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The Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Mshal SP Tyagi, ‘flagged off’ a 243 membered, IAF contingent to Congo today, at Air Force Station Palam. The 243 membered Air warrior team would be proceeding to Goma, Congo as the second rotation of Indian Aviation Contingent (IAC).
The IAC at Goma, Democratic republice of Congo is a peacekeeping mission under the United Nations banner. IAC at Goma consists of four attack helicopters Mi-25, and five medium lift helicopters Mi-17s and 243 Air warriors.
Addressing the Airwarriors during the flag off, Air Chief Mshl SP Tyagi said “you have been chosen as ambassadors of peace because you are the best. The IAF has set high standards of morality, professionalism & discipline. You have to keep the tri-colour and the IAF flag flying high”. Air Chief Mshl Tyagi also asked the airwarriors to make full use of the training opportunity, which the mission offers. On this occasion Air Chief Mshl Tyagi presented the contingent with a set of books.
India has been one of the largest contributors to UN Peace Keeping operations. Since, India is one of the largest contributors to UN Peace Keeping Operations. Since its first commitment in Korea in 1950, Indian armed forces have participated in some of the most difficult and challenging UN Operations and earned universal admiration for their professional excellence. The IAF started its participation with commitment of six Canderra aircraft in Congo (ONUC-196-62). Subsequent deployments were in Somalia (UNOSOM-1993-94), Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL-2000-01) and Congo (MONUC-ongoing mission).
The present mission is being lead by Gp Capt G Ajit Kumar. Wg Cdr N Santosh will command the Sqn of 5 Mi-17 helicopters and Wg Cdr MC Mishra will command the Attack helicopter Sqn of four Mi-25 helicopters.
MU/NK
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