In a simple, yet impressive ceremony held on 07 Jan 13 at Air Force Station Phalodi, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne, the Chief of the Air Staff, inaugurated the new Medium Lift Helicopter (MLH) Complex for raising the new Mi-17 V 5 helicopter unit at Phalodi.
Inauguration of these Pre-engineered hangars, biggest of their type in the IAF, would add to the operational capabilities of this new air base. The Air Chief was briefed about the operational activities undertaken by the Station. The base would be utilized during the forthcoming exercises – Iron Fist on 22 Feb 2013 and Live Wire in March 2013.
On arrival, the Air Chief was received by Air Marshal AK Gogoi, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command and Group Captain Prashant Mohan Station Commander, Air Force Station Phalodi. After the inauguration, the Air Chief also addressed the station personnel and emphasised on the operational importance of Air Force Station Phalodi.
The Air Chief later interacted with the station personnel and other distinguished guests and civil dignitaries. He is also scheduled to visit Bhuj airbase during the two day visit to Rajasthan Sector. As also the Commodore Commandant of 16 Squadron called ‘ The Cobras’, this would be his first visit to Bhuj after taking over as the Chief of the Air Staff.