Air Marshal, Raghunath Nambiar, PVSM AVSM VM & Bar ADC,
Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, Indian Air Force hung his
uniform after an illustrious career spanning over 38 years on Thursday.
Nambiar,
who is known for his Experimental Test Pilot and other eminent activities, has
flown almost 42 types of aircrafts. He has the distinction of having flown over
2300 hours on the Mirage-2000 in the IAF. This apart, he has over 5100 hours of
flying experiences.
For
his pivotal role in the Kargil Operations, Air Marshal Nambiar was awarded Vayu
Sena Medal for Gallantry by the President of India and a Bar to the Vayu Sena
Medal for flight testing the Light Combat Aircraft in 2002. In recognition of
his distinguished and dedicated services, he was conferred Ati Vishisht Seva
Medal in 2015, Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2019 and appointed as an Honorary
ADC to the President of India.
During his tenure as the AOC-in-C Western Air Command 'Chinook' helicopters as well as the potent 'Apache' attack helicopters were inducted, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.