IAF should be transformed into aerospace force: New chief

New Delhi, Mar 31 (UNI) Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major, who today took over as the new Chief of Air Staff, has called for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to be transformed into an aerospace force to become ''more effective beyond our shores''.

''The Air Warriors must work towards transforming the IAF into an aerospace force... for it is only through the employment of space- based applications that we can be more effective beyond our shores,'' said Air Chief Marshal Major shortly after taking over the reins of the IAF from Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi who retired today after 43 years of illustrious service.

''It must be remembered that in our march of progress, we must remain in line with national goals and in concert with the other Services,'' said the new IAF Chief -- the first helicopter pilot to head the IAF -- in his customary message after taking over as Chief of Air Staff.

''Hardware gives us the capabilities... but it is the people that can give us the 'winning edge'... I urge all to do their duty and pursue excellence,'' Air Chief Major said.

Born on May 29, 1947, Air Chief Marshal Major was commissioned into the Air Force on December 31, 1967 as a helicopter pilot.

During his long and distinguished service spanning a little over 39 years so far, he has worked in a variety of Command, Staff and Instructional appointments.

He also has the distinction of having 7,765 hours of flying experience to his credit.

He commanded a helicopter unit which took part in operations in Siachen (the world's highest battlefield) and commanded a Mi-17 squadron during the IPKF operations in Sri Lanka for which he was decorated with the Vayu Sena Medal(Gallantry).

He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for undertaking a dangerous and exacting rescue mission on October 14, 1992 at Timber Trail in Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, where he -- along with his crew -- winched eleven stranded tourists out from a cable car while hovering precariously close to the set of cables that ran above it.

Besides being a Fellow of the National Defence College, New Delhi, and the Army War College, Mhow, he attended a variety of courses like Junior Commanders' Course, Jungle and Snow Survival Course and Higher Command Courses.

He had the distinction of overseeing tri-Service operations, including the Tsunami operations, during his tenure as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) at HQ IDS.

He was appointed as AOC-in-C Eastern Air Command in September 2005 when the Indo-US joint air exercises at Kalaikunda in 2005 were successfully conducted under his leadership.

He was awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) in January 2006 and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) in January 2002. He is one of the Honorary ADCs of the President -- the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.

UNI