General Bipin Rawat confers the ‘president’s commission’ To 139 flight cadets at air force academy

Hyderabad, Dec 15 (Maxim News): The amber sky dawned sagely over Air Force Academy, Dundigal to witness the grand Combined Graduation Parade here on Saturday, which marked the momentous occasion of the passing out of 139 trainees as Flying Officers of the Indian Air Force which included 24 women officers.

The ceremony also marked commissioning of another woman fighter pilot, Flying Officer Priya Sharma, in the IAF. This solemn event was graced by General Bipin Rawat, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Yudh Seva Medal, Sena Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Aide- De- Camp, Chief of the Army Staff. As the Reviewing Officer of the parade, he conferred the ‘President’s Commission’ to the graduating Flight Cadets who successfully completed their basic and professional training.

The Reviewing Officer was received at the venue by Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria Param, Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vayu Sena Medal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command and Air Marshal AS Butola, Vayu Sena Medal, Vishist Seva Medal, Commandant Air Force Academy. The Reviewing Officer was accorded a ceremonial salute by the parade followed by an impressive march past. The highpoint of the parade was the ‘Pipping Ceremony’. The Flight Cadets were awarded their ‘Stripes’ (Air Force rank) by the Chief Guest, the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Training Command and Commandant Air Force Academy. They were then administered the ‘Oath’ by the Commandant of the Academy in the presence of the Chief Guest and other dignitaries. On this occasion, 15 officers of Indian Navy and Coast Guard were also awarded their ‘Wings’ on successful completion of flying training from Air Force Academy. Indian Air Force routinely trains members of other services and para-military forces in basic aviation and related courses at Air Force Academy.

General Bipin Rawat, the Reviewing Officer after pipping ceremony gave away various awards to the Flying Officers who had excelled in training. Flying Officer Sukhmandeep Singh of Flying branch was awarded President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in overall merit in Pilot Course. Flying Officer Rashmi Kumari and Flying Officer Abhishek Mandyal were awarded President’s Plaque for being first in overall merit in Navigation and Ground Duty Branches respectively.

Later, addressing the Parade, the Chief of Army Staff complimented the newly Commissioned ‘Flying Officers’ for the exceptional standard of parade. Congratulating the passing-out cadets, the Army Chief said, “It is a matter of great pride to review the Combined Graduation Parade of Indian Air Force”. Stressing on the importance of jointmanship amongst Defence Services, the Army Chief urged the passing out Cadets to think in a joint manner to cope with the future challenges posed by dramatic changes taking place in warfare. He remarked that there can be
nothing more satisfying than participating in the defence of one’s nation. He advised the graduating trainees to be alive to various situations, rapidly changing geopolitical
scenario and constantly strive to keep themselves fighting fit at all times to take on any task.

All the esteemed guests, including proud parents of the graduating trainees and various military and civilian dignitaries were held spell bound at the grand ceremony. They were delighted to witness the magnificent parade by the passing out Flight Cadets and were awestruck at the spectacular movements of Air Warrior Drill
Team. The Sky Diving Team of Indian Air Force ‘Akash Ganga’ enthralled the spectators by dotting the blue skies of Dundigal with tricolour and perfect landing right in front of them. The spectators were mesmerised with the breathtaking aerobatic display by ‘Sarang’ helicopter team, ‘Suryakiran’ Hawk team and PC 7 aircraft.

The glittering ceremony culminated with the newly Commissioned Officers marching-out in two columns in slow march to the traditional notes of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, the poignant farewell tune played by Armed Forces of the world when bidding adieu to colleagues and comrades, acknowledging the first salute given to them by their immediate juniors. They marched in absolute synchrony and with purposeful strides as they saluted the Reviewing Officer and crossed through the portals of their alma mater to take on their future assignments and challenges unstintingly to “Touch the Sky with Glory”. (Maxim News)