Wing Commander AK Chowdhary was commissioned in the Administrative Branch on 13 Jul 74. He has held the appointments of Senior Air Traffic Control Officer, Chief Administrative Officer (C Adm O) of a forward base in the East and Staff Officer Provost at HQ Central Air Command. He was appointed C Adm O of Air Force Station Uttarlai (Barmer) in Feb 95.

Wg Cdr Chowdhary immediately undertook completion of many pending tasks and he quickly appreciated the quantum and nature of works requiring immediate attention. He also undertook many new schemes to improve the various station infrastructures with extreme economy and exceptional speed. Under his supervision and able guidance, fire hazards and bird menace reduced drastically, thereby improving flying and security environment of the station. He also systematically improved airfield environm ent and in time availability of the airfield for flying during all seasons. Wg Cdr Chowdhary managed to accomplish these difficult tasks using existing resources and without any additional expenditure. He gave a new impetus to the various Non Public Funds of the station and achieved a record growth. He also ensured that welfare projects were never short of funds. He provided full administrative support to numerous detach ments of fighter and helicopter units and worked long hours to ensure their comfort.

For distinguished services of a high order, the President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wg Cdr AK Chowdhary.

Group Captain SBS Paul (11857) F (P) was commissioned in the Indian Air Force on 29 Dec 68. The Officer assumed the Command of 5 FBSU on 09 Mar 96.

The efficient conduct of station level operational training activations has enhanced base preparedness which was realistically demonstrated during a Command level Exercise 'Gujraj' in Jan 97. His thorough planning and SOPs for CRC-II network resulted in an effective air defence organisation in that sector. Using the existing infrastructure the Base gave prompt support to the outstation flying detachments for Ex 'Maru Prahar', Ex 'Vayu Shakti' and annual Pokhran range air-toground armament training.

Stressing the need for safe flying operations, he has initiated large-scale maint enance on runway, taxi tracks and all manoeuvring areas of the base. He vigorously persued the case for the acquisition of land for the alternate runway project. He also took timely steps to implement the antiflood, drainagechannel scheme. His liaison with the local Army and BSF Units as also close rapport with the local civil administration and Police force has aided in the security of the base. He ensured speedy completion of the Airmen living-in accommodation. Further, a total recasting of local welfare ventures has taken place with the creation of facilities such as play school, market complex, evening tutorial classes which has helped to raise the morale of station personnel. There has been visible and systematic improvement in Base operational capability, rise in living standards and general well being of personnel at this remotely located base in Rajasthan.

For his total dedication to the Service and outstanding performance, the President is pleased to award the "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain SBS Paul.