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Awardee List for the 78 Sqn
 Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gp Capt | Shouvik Roy 16088 F(P) | Unit : No.78 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 26 Jan 05 | |
| Details : |  Group Captain Shouvik Roy (16088) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 15 Jun 1980. He is Commanding Officer of the first Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA) squadron of the IAF since 16 Dec 02. A Qualified Flying Instructor with more than 7000 hours of flying experience in multifarious roles, he has held several important appointments that include Instructor at Flying Instructors School, Chief Flying Instructor at Basic Flying Training School arid Commanding Officer of South Western Air Command Communication Flight.As the first Commanding Officer of the squadron with newly acquired force multiplier aircraft, he had a series of arduous and challenging tasks ahead of him. Leading from the front and working tirelessly for long hours much beyond the call of duty, Gp Capt Roy ensured that the squadron was fully operational with its role in the shortest possible time. This involved extensive coï·“ordination with various Fighter Squadrons, Stations, Command HQ and Air HQ to be followed by sorties of long duration with a variety of fighter aircraft. With his inï·“depth knowledge and sound professionalism he formalised various operating procedures, which are being regularly practiced to exploit the immense potential of the FRA. While expanding the scope of FRA utilisation, he has effectively dovetailed the training of newly inducted aircrew. His relentless efforts have added the midï·“air refuelling capability, which the IAF was proud to showcase during the Air Force Day and also on the Republic Day. His professional competence, administrative acumen and leadership qualities make him a role model for everyone to emulate.For his exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award Vayu Sena Medal to Group Captain Shouvik Roy. | ||||
| Reference: | Gazette of India dated 9th April 2005 - No.28-Pres/2005 dated 26th January 2005 & AFD2005 Investiture | ||||
 Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) | |||||
| Sqn Ldr | Tapesh Shankar 20444 F(P) | Unit : No.78 Squadron | Award Date 17 Oct 04 | Announced 15 Aug 05 | |
| Details : |  Squadron Leader Tapesh Shankar (20444) Flying (Pilot) is on the posted strength of a FRA Squadron since 1 (5 Dec 2002. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, holding Cat/IR B Master Green on IL- 78 MKI aircraft.On 17 Oct 2004 Sqn Ldr Shankar was detailed to fly from Trivandrum to Mauritius as part of Ex Golden Eagle. After an hour and fifteen minutes of flying at an altitude of 28,000 feet over the Indian Ocean in adverse weather conditions, the main hydraulic system of the aircraft failed. In addition, as the aircraft was manoeuvred to turn, the right spoiler, which assists in turning the aircraft, got stuck in the extended position. It led to a serious multiple emergency situations in which prompt actions and careful handling of the ac was imperative. He tackled the emergency in a very calm and professional manner and decided to return to Trivandrum. He flew the complete route manually, as the autopilot was not able to hold the existing excessive control forces. The control forces were so high that he had to fly with the control column deflected to the left by almost 70 degrees and also use his knees to hold it in the required position. On the final approach for landing at Trivandrum, as the speed was reduced to approach speed, the aircraft started side-slipping and became almost uncontrollable, because of the reduced effectiveness of ailerons vis-a-vis the spoilers. Sqn Ldr Shankar understood the cause of the difficulty and immediately increased speed till just short of touch down to counter the sideslip by flying with cross controls and executed a perfect landing. In the absence of the main hydraulic system, wheel-braking effectiveness was also reduced. The handling of the emergency by him illustrates his professional competence and knowledge of IL-78 aircraft systems. Prompt actions taken by him explicitly endorse his presence of mind and exceptional situational awareness. By smoothly recovering a disabled aircraft in adverse weather and in extremely difficult and trying conditions. ik; saved a strategic asset and valuable lives on board.For this act of gallantry, competence and demonstration of professional excellence, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)' to Squadron Leader Tapesh Shankar. | ||||
| Reference: | Gazette of India dated 26th November 2005 - No.130-Pres/2005 dated 15th August 2005 & AFD2006 Investiture | ||||
| Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) | |||||
| Gp Capt | Kulkarni Raghavendra 17161 F(P) | Unit : No.78 Squadron | Award Date | Announced 26 Jan 07 | |
| Details : |  Group Captain Kulkarni Raghavendra (17161) F (P) was commissioned as a pilot in the flying branch on 28 May 83. He has held several appointments as an Air Force Examiner, CO of the Communication Flight, HQ TC, Flight Commander and CO of IL-78 Squadron. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College and is a qualified flying instructor having flown over 7000 hours of accident free flying. His sustained hard work and selfless commitment has earned him commendations by the AOC-in-C, TC in Jan 92, AOC-in-C, EAC in Aug 93 and CAS in Jan 03. He was posted as the flight commander of the first Flight Refueller Sqn. He faced the daunting task of exacting diverse missions related to the new role of Air to Air Refuelling (AAR) operations, involving planning and coordination with a variety of agencies. His professional competence and planning abilities contributed immensely in a large number of operators of the unit gaining their operational status, and ensuring safe conduct of AAR operations in a variety of scenarios. He was instrumental in the planning and execution of two international exercises viz. Ex Cooperative Cope Thunder and Ex Golden Eagle in which the unit successfully participated earning accolades from all quarters. The officer's contribution as flight commander of the fledgling unit was highly noteworthy. This laid a strong foundation for the unit to undertake multifarious tasks successfully, resulting in him assuming command of the Sqn. Under his stewardship, the unit has strengthened its operational capability as also other facets of operations, demonstrating its professionalism during international exercise Garuda, and also during the inspection by Directorate of Air Staff. His compassion and leadership qualities have seen all personnel of the unit trying to emulate him in the best interest of the service. For exceptional devotion to duty, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vayu Sena Medal' to Group Captain Kulkarni Raghavendra. | ||||
| Reference: | Gazette of India dated 17th March 2007. No.90-Pres/2007 dated 26th January 2007 | ||||