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Air Marshal FH Major AVSM SC VM has taken over the charge of Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Air Command today.
Air Marshal FH Major was born on 29 May 1947 in Secunderabad. After completing his schooling from the Wesley High School, he did two years in Nizam’s College doing his B Sc in Mathematics & Physics. In 1965, he joined the Indian Air Force and was commissioned in the IAF in 1967.
After spending his early years in the Eastern Sector flying helicopters, he was one of the first pilots in the IAF to convert on to twin-turbine helicopters (MI-8) in 1972. The vast experience he built up on helicopters made him one of the youngest pilots (as a Flt Lt) to be awarded the highest Helicopter Category ‘A’ and Instrument Rating “MG”. On promotion to the rank of Wing Commander, he commanded the first MI-17 Squadron of the IAF and commenced operations with this helicopter in the world’s highest battlefield – the Siachin Glacier. On promotion to the rank of Group Captain, he commanded yet another MI-17 Squadron an! d led this Squadron into battle during IPKF operations in Srilanka. For his leadership and courage, he was awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) during this tenure. Later, in the same rank and as Station Commander of Air Force Station Sarsawa, he was instrumental in carrying out a daring rescue operation in which 11 people were rescued from a stranded cable car in the middle of a valley at the “Timber Trail” resort at Parwanoo, HP. For this act of gallantry, he was awarded the “Shaurya Chakra” by the President of India.
He has commanded a Tactical Air Centre alongside a Strike Corps in the desert sector and he has held important staff appointments as the Joint Director (Helicopter Operations) and as an Air Commodore, he was Director Operations (Transport & Helicopter). In 1999, he took over as the Air Officer Commanding Leh (Ladakh) in the aftermath of the Kargil conflict. For his leadership, successful accomplishment of his tasks and distinguished service of a very high order, he was awarded the “Ati Vishist Seva Medal” by the President of India on 26 Jan 2002. He was promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal on 04 Feb 2002 and appointed as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel Airmen & Civilians) at Air Headquarters.
He is a graduate of the National Defence College and Army War College, Mhow.
He was promoted to the rank of Air Marshal on 02 Jan 2004 and was the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) before taking over this appointment.
SMS/PC
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