kumar has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
Air Cmde | Shakti Bhushan Prashar 12442 AEM | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Commodore Shakti Bhushan Prashar, VSM (12442) was commissioned in the Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) Branch of the IAF on 06 Jan 70. During his career of over 33 years, he has successfully held important appointments such as Senior Engineering Officer (SEO) at Air HQs Communication Squadron, Chief of Functional Wing at Base Repair Depot (BRD), CO of a BRD and HQ Central Air Command (CAC). He was awarded VSM in 1998. The officer was the Air Officer Commanding of a BRD prior to his retirement on 30 Sep 03. During his tenure at AF Station Gawlior, he accepted the challenge to modify the air intakes of Mirage 2000 ac against the advice of the manufacturer to ferry the aircraft abroad for retro modification. As SEO with Air HQ Communication Squadron, his recommendation on servicing of Boeing-737 aircraft resulted in substantial saving to the exchequer. As CEO HQ MC, he controlled all maintenance related matters in respect of the fighter fleet of IAF besides direct control of production activities of two BRDs. The project managed by him included indigenous development of overhaul technology for MiG-29 ac, Total Technical Extension Project for MiG-29 ac, Life Extension of MiG-25 ac, Viper Aero-engines and Avionic Modification. His qualities of leadership, man management and administrative acumen came to the fore while commanding a BRD. His untiring efforts in providing transparent pro-active administration resulted in improved morale, excellent work culture and higher production outputs. In functional areas, he guided the production, indigenization and logistics management activities of the BRD. As a result the depot was assessed as Best Depot during the last year. Air Commodore Shakti Bhushan Prashar, VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
Air Cmde | Vivek Kumar Chopra 12752 F(P) | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Commodore Vivek Kumar Chopra VSM (12752) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 12 Jun 71. During his illustrious career he has over 4000 hrs of flying on front line fighters. Having qualified as Flying Instructor and Fighter Combat Leader he was especially selected as Directing Staff at Tactics and Combat Development and Training Establishment (TACDE). He has successfully commanded a Fighter Squadron and was also Flying Inspector at Directorate of Air Staff Inspection. Air Commodore Chopra has the distinction of Commanding two highly operational and sensitive forward based in the Western sector. During his tenure at Sirsa, the Station was declared the best operational air base of Western Air Command. As AOC, AF Station Pathankot, he met the exacting task of induction and de-induction of fighter, attack helicopter and Surface to Air Guided Weapon (SAGW) Squadrons at a very short notice on declaration of Op Parakram. His exemplary leadership and tireless effort ensured flawless execution of the complex task in least pos sible time. Air Cmde Chopra was appointed as Director Operations (Air Defence) on 18 Mar 02. In a short span of one and half year he, with his perseverance and go-getter attitude ensured that conceptual ideas such as JCAS Op from Palam or Bison Detachment at Ozar were put into action. Formulation and implementation of operational requirements for various SAGW systems were streamlined. During this period the procedure for optimum exploitation of Su-30 MK I and Bison ac were also evolved. A number of Tri-Services contentious issues related to Air Defence were resolved through various study groups. He proved his exceptional managerial quality by organizing the first ever Tri-Services Air Defence Seminar, which was applauded by participants of all the three Services. Air Commodore Vivek Kumar Chopra VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
Air Cmde | Dhiraj Kukreja 13130 F(P) | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Commodore Dhiraj Kukreja VSM (13130) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the IAF on 24 Jun 72. During his 31 years of distinguished service, he has held a number of challenging staff appointments, which include Joint Director Operations (Transport) at Air HQ. He has undergone a Fellowship Programme at the National Defence University in Washington DC, USA from Jun 2000 to Jun 2001. He has been conferred a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from National War College of the same University. Presently he is the Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Yelahanka since 14 Jul 01. As the Joint Director Operations (Transport) in Air HQ, Air Cmde D Kukreja initiated several projects for the IAF, which are now bearing fruit. In 1999, he was a member of a delegation to Russia, Ukraine and Uzbekistan to select and finalize the Fight Refueller Aircraft (FRA) requirement for the Air Force. He also led the first-ever participating team of the IAF, to South Africa for a UN Peacekeeping Exercise along with the Indian Army and Navy. As the officiating Director Ops (T&H), he single-handedly planned and organized the airlift of army and air force units to the war front during Kargil operations in May 1999. As Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station, Yelahanka, he has ensured that the task of training of aircrew on transport aircraft and Mi-8 helicopters is undertaken with the emphasis on quality and timely completion, despite the constraints in available resources. Aero India 2003 was held at AF Stn Yelahanka 05-09 Feb 03. This involved a mammoth task, Air Cmde Kukreja streamlined all planning and procedures for the Air Show. Apart from meeting the training tasks, Air Cmde Kukreja has also led his team of officers and airmen to the additional responsibilities entrusted to the Station. He successfully conducted two mini-Air Shows on the occasion of Air Force Day celebrations in Sep 01 and Oct 02. The latter show was witnessed by as many as 35000-4000 persons. Air Commodore Dhiraj Kukreja VSM has, thus, distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
Air Cmde | Sanjay Kumar Jayaswal 13134 F(P) | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Commodore Sanjay Kumar Jayaswal VM (13134) F (P) was commissioned on 24 Jun 72 as a fighter pilot. In 31 years of distinguished service he has held several important command and staff appointments that include Directing Staff (DS) at Tactics and Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) and Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Flying Inspector in Dte of Air Staff Inspection (DSAI), Commanding Officer of a fighter Squadron and Air Attaché in High Commission of India at Islamabad (Pakistan). He was awarded VM in 1994. Air Cmde SK Jayaswal was appointed Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station, Halwara on 03 Sep 2001. On taking over, he faced the challenge of ensuring high availability of an ageing aircraft of the three fighter squadrons based in the Station. He studied the situation thoroughly, introduced innovative measures to achieve this task even in the face of uncertainty in availability of spares, and limited manpower. He also ensured that other supporting equipment and infrastructure were maintained to a higher standard and serviceability. Under his guidance and leadership the Station was awarded the trophy for best Station in Maintenance in WAC for the year 2002. In Dec 2001, at the outset of 'Op Prakaram' a large number of aircraft and personnel, over and above the existing war plans were inducted into the Station. The Station, under his leadership and guidance, ensured smooth, safe and efficient induction inspite of the adverse weather conditions. All additional Squadrons were accommodated and were fully operational in the shortest possible time. His clear vision, articulation of IAF goals, and transparency in functioning transformed the Station working culture, fostering an environment of trust, well being and professional pride. The entire period of 'Op Parakarm' and thereafter was marked by exceptional morale, camaraderie and offensive spirit, despite the harsh conditions. This was aptly recognized, when the Station was awarded the Best overall in WAC for the year 2002. Air Commodore Sanjay Kumar Jayaswal VM has, thus, distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
Air Cmde | Ram Rattan Bhardwaj 13337 AEM | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Air Commodore Ram Rattan Bhardwaj, VSM (13337) AE (M) was commissioned in Engineering Branch of the IAF. He has held several field and staff appointments and has been associated with induction of three types of aircraft into the IAF. He was commended by the CAS in 1979 during MiG-21 BIS induction and was awarded VSM for successful setting up of MiG-29 overhaul facilities under most trying conditions. Presently, he is the Commanding Officer of a Base Repair Depot (BRD) dealing with MiG-23 and MiG29 since 23 Sep 02. As Chief Engineering Officer of a fighter base he ensured large number of improvements during Su-30 induction, through total involvement and through professionalism and also recovered more than ten MiG-29 aircraft lying on ground for prolonged periods. As Commanding Officer of a BRD, he brought in visible improvements in work culture and quality of output, stepped up production and gave focused approach to indigenization. At the time of commencement of Op Parakarm, only two aircraft had been ferried out by the BRD against a task of 20 aircraft. He analyzed the situation, regrouped his team and motivated them to accept the challenge. As a result, for the first time in the history of IAF all 20 aircraft under task were ferried out to field units by 31 Mar 2003. The numbers of Aircraft on Ground were brought down to 48 for MiG-29 and 77 for MiG-23. This has been possible due to various innovative means like, redesigning, reclamation, modification and focused approach to indigenization. This has also resulted in saving of crores of Rupees in foreign exchange and improved availability of aircraft in field units. During the period he has also improved the effectiveness and efficiency of the BRD by bringing administration to the doorstep and vastly improved logistics management. Air Commodore Ram Rattan Bhardwaj, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||
Ati Vishist Seva Medal | |||||
Gp Capt | Jasvinder Chauhan 14079 F(P) | Unit : -N.A.- | Award Date 26 Jan 04 | Announced 26 Jan 04 | |
Details : | Group Captain Jasvinder Chauhan VSM (14079) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned as a fighter Pilot in the IAF on 07 Jun 75. He has held several important command and staff appointments that include command of a fighter squadron and a radar unit. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor with A2 category and has flown over 3400 h accident free flying. He has undergone staff course in the USA. While at Directorate of Flight Safety, his contribution as a member of Accident Investigation Boards has been significant. Gp Capt Chauhan took over the command of Air Force Station Jaisalmer on 19 Nov 01. Normally the Station does not have any flying Sqn. However, due to Op Parkaram the Station supported and operated nearly three Sqns of fighter ac and several other radar units for over a year. Extended and extensive flying operations were undertaken by the Station without any accidents/ incidents. Inspite of adverse weather conditions due to high temperature and sandy environment, the Station under the able guidance of Gp Capt Chauhan provided excellent support and facilities to all the visiting Sqns. A newly raised Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Sqn was also inducted into the base on a permanent basis, which was smoothly deployed and oeprationalised. The Pokhran range which is also under the control of the Station was continuously extensively utilized by a large number of Sqns of the IAF for armament work. Many live trials were undertaken by Aircraft System Testing Establishment (ASTE) and specialized Sqns for which the Station provided timely technical support. Soon after Op Parakram, Directorate of Air Staff Inspection team visited the Station and graded it 'Average Plus' in all the three facets namely operations, administration and maintenance. Under the leadership and personal involvement of Gp Capt Chauhan the Station has done exceedingly well in al the command level exercises and has met all tasks and goals. All out efforts have been made to keep the Station clean and improve the quality of life of personnel. There has been an all around improvement and the motivation level and the discipline of the personnel has always remained high. Group Captain Jasvinder Chauhan VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order. | ||||
Reference: | Gazette of India Notification Dated : 26 Jan 2004 Number: | ||||