Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik PVSM VSM ADC took over as the nineteenth ‘Chief of the Air Staff ‘(CAS) from Air Chief Marshal FH Major PVSM AVSM SC VM ADC who demitted office today.
The ‘change of guard’ ceremony held in Air Headquarters was attended by all the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of the seven Commands of the IAF and Principal Staff Officers at the Air Headquarters.
The new Air Chief reviewed a ceremonial guard of honor presented to him by a smart contingent of air warriors at the foyer of the Vayu Bhavan (Air Headquarters) before assuming charge. Later he addressed all the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief who arrived here for the occasion.
Meanwhile the outgoing Air Chief, ACM Major was also given a ceremonial send-off from Air Headquarters. Air Warriors at the IAF Headquarters buildings at RK Puram and Vayu Bhavan in New Delhi lined-up in the corridors of their respective buildings and bade him good-bye even as he greeted each one of them before bidding adieu.
ACM Naik was born on July 22, 1949 at Nagpur and was commissioned into the IAF on June 21, 1969 as a Fighter Pilot. He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Satara and National Defense Academy, Khadakvasla in Maharashtra.
During his service spanning nearly 40 years he has served in a variety of ‘Command Staff’ and ‘Instructional’ appointments. He has over 3000 hrs of flying to his credit. The Air Chief also took part in 1971 war. Before taking over as CAS, he was the IAF Vice-Chief. He has also served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Allahabad-based, Central Air Command.
Besides being a fellow of the National Defense College, New Delhi, College of Defense Management, Secunderabad and Defense Services Staff College, Wellington, he has attended a variety of courses like Flying Instructor’s Course, Jungle & Snow Survival Course and Junior Commander’s Course.
ACM Naik is decorated with Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and Vishist Seva Medal (VSM). He is also one of the Honorary Aides-de-Camp (ADC) to the President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India.
IAF Release
