IAF celebrates 83rd anniversary

Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 8

The Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated its 83rd anniversary with zeal and fervour in Udhampur today.

Air Vice-Marshal Upkarjit Singh, Air Officer Commanding, J&K, administered the Air Force pledge to all air warriors during the parade. Similar pledge-taking ceremonies were also conducted at all Air Force Stations in Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Udhampur, Awantipur, Thoise and Kargil, said a defence spokesperson.

Congratulatory messages from the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Defence Minister, Minister of State for Defence, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Air Command and AOC, J&K, were read out to all personnel during the parades, he added.

In keeping with the Air Force ethos and traditions, wreath laying ceremonies were held at the war memorials in Srinagar by Air Commodore MY Marathe and in Jammu by Air Commodore Ashutosh Lal.

Commemorative ceremonies for felicitating and interacting with veterans and ‘barakhana’ with air warriors and families were the highlights over the preceding week. These were undertaken at Leh and Kargil under stewardship of Air Commodore B Manikantan.