New Delhi (NVI): Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command (WAC), whose responsibilities include the sensitive Ladakh sector, got a new chief today. Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief after Air Marshal B Suresh superannuated yesterday.
Air Marshal Chaudhari was commissioned into Fighter Stream of the IAF on Dec 29, 1982, as a Fighter Pilot.
The Air Marshal is a highly experienced fighter pilot and has flown a variety of aircraft. An experienced pilot, Chaudhari has logged more than 3,800 hours of flying on a variety of fighter planes such as MiG-21, Mig-29 and Sukhoi-30.
He has commanded important fighter bases in his military career including one in Kashmir. He also flew air defence missions during the 1999 Kargil war with Pakistan.
During his illustrious career in the IAF, the Air Officer has held numerous important appointments. He was Commanding Officer of a frontline fighter squadron and has also commanded a frontline Fighter Base.
As an Air Vice Marshal, he has held the coveted appointments of Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Air Defence), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Officers) at Air HQ Vayu Bhawan.
Furthermore, as an Air Marshal, he held the appointment of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ Vayu Bhawan. Prior to his present appointment, he was the Senior Air Staff Officer, Eastern Air Command.
The Air Marshal is an alumini of the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington.
Air Marshal Vivek Ram is a highly decorated officer having been awarded Vayu Sena Medal in January 2004 and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in January 2015.
-CHK
