Cadets Honoured in Air Force Graduation Ceremony
By : Aishwarya Gandeed
Update: 2024-12-14 17:22 GMT
Hyderabad: “While serving in the Indian Air Force, your own safety and comfort come last. Live for others,” said Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh told officers passing out of the Air Force Academy at Dundigal near here on Saturday.
He was speaking at the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) marking the culmination of the pre-commissioning training of flight cadets across multiple branches. Over 204 cadets, including 26 women, were commissioned into the newly created weapon systems branch.
Air Chief Marshal Singh the President's Commission to the graduating flight cadets.
He praised the cadets, saying, "You have chosen a career that's not only challenging but also honorable,” and urged them to excel in their roles, whether on the ground or in the air. He said the pre-commissioning training at the AFA had transformed the cadets into disciplined and confident individuals.
"You are the future leaders and commanders, and you will shape the destiny of the IAF,” Air Chief Marshal Singh stated, reminding each passing out officer to uphold the honour and tradition of the IAF.
The Chief of Air staff was welcomed by Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, and Air Marshal S. Shrinivas, Commandant of AFA.
The young flight officers, head held high with pride, marked a memorable day in their careers as they began a life of honour and dignity in service to the nation. One of the most emotional moments was when they received their first salute from their juniors.
The major highlight of the event was the cCommissioning ceremony, where the cadets were awarded their ranks by the Air Chief Marshal, cheered on enthusiastically by their proud families.
Flying Officer Parag Dhankar was awarded the President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour for excelling in the pilots' course, while Flying Officer Ram Prasad Gurjar received the 'President’s Plaque' for excelling in the ground duty branch.
Nine officers from the Indian Navy, nine from the Indian Coast Guard, and one from a foreign country were awarded their flying 'Wings.'
The event concluded with an impressive fly past from various aircraft, including Pilatus PC-7 MK-II, SU-30 MKI, and a spectacular aerobatic display by the helicopter display team Sarang and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), with the Cupid formation leaving the audience in awe.