Hyderabad|India|June '2011: 142 Flight Cadets including 22 women Flight Cadets have passed out of Air Force Academy and joined the main stream of the Indian Air Force. Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross), honoured the Flight cadets with the President’s commission during a Combined Graduation Parade at the Air Force Academy here this morning. The parade was marked the culmination of one year long and rigorous training of Flight Cadets at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal near Hyderabad and also at Air Force Administrative College,Coimbatore, Air Force Stations at Hakimpet, Begumpet and Yelahanka.

In his address to the newly Commissioned Officers, the Marshal of the IAF advised them to acquire full understanding and knowledge of application of latest technologies and exploit true potential of Aerospace Power and avoid over confidence in dealing with the situations. He apprised the newly Commissioned Officers of how Aerospace Power has been revolutionized through all other forms of warfare. On arrival, he was received by the Air Marshal D Kukreja, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, IAF Bangalore and Air Marshal P R Sharma AVSM, Commandant, Air Force Academy.

Flying Officer Tejas Subhas Kawale, who commanded the parade, was awarded the President’s Plaque and Chief of Air Staff ‘Sword of Honour’ for standing first in overall order of merit in Pilot Course. Flying Officer CS Pandey was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in overall order of merit among Ground Duty branches. Flying Officer Rahul Singh Rajawat was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in overall order of merit in Navigation branch.

Earlier in the previous night, the Marshal of the Indian Air Force attended a ceremonial Guest Night with passing out Flight Cadets along with their parents and awarded trophies and medals to the cadets who excelled in their respective branches.

The 92 year old Arjun Singh, the Marshal of the Indian Air Force was distinguished guest this time at the passing out parade at Air Force Academy here. He is the only top officer to be promoted to five star rank in 2002. He entered the RAF College Cranwell in 1938 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1939 and had a record of fighting during World War II. He was the Chief of Air Staff from August 1964 to 15 July,1969 and was awarded Padma Vibhushan in 1965 in recognition to his contribution during 1965 war and was upgraded to the post of Air Chief Marshal.