Air marshal manavendra singh takes over as air officer commanding-in-chief of southern air command

Air Marshal Manavendra Singh, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vir Chakra, Vishisht Seva Medal took over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of Southern Air Command (SAC), today (01 Feb 2021). An impressive guard of honour was presented to the Air Marshal on taking over Command.

An alumnus of National Defence Academy, Defence Services Staff College Wellington, Joint Forces Staff College (USA) and Army War College, Mhow, the Air Marshal was commissioned in the flying branch of Indian Air Force on 29 Dec 1982 as a Helicopter pilot.

The Air Officer has flown a wide variety of helicopters and trainer aircraft. He has over 6600 hours of flying in various challenging sectors like the Siachen, the North East, Uttarakhand, the Western desert and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is a Qualified Flying Instructor, Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner with vast instructional experience.

In a career spanning over 38 years, the Air Marshal has held a number of coveted command and staff appointments. He has commanded various frontline Air Force bases besides the IAF Peacekeeping Contingent in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The Air Officer has served in Tri-Service Joint HQ IDS as Director C412 & as Asst Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Jt Ops). The Air Marshal also served as Senior Officer-in-Charge Administration at HQ Eastern Air Command, Senior Air and Administration Staff Officer at HQ Maintenance Command and Senior Air Staff Officer, Southern Air Command. Prior to his present appointment, he was Director General Inspection and Safety at Air Headquarters.

During his illustrious career, the Air Officer has been the recipient of Presidential Awards Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vir Chakra and Vishisht Seva Medal.

The former AOC-in-C, Air Marshal Amit Tiwari took over the charge of AOC-in-C at Central Air Command, Allahabad, today.