SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE PRESENTATION OF STANDARDS TO 49 TRANSPORT SQUADRON & 107 HELICOPTER UNIT

Jodhpur, 9th March 2010

Distinguished Guests,

It gives me immense pleasure to be with you today at Air Force Station, Jodhpur, a premier base of the Indian Air Force, to award Standards to "49 Squadron" and "107 Helicopter Unit". Both these flying units have a rich tradition of valour and have rendered distinguished service to the nation since their inception. All personnel who are, or have been with these units, through their untiring effort in pursuit of excellence, have set an example for others to emulate. For their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of adversity, the nation honors them with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation.

A strong defence and an effective deterrence are essential to preserve peace. No nation can prosper without its borders being secure. Though as a nation we are firmly committed to peace, we will not hesitate to take steps to protect our borders. Our Armed Forces, exemplified by the men and women who stand before us, reflect our determination to protect our interests.

The Indian Air Force has been safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation and also extending yeoman service for the maintenance of peace within the country. Whenever called upon, be it during natural calamities or during attacks by anti-national elements, the helicopter and transport aircraft of the IAF are amongst the first to respond. Being the backbone of the Indian Air Force, they have always been at the service of the nation and doing their best as always.

49 Squadron was formed in February 1960 and since then its performance has been exemplary. It has been the lifeline for our soldiers and civilian population in remote areas, including the North East region that it operates in. The Squadron has been employed in the Air Maintenance role, carrying out airdrop of supplies and ordnance while landing on very hazardous Advance Landing Grounds in the North-Eastern sector.

The Squadron played a critical role in the 1962 War, where it carried out daring operations in the face of intense attack in the erstwhile North-East Frontier Agency. It actively participated in the 1971 War and also took part in operations in Sri Lanka during 1987 and in Maldives during 1989. It was actively involved in the Kargil operations - staging fighter squadrons and air logistics operations. Its efforts in relief operations during natural disasters, including the Tsunami, demonstrated the calibre of its crew and the dedication of its personnel. The Squadron has lived up to its motto of "Dhairya Vijayate" to the fullest and I am confident that it will continue to be a formidable force in the years to come.

The 107 Helicopter Unit, very soon after its raising on 1st June, 1960 at Srinagar, took part in the Indo-China War of 1962 and two of its officers were awarded Vir Chakras for their valiant efforts. The Unit was deployed in the 1965 India - Pakistan War, when for the first time in the history of the Indian Air Force, helicopters were used as gunships fitted with guns and bombs. On 16th July, 1971, the Unit was relocated to its present location at Jodhpur and within three months, it was participating in the India -Pakistan War on the Western front, supplying arms, ammunition, food, water, fuel and airlifting casualties. In July 1987, the Unit was ordered overnight to proceed to Jaffna in Sri Lanka, for Operation Pawan. The Unit also has a glorious record in humanitarian aid operations during earthquakes and disasters. The Unit has received accolades from all sections of society and it continues to work with professional excellence.

In acknowledgement and recognition of their outstanding performances, I award Standards to 49 Squadron and 107 Helicopter Unit. On this occasion, I also take the opportunity to compliment the Indian Air Force personnel and their families for their continued service to the nation. The nation is proud of you. I wish all of you the very best.

JAI HIND.