Junior Warrant Officer Radhakrishnan Nair was enrolled in the Indian Air Force in Jul 66. He has been working in the office of SMSO of HQ SAC since 01 Oct 84. He has been associated with setting up of Maintenance Branch offices since its formation of the Command in July 1984. The contribution of the JWO in establishing the various sections of the Maintenance Branch during the initial stages is significant. His dedication to duty is exemplary.

JWO Radhakrishnan Nair was attached to a Wing in Jan 87 under the augmentation plan. He was detailed to work in the CR&SS of Vijay aircraft keeping in view his past experience and training in this type of aircraft. JWO Radhakrishnan Nair acquainted himself thoroughly with the task in hand in the electrical section without loss of time. He applied his professional skill and determined efforts to improve serviceability of aircraft. His simultaneously trained the tradesmen in the electrical section on fault diagnosis and rectification.

For his exceptional professional knowledge, devotion to duty and significant contribution towards setting up of Headquarters Southern Air Command Engineering Sections from scratch, the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to JWO Radhakrishnan Nair.

Group Captain Avinash Chander Chopra, VM (7604) Flying (Pilot) has been posted as Air-II at Headquarters Southern Air Command for the last three years.

As Air-II, Gp Capt AC Chopra is responsible for planning coordinating and executing of transport and helicopter operations in the geographical jurisdiction of HQ SAC.

Sometimes in May 87 it became apparent that large scale transport/helicopter operations will be required in Sri Lanka. The officer was entrusted with this task and he worked diligently to achieve the requisite infrastructure to support such large scale envisaged operations. Facilities were crated at Thanjavur and Trichurapally. These two locations were such where no Air Force elements existed. His efforts enabled the initial induction and operations of large scale helicopter and transport operations in a very satisfactory manner.

He maintained close liaison with maintenance personnel to ensure that all the twenty five helicopters placed at the disposal of HQ SAC are serviced promptly to ensure

availability of maximum number of helicopters at all times.

For unflinching devotion to duty, meticulous planning continuous prolonged involvement the President is pleased to award Vishisht Seva Medal to Gp Capt A C Chopra VM.

Wing Commander Madusoodanan Nair Jayakumaran Thampi (16632) was commissioned in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force on 11 Dec 1981. He has rendered active service in a number of front line air support transport squadrons and has flown over 4500 hours on various aircraft. He is also a Qualified Flying Instructor. Through out his service career, Wg Cdr MJK Thampi has shown exemplary devotion to duty and has been twice awarded commendation by the Chief of Air Staff in 1993 and 1995.

Since 12 May 1998 Wg Cdr MJK Thampi has been performing of the duties of Commanding Officer Southern Air Command (Unit). During his tenure as the OC (Unit), he under took the challenging task of shifting the Command Headquarters from its temporary location in Trivandrum City. He painstakingly supervised various work services and ensured their timely completion within the budgetary constraints, thus facilitating smooth relocation. This ensured that a Command became functional and operational within the shortest possible period.

While at the temporary location all Air Force personnel were being accommodated at hired/reimbursed houses in civil area. Due to Wg Cdr Thampi's tireless drive and close supervision, construction of married quarters for officers and airmen were completed in record time. Not just that but a number of other amenities were created for the welfare of the personnel and their families, which perceptibility improved the quality of life for the personnel of Southern Air command. Due to his excellent liaison work with civil administrative authorities Wg Cdr Thampi ensured timely completion of the laying of new water pipe-lines and power-lines, thereby facilitating uninterrupted power and water supply to HQ Southern Air Command and its lodger units.

Wg Cdr MJK Thampi, by his ingenuity and administrative acumen, has contributed significantly to relocation of the Command Headquarters as well as the overall improvements in the quality of life for all personnel.

For his dedication and distinguished service, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander MJK Thampi.