THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Air Marshal Jasbir Walia, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Air Command, on Thursday urged Southern Air Command (SAC) personnel to be ever vigilant against the menace of anti-national elements.
He was addressing the personnel at a function organised by the Command to mark the 83rd anniversary celebrations of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Air Marshal also stressed the growing strategic importance of the Command. The SAC organised various events such as a musical evening and medical awareness camp for serving and retired IAF personnel and their families to commemorate the occasion.
The reunion offered retired personnel an opportunity to share their experiences with the younger generation. Air Marshal Jasbir Walia also administered the Air Force Pledge to the personnel on the occasion.
SAC is the youngest command in the Indian Air Force, and is responsible for providing air defence to the strategic assets in the southern peninsula as well as supporting troops in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Command is also entrusted with the responsibility of Maritime Air Operations and coordinates activities with the Navy.
The role, a defence spokesperson said, is likely to grow in the coming years. A social evening also was organised at which Governor P Sathasivam was the chief guest.