President lauds air force, bestows top honours

President Pranab Mukherjee Tuesday lauded the Indian Air Force (IAF) saying it has been commendably executing its mandate of safeguarding the Indian skies.

The president was speaking after presenting the top honours of Standard and Colours to 112 Helicopter Unit and No.4 Base Repair Depot of the IAF.

The award of President's Standard and Colours are among the greatest honours bestowed upon the air force unit or squadron in recognition of exceptional service rendered by it to the nation, both during war and in peace.

The president is the supreme commander of the defence forces of India.

"The IAF has been commendably executing its mandate of protecting the Indian skies and safeguarding the sovereignty of our nation," Mukherjee said after bestowing the honours.

"It has also remained at the forefront of providing relief and aid to our citizens during various natural calamities. The resilience and tenacity displayed by the air warriors both while undertaking operational commitments as well as during disaster relief contingencies is a great source of strength and also a matter of immense pride for the nation," he said.

The 112 Helicopter Unit was raised Aug 1, 1963 at Jorhat. It is one of the first helicopter units of the IAF in the eastern region of India.

The No.4 Base Repair Depot, at Kanpur, undertakes repair and overhaul of turbo-jet aero engines and their aggregates.

Mukherjee expressed confidence that these units would continue to strive for excellence with professional zeal and serve the nation selflessly in the years to come.