Current Affairs: The blue skies of Air Force Academy turned vibrant, with an amazing aerobatics display by various aircrafts of IAF in the air while an impressive march-past on the ground, marked the momentous occasion of the graduation ceremony of 209 Flight Cadets including 60 women (10 women pilots), who have successfully completed their basic and professional training and commissioned into Indian Air Force.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Dalbir Singh graced the solemn ceremony and reviewed the combined graduation parade and presented ‘Wings and Brevets’ to the Flight Cadets to confer them the ‘Commission’ into Indian Air Force, on behalf of the President of India.
The highlight of the parade was the ‘Pipping ceremony’. The Flight Cadets were awarded their ‘Stripes’ (Air Force rank).
The cadets were then administered the ‘Oath’ by the Commandant of the Academy in the presence of the chief guest and other dignitaries.
Earlier, the Reviewing Officer was received at the venue by Air Marshal SRK Nair, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) Training Command and Air Marshal GP Singh, Commandant Air Force Academy.
The Chief of the Army Staff presented awards to the Flying officers, who excelled in training.
Flying Officer Lavpreet Sharma from the Flying branch was awarded President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for standing first in Overall Merit in Pilot Course.
Flying Officer Aabhas Sharma and Flying Officer Nagesh R Tripathi were presented ‘President’s Plaque’ for being first in overall merit in Navigation and Ground Duty branches respectively.