Hyderabad: 204 Flight Cadets Complete Graduation from Air Force Academy
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Hyderabad, Dec 14 (NationPress) A total of 204 flight cadets, comprising 26 women, have officially graduated from the Air Force Academy situated in Dundigal.
The Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) took place on Saturday at the Academy, signifying the successful completion of the pre-commissioning training for cadets in both the Flying and Ground Duty branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), oversaw the parade and presented the President's Commission to the graduating flight cadets.
Nine officers from the Indian Navy, nine officers from the Indian Coast Guard, and one officer from a friendly foreign nation received their 'Wings' after successfully completing their flying training.
This day marked a significant milestone for the IAF, with the commissioning of the first batch of Weapon Systems Branch officers into the Air Force.
During the Commissioning Ceremony, the graduating cadets were awarded their 'Rank'. An Oath was administered by the Commandant of the Academy, wherein the officers pledged to protect the sovereignty and honor of the nation. The graduation parade featured a well-coordinated flypast with four types of trainer aircraft, including Pilatus PC-7 MkII, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak aircraft.
The Chief of Air Staff presented awards to the graduating officers for their outstanding performance across various training disciplines.
Among the distinguished graduates, Flying Officer Parag Dhankar from the Flying branch received the prestigious 'President's Plaque' and the 'Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour' for achieving the top position in the overall order of merit in the pilots' course. Flying Officer Ram Prasad Gurjar also received the 'President's Plaque' for excelling in the Ground Duty branch.
In his address to the parade, the Chief of Air Staff commended all participants for their high standards and immaculate drill, congratulating the graduating officers. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh noted that the pre-commissioning training has molded the cadets into disciplined, confident, and knowledgeable individuals, equipping them with essential skills, mindset, and attitude.
He highlighted the significance of aerospace power in the rapidly changing landscape of warfare, emphasizing the importance of cohesion and teamwork. He urged them to maintain physical fitness and to work with utmost dedication and integrity throughout their careers.
The parade concluded with a breathtaking display by the PC-7 MK-II, SU-30 MkI aircraft, along with synchronized aerobatics by the Sarang helicopter display team and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT).
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Training Command, and Air Marshal S Shrinivas, Commandant of AFA, were present to witness the ceremony.
