2-day WAC conference begins today with focus on 'greater vigilance'

New Delhi, Nov 24 (UNI) Calling for ''more vigilance than ever before'' in times of economic crisis and an ''instable neighbourhood,'' the two-day Commanders' conference of the Western Air Command (WAC) began here today with a vow to optimally utilise resources.

Stressing that the synergy between IAF and other services needed to be strengthened to cope up with the challenges of the time, Air Marshal P K Barbora in his inaugural address said the present scenario posed new and serious challenges before us and extra vigilance was the need of the hour.

Amidst our modernisation process we need to be trained to handle high tech equipment with caution and finesse in order to avoid wastage, he said, adding ''The endeavour is to make ourselves ever ready to accept any challenge and improve operational efficiency to a very high order without compromising Flight Safety.'' This calls for a high degree of professionalism and the constant urge to excel, he emphasised.

The conference also discussed on the concept of operations of Western Air Command besides planning and effective use of resources.

The Commanders' conference, being attended by the Commanders of all the formations under the Western Air Command, Principal Staff Officers of WAC is being presided over by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief WAC Air Marshal PK Barbora.

Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force, raised as No 1 Operational group in 1947, is a unique Air Force formation in the world as its area of operations extends from the world's highest airfields in the Himalayas to the deserts of Rajasthan.

UNI AN PD KP1910