Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 8: The Air Force Station Jammu, celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the Air Force Day with traditional pomp and splendor here today.
The celebrations at the Station, commenced with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Station memorial, wherein Air Cmde Prashanth Eknath Patange, AOC, Air Force Station Jammu, and all Principal Staff Officers of the station, laid wreaths and paid homage to the martyrs of the IAF who had made the supreme sacrifice in the service to the nation.
An Oath-taking ceremony was held, wherein all the air warriors, DSC personnel and the NC(E)s of the Station, took a solemn pledge to continue to serve the nation and the Air Force, to the best of their ability, at all times. Various other activities were organised by the AF a station as a part of the week long celebrations. These included: a static display of aircraft and equipment for the school children of various schools of Jammu and their parents, a flight-safety poster competition to inculcate awareness on flight safety, wherein the children of the air warriors competed.
The Air Force Wives Welfare Association AFWWA (local) under the chairmanship of Mamta Patange, organised a `Healthy-Baby Show’ for the infants of the Air Warriors of the station, as also a Station Entertainment Evening, wherein the AFWWA members participated to present a variety show and a cultural programme to show-case their immense talent. Apart from this, a traditional `Barakhana’ was organised at the station.
79 years ago, on this day, a very small band of Indian pilots and airmen set out against many odds, to learn to fly and maintain aeroplanes and form an Air Force. The Indian Air Force (IAF) came into existence on Oct 8, 1932. The 1st Squadron was formed on Apr 1st, 1933 at Drigh Road, Karachi. and was commanded by Flight Lieutenant C A Bouchier. This unit consisted of 04 aircraft, 06 officers and 19 `Hawai Sepoys’. From these humble beginnings, the IAF has today grown to be the fourth largest Air Force in the world. Today, it is a highly technical and specialised fighting force, capable of safeguarding the nation’s skies from any enemy aggression. The `Air Warriors’ of today are ever ready and vigilant to strike terror in the hearts of the enemy.
The Air Force Station Jammu is one of the oldest air bases of IAF and the No. 1 Wing was formed here on Mar 10, 1948. The Wing operated from Srinagar during the summers, and Jammu during the winters. On Jan 25, 1963, No. 23 Wing was formed at Jammu, under the command of Wing Commander J,. Andrews and the No 1 Wing was moved to Srinagar, on a permanent basis. Prior to Independence, the Sialkot – Jammu railway line terminated at what is the present day location of Jammu Air base.
Helicopters have been the main stay of Air Force Station Jammu. Initially Mi-4 helicopters, thereafter Chetaks and now Mi-17 helicopters of No 130 Helicopter Unit, operate in the most challenging environment of J&K, and tasks include round-the-year ‘Air Maintenance’ of the Siachen Glacier ` the Highest Battlefield in the World’. The station’s role in the Siachen Glacier has rightfully earned it the soubriquet: “The Guardians of the Glacier”. The Air Force Station Jammu has always been in the thick of battle. It was in the forefront during the Kargil operations, and provided logistic support and air casualty evacuation to our valiant troops on the front. It continues to perform the crucial role of aiding the frontline troops, even today.
Meanwhile, Air Force Station Srinagar also celebrated the anniversary of Indian Air Force today.
Various activities were planned during the week long celebrations in which all personnel and their families participated . The activities included Static display of air craft, radars, missiles and other operational equipments, photo exhibition, drawing competition for children as well as movie shows, musical evening and variety entrainment programme for the station personnel and their families.
The activities began with a wreath laying ceremony at the station war memorial in the memory of war veterans. Thereafter, all Air Warriors of the Station took part in the oath taking ceremony where messages of the President of India, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command and Air Officer Commanding J & K were read out. Commendations to those Air warriors who have excelled in different filed were distributed by Air Commodore, D Choudhury Air Officer Commanding, Srinagar Station.
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