Group Captain Shakti Bhushan Prasher (12442) AE (M) is commanding No. 8 Base Repair Depot since 09 Oct 95. He is a versatile and innovative Engineer who has constantly exhibited a very high degree of professionalism and technical acumen throughout his career.

During his tenure in a Squadron, operating state-of-the art combat aircraft of the IAF, he had accepted the challenge to modify the air intakes of the aircraft against the advice of the manufacturers to ferry the aircraft abroad for this modification. The task was executed to perfection on all aircraft of the fleet and thus a very large amount of foreign exchange drain was averted. As Senior Engineering Officer with Air HQ Communication Squadron, his recommendations on periodicity of Check II servicing of Boeing-737 aircraft resulted in substantial savings to the Exchequer. During his tenure as Senior Engineering Officer, the Squadron completed approximately 25,000 flying hours without any incident or accident on three different variants of aircraft used for conveyance of VVIPs. For distinguished services rendered, he was commended by the Chief of the Air Staff on 26 Jan 94. Under his command, No. 8 Base Repair Depot has recorded all round improvement in production, administration and environmental upgradation. Under his direction, the Depot has completed four Vehicle Re-engineering Projects with available infrastructure and expertise, which has enabled them to complete overhaul of a number of vehicles lying unserviceable for many years. With sustained hard work, he has inspired personnel under him to improve technical practices, develop new concepts and innovative methods towards achieving a high standard of performance.

For distinguished service of high order, the President is pleased to award "Vishisht Seva Medal" to Group Captain Shakti Bhushan Prasher.

Group Captain Virender Mohan Khanna (5071) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) was commissioned on 25 Jul 1977 in Engineering Branch of the IAF. In 27 years of distinguished service, he has held several important appointments that include Commanding Officer of a Base Repair Depot (BRD), Chief of Aircraft at another BRD, Chief Engineering Officer at two Flying Bases, Air Staff Inspector of Air Headquarter and Senior Technical Officer of two Indian Expeditions to Antarctica. He is a graduate from Defence Services Staff College.

As Senior Technical Officer of the Indian expeditions to Antarctica, the stellar role played by the officer is evident from the success of both the expeditions. As Chief Engineering Officer at two Flying Bases, his engineering acumen ensured accident-free flying during his tenure. Also, as Chief of Aircraft at a Helicopter BRD, his professional ism and managerial ability resulted in enhan ced production which increased helicopter availability in the IAF. He was also pivotal in preparing helicopters for the UN Mission in record time of four weeks. Production landmarks of 450 Mi-8 helicopters and 100 Mi-17 helicopters were achieved during his tenure as Chief of Aircraft.

Gp Capt Khanna took over as Commanding Officer of a BRD on 01 Nov 03. On taking over, he focused on increasing in-house capability for repair and overhaul of certain Ground Support Equipment and Aircraft Support Vehicles which were so far being outsourced to civil market at considerable cost. As a result, the Depot now overhauls all types of aircraft jacks, saving the exchequer nearly Rs. 8 lakh annually. This facility is now being duplicated at two more Bases to reduce transportation time of these jacks from field units to this BRD, thus aiming to reduce meantime-to-repair (MTTR).

His thrust on inventory control has saved Rs. 90.28 lakh during 2003-04 in locally controlled financial heads. Further, his emphasis on indigenisation has resulted in development of key spares for Aircraft Arrester Barrier System, various Aircraft Support Vehicles and their engines, and for the complex clutch-booster for Crash Fire Tender, thus saving phenomenal amount in rupees and FFE both. His Mini-Skunk Squadron at the Depot has designed and manufactured numerous items of engineering utility, and has mobilized over 700 lines of non-moving stores, thus retrieving nearly Rs. 13.5 lakh. Moved by his motivation drive to be self-reliant, the Depot personnel have also commenced tinkering and painting of service vehicles, which were so far being outsourced, this would save the exchequer about Rs. 8 lakh annually.

For his distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Virender Mohan Khanna.