Hyderabad: Dreams take flight at AFA as 244 young cadets graduate

 The Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy in Hyderabad culminated as the newly commissioned officers slow marched in two columns to the resonant notes of martial marching tunes, and with a special emotive moment as Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew and led a three-aircraft Kiran formation above them

Hyderabad: Dreams of 244 young cadets took flight as they graduated at the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy (IAF) here on Saturday. As many as 29 were women among the newly commissioned officers.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan, who was reviewing officer for the CGP of 216th course, conferred the ‘President’s Commission’ to the newly commissioned officers.

Six officers from the Indian Navy, eight officers from the Indian Coast Guard, and two trainees from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam were awarded ‘Wings’ on successful completion of flying training. ‘Brevets’ were given to five officers on completing their navigation training.

Flying Officer Tanishq Aggarwal from the flying branch was awarded the coveted ‘President‘s Plaque’ and the ‘Nawanagar Sword of Honour’ for standing first in the overall order of merit in the pilot course.

Flying officers Saksham Dobriyal and Nitesh Kumar were awarded the ‘President’s Plaque’ for standing first in the overall order of merit in navigation stream and ground duty branches, respectively.

The parade culminated as the newly commissioned officers slow marched in two columns to the resonant notes of martial marching tunes, and with a special emotive moment as Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew and led a three-aircraft Kiran formation above them, while the first salute was given to them by their immediate juniors.

The ceremony included a display by the Akash Ganga team and Air Warrior Drill Team, and interspersed fly-pasts by the Pilatus PC-7, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak aircraft. Aerial displays by the Sarang helicopter display team and the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) enthralled the audience, composed of officers from tri-services and parents.