Group Captain Kurrhi Kombil Joseph Mathews (13393) Flying (Pilot) has been the Commanding Officer of Air Force Station Awantipur since 22 Jun, 98.

Gp Captain Mathews correctly anticipated that Awantipur airbase would become a focal point for the air operations against the Pakistani intruders in Kargil Sector. On his own initiative he brought the Station to a high state of readiness and when the orders to adopt precautionary measures arrived, his Station was fully mobilised. His resourcefulness and initiative enabled incoming forces to attain combat readiness in less than stipulated periods. His leadership synergised the entire team and many innovations emerged to optimise available resources of men and material.

He conducted briefings and ensured that high levels of motivation were maintained and when air strikes were ordered, on 26 May 99. MiG-29 and MiG-21 forces under his command gave excellent account of themselves. His continued involvement with aircraft preparation, launch and recovery, ensured a high combat tempo throughout the operations. His personal involvement inspired the rest. Gp Capt Mathews con-tributed significantly to the success of air operations in the Kargil Sector.

For distinguished service of high order, the Hon'ble President is please to award 'Yudh Seva Medal' to Gp Capt KJ Mathews

Air Commodore Kuzhikombil Joseph Mathews, YSM (13393) Flying (Pilot) was commissioned on 02 June 1973 in the fighter stream of the IAF. During his service career of 31 years, he has held various important appointments including that of a Commanding Officer of a an FBSU in the J&K Sector, Chief Operations Officer of a fighter base, Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Command Air Defence Officer and Senior Flying Training Officer. He has over 3300 hrs of flying. He is a qualified flying instructor and a graduate of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Air War College, USA. He was awarded Yudh Seva Medal during Kargil operations as Base Commander in the J&K Valley and Commendation by the Chief of Air Staff in 1978 and 1989. Presently, he is Air Officer Commanding of a major fighter Base in Western Sector. In the present assignment, Air Commodore Mathews has brought about distinct improvements in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of flying, maintenance and administration. He has been instrumental in setting up an Air Defence Group consisting of Aircrew and Fighter Controllers and has ensured the training and building up of a core Air Defence group for combat operations. He has successfully implemented the pilot project of Squadron Concept at his base. During his tenure the squadrons flew a total of over 10,100 sorties. The station maintained very high serviceability of Radar, Ranads, MT Vehicles and considerably improved the serviceability of aircraft. As a result the Station was declared the best Operational Wing of Western Air Command in 2003-04. During Op Parakarm and thereafter, Air Commodore Mathews has ensured highly proactive support to inducted combat forces to optimize performance. He accepted every challenge and ensured that his team performed to achieve each task with high standards. He has ensured innovative methods of disseminating information through a network of various media increasing awareness of the personnel. While maintaining a sharp operational and maintenance edge he has ensured a very high quality of life for all personnel.

Air Commodore Kuzhikombil Joseph Mathews, YSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.