Air-show to commemorate 76 years of J&K’s accession enthralls spectators
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Saluting the Indian Air Force personnel for their magnificent heroism and the spirit of sacrifice and expressing deepest gratitude to the Air Warriors and their families, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that Indian Air Force is a glowing symbol of strength, bravery and dedication.
The Lt Governor stated this while attending the Air show and Air Awareness Campaign at Air Force Station, Satwari.
The event was jointly organised by Indian Air Force and J&K Government to commemorate 76 years of accession of J&K into Indian Union and Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Air Force Station, Jammu.
Citizens from all walks of life gathered to witness the spectacular aerial display by IAF’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Air Warrior Drill team, the Aakashganga Daredevil Skydiving team and the Mi-17 1V Helicopters.
The Aircrafts maneuvered in the skies and the Air Warriors exhibited their flying and formation skills to perfection.
The general public was also sensitized about the hazards for aviation and how can they assist in aviation safety through the first-of-its-kind Air Show in Jammu.
The Air Show enthralled spectators in the morning even as the event was cut short by a little over 15 minutes due to rains.
Thousands of people, mostly youngsters, thronged the Air Force Station here as the show was open to the public. The show was presented by the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), Mi-17 helicopters and the Aakashganga Daredevil Skydiving team.
The act by the Air Warrior Drill Team and the musical performance by the IAF band drew a lot of applause and whistle-blowing.
Three Mi 17 helicopters of the 130 Helicopter unit, headed by Wing Commander Irfan Wahid Khan Jarial presented a flypast on the arrival of the chief guest.
Shruti Arora, a youngster from Jammu city, thanked the IAF for providing the people the opportunity to watch the show.
“The show had a magnificent start with 11 members of the IAF flying high with the national flag and performing the most difficult stunts in the sky. The IAF’s Garud Commandos paradropping operation from helicopters to pin down its target was also worth watching,” she said.
“I was apprehensive that the show might be cancelled because of the heavy cloud cover. Though rains cut short the show, we enjoyed every bit of the show,” said Vinay Kumar, a student of class 11.
Later, the Lt Governor felicitated the defence personnel and the members of the Aerobatic and Skydiving teams to mark the occasion.
Air Vice Marshal PK Vohra, AOC J&K, Ladakh; Air Commodore SS Rawat, AOC, Air Force Station, Jammu; Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh BR Sharma, State Election Commissioner J&K; senior officer of IAF, Civil and Police Administration and Army attended the event.
Bharat Bhushan, DDC Chairman Jammu; ULB & PRI representatives, prominent citizens and local people in large number were present.