Wing Commander Paramjit Singh Bhangu has been commanding one of Air force Squadrons since 26 Jun 89.

Wg Cdr PS Bhangu took over the command of the Sqn at a stage when its overall performance with special reference to air-to-ground armament was at a low ebb. He identified the Key Result Areas and reviewed planning of the Squadron training. His immediate priority was to motivate and train his subordinates to perform as wellknit professional team. He achieved this by his dedicated approach and putting in long hours of hard work in personally training his subordinates.

Positive signs of improvement were indicated when the Squadron was tasked to plan and launch 12 to 15 aircraft missions during 'Ex Gumrah'. His personal involvement and eye for the smallest detail ensured safe execution of the task. The Squadron performed exceedingly well during 'Eklavya 89'. The Squadron won the night bombing team event and Wg Cdr Bhangu personally won the individual day bombing event. There has been as sea change in the quality of flying carried out the unit. He was co-opted staff member for Supervisors Combat Orientation Course (SCOC) from 08 to 18 Aug 89.

Wg Cdr Bhangu has been very closely associated with the modification and trial of SPO-10 on MiG-23 BN aircraft. He is also involved in the modification of radio altimeter. He has followed up his suggested modification of cine camera fitment on MiG-23 aircraft which he initiated as Flt Cdr in Nov 87.

Under his custodianship, the squadron during the last DASI inspection of 08-12 Apr 91, managed an all time of high of 74.25% in operational capability. Backed by sound a soundly administered unit, a well disciplined body of Squadron personnel, Wg Cdr Bhangu has led his unit from strength to strength in the best traditions of the IAF.

For his inspiring leadership, professional competence and dedication to improve and maintain his Squadron's op efficiency, the President is pleased to award Vayu Seva Medal to Wg Cdr PS Bhangu.

Group Captain Paramjit Singh Bhangu was commissioned as a fighter pilot on 22 Jan 72. An A-2 qualified flying instructor, he is also a Fighter Combat Leader. An alumnus of Defence Services Staff College, he commanded a Fighter Squadron with distinction and was awarded VM in 1992. He was appointed Commandant of Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) on 02 Aug 93.

Since taking over command Gp Capt PS Bhangu made it a point to lead from front. His command came at a crucial stage when TACDE was in the process of changing its development and training patterns. This he did far beyond normal expectations. The result is that TACDE today runs a finely honed integrated schedule for meeting all the operational needs of the IAF. The MiG27 aircraft were inducted into the Unit in a record time without interrupting the training schedule of the ongoing courses.

The MiG-27 induction also demanded the drawing up of a fairly comprehensive war plan for TACDE. Gp Capt PS Bhangu with scant regard to personal comfort worked laboriously with appropriate sense of urgency to turn out the plan in 10 days. The plan was vindicated during the simulated Command exercise and worked magnificently.

Gp Capt PS Bhangu has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.