President Mukherjee awards standards to 115 helicopter unit, 26 squadrons

President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday awarded Standards to 115 Helicopter Unit and 26 Squadron of Indian Air Force at Tezpur in Assam.

"These distinguished flying Units have a glorious past and a rich tradition of professional excellence. Since their inception, they have rendered illustrious service to the Nation and done us proud," said Mukherjee.

He also said their rich heritage and stellar efforts in the pursuit of excellence have set a benchmark for others to emulate.

"For their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of adversity, the Nation honours them today with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation," he said.

He said that to preserve peace and harmony and promote all round development, it is imperative for us to have an effective deterrence and a strong defence. Though as a Nation we are firmly committed to peace, we must be prepared to use our might to safeguard the sovereignty of our Nation, should the need ever arise," he added.

Tezpur Air Force Station is one of the premier Air Bases of the Indian Air Force in the Eastern Sector.