As many as 216 young men and women were commissioned into the Indian Air Force on Saturday after they successful completed their graduation from the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Hyderabad.
This Combined Graduation Parade of the flight cadets of No. 189 Pilot Course, No. 130 Ground Duty Course and No. 114 Navigation Course, who were trained at various IAF training establishments such as - Air Force Administrative College(AFAC), Coimbatore, Air Defence College, Lucknow, Air Force Station Hakimpet, Begumpet and Yelahanka besides the Air Force Academy marks the culmination of their successful basic and professional training.
Flight Cadet Naveen Lather commanded the immaculately turned out cadets formed in six squadrons on the parade ground in front of the Sekhon Block. The impressive parade was reviewed by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, who awarded the President's Commission to the flight cadets on behalf of the President of India.
Congratulating the newly commissioned officers, the Air Chief welcomed the young men and women into the brotherhoods of arms.
"I welcome each one of you into the fraternity of the IAF and the Indian Armed Forces," the Air Chief said according to a press release. "You have my personal assurance that your safety, care and comfort will remain my highest priority. We will ensure that our people get to fly and operate aircraft and equipment which is the best in the world."
Browne said "With the privilege of commanding men, comes the responsibility of looking after your subordinates. The IAF's vision statement - 'People First Mission Always' contains an important leadership lesson."
"It implies that while the mission accomplishment is imperative, the focus has to be on our 'People'. The people placed under your charge will look up to you for guidance and leadership and it will be your sacred duty to prove to be a good role model to them," Browne added while stressing the importance of taking care of those under one's charge.
Of the newly commissioned officers 95 are from Flying Branch, 19 from Navigation and 102 from the Ground Duties. In addition three Naval Officers and one Coast Guard Officer were also awarded wings on completion of their Flying Course.
There was a traditional fly past by Hawk, AN-32, Dornier and Kiran aircraft while a low level aerobatic display by Su-30 MKI kept the audience spellbound.
