The IAF's Anti-Naxal Task Force celebrated the 84th anniversary of the Indian Air Force with gusto and enthusiasm on Saturday at its detachments in Raipur, Jagdalpur, and Ranchi in Chhattisgarh. Several functions were organised on the occasion which included the oath taking ceremony conducted with full military traditions.
In a meticulously conducted hollow square parade at Mana Airport in Raipur, the Task Force Commander, Air Commodore Ajay Shukla, Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) administered the oath of allegiance to all Air Force personnel as well as IAFs civilian employees.
In his personal message to the personnel of the Task Force and their families, he commended the efforts put in by the Air Warriors to help the Task Force achieve its assigned task- that of assisting the State Police and Central Armed Para Military Forces in anti naxal operations.
The Air Commodore Shukla highlighted issues like operational and maintenance safety, cyber security and discipline. He said that Indian Air Force today is known for its professionalism, competence and core values of Mission, Integrity, Excellence". IAF has rapidly evolved into a very formidable force.The Anti-Naxal Task Force has proved its mettle time and again and the gallant role played by its aircrew has been roundly complimented by all. Air Commodore Shukla exhorted all personnel to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.
Since its inception in 2009, the IAF task force has carried out close to 19000 sorties flying 14,500 hours, lifting a herculean 1900 tonnes of load and airlifting 83,000 troops and passengers. The task force has also recovered about 1000 casualties and lifted 400 mortal remains, besides providing training on slithering operations to 6800 commandos. It is also called upon regularly for election and flood relief operations.
The Task Force remains in a constant state of readiness, in particular for timely evacuation of injured soldiers from naxal infested areas. Air Commodore tells that even on 8th October, as he was administering the oath to his air warriors, one of his helicopter was airborne to Sukma to extricate five seriously injured CRPF troops to Raipur. The troops had been injured in a major road mishap.This year also marks a special endeavour by this fledgling formation of the IAF- that of reaching out to all retired air force personnel and their families, and having them joining in the celebrations. On the occasion, the messages received from President of India, Vice president, Prime Minister, defense minister, chief of the Air Staff and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command were also read out. A large number of air force veterans from Raipur and adjoining areas congregated at a private club at Raipur for a special evening with their serving counterparts. The event was also graced by a large number of high dignitaries from the Police, Para Military forces and civil establishment.
In a meticulously conducted hollow square parade at Mana Airport in Raipur, the Task Force Commander, Air Commodore Ajay Shukla, Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) administered the oath of allegiance to all Air Force personnel as well as IAFs civilian employees.
In his personal message to the personnel of the Task Force and their families, he commended the efforts put in by the Air Warriors to help the Task Force achieve its assigned task- that of assisting the State Police and Central Armed Para Military Forces in anti naxal operations.
The Air Commodore Shukla highlighted issues like operational and maintenance safety, cyber security and discipline. He said that Indian Air Force today is known for its professionalism, competence and core values of Mission, Integrity, Excellence". IAF has rapidly evolved into a very formidable force.The Anti-Naxal Task Force has proved its mettle time and again and the gallant role played by its aircrew has been roundly complimented by all. Air Commodore Shukla exhorted all personnel to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.
Since its inception in 2009, the IAF task force has carried out close to 19000 sorties flying 14,500 hours, lifting a herculean 1900 tonnes of load and airlifting 83,000 troops and passengers. The task force has also recovered about 1000 casualties and lifted 400 mortal remains, besides providing training on slithering operations to 6800 commandos. It is also called upon regularly for election and flood relief operations.
The Task Force remains in a constant state of readiness, in particular for timely evacuation of injured soldiers from naxal infested areas. Air Commodore tells that even on 8th October, as he was administering the oath to his air warriors, one of his helicopter was airborne to Sukma to extricate five seriously injured CRPF troops to Raipur. The troops had been injured in a major road mishap.This year also marks a special endeavour by this fledgling formation of the IAF- that of reaching out to all retired air force personnel and their families, and having them joining in the celebrations. On the occasion, the messages received from President of India, Vice president, Prime Minister, defense minister, chief of the Air Staff and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Central Air Command were also read out. A large number of air force veterans from Raipur and adjoining areas congregated at a private club at Raipur for a special evening with their serving counterparts. The event was also graced by a large number of high dignitaries from the Police, Para Military forces and civil establishment.