Air Marshal Barbora takes over as AOC-in-C of EAC

Shillong, Mar 30 (UNI) Air Marshal P K Barbora took over as the 28th Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Eastern Air Command, here today.

Air Marshal is the first personality from North East and the Defence Services who has been promoted to the prestigious appointment of AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command.

Prior to this appointment, the officer was the Senior Air Staff Officer at Eastern Air Command.

A highly decorated and professionally respected officer, the Air Marshal has approximately 3,500 hours of flying experience on all types of fighter aircraft. He has held a judicious mix of staff and field appointments and has done several tours of professional and diplomatic assignments abroad. He took part in the 1971 war.

During his service career, he has had the distinction of being part of the team during formation of the first Jaguar Squadron of the IAF and also inducting the Air Combat Simulator into the IAF, the first of its kind in Asia.

He has held many operational assignments, such as Commanding Officer of a MiG-21 Squadron and Air combat Simulator Unit, Chief Operations Officer of a fighter Wing.

Air Marshal Barbora is considered a highly Operational Commander with exceptional managerial skills.

Eastern Air Command is the oldest, largest and most operationally sensitive command of the Indian Air Force.

UNI