New Delhi:
The Indian Airforce Wing Commander Akshay Saxena has been awarded the Air Force Medal (Bravery) for his extraordinary contribution during anti -robbery operations in the Arabian Sea. He was awarded this medal a day before Republic Day (26 January). Wing Commander Akshay Saxena was appointed in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006. He was posted in the C-17 squadron from February 2021. The mission, run against Somalia’s pirates in the Arabian Sea on 16 March last year, was part of the Indian Navy’s operation resolution, aimed at ensuring maritime security in the region.
The goal of this mission was a ship controlled by pirates, which attacked trading ships. The ship also opened fire on INS Kolkata. Wing commander Akshay Saxena flew into this 10 -hour long mission in very low light. He attacked 2 attacker craft boats and 18 Marko Commandos to save 17 crew members of commercial ship A team of a team was lowered by plane near Somalia coast.
The Ministry of Defense said in a statement on 25 January, “Wing commander Saxena finalized the appropriate crew team. The mission included the actual threat of small arms with pirates besides extended timeline.”
The objective area of the mission was 1,450 knots
The objective area of the mission was 540 Nm from 1,450 nautical miles (nautical mile) and Indian flight information region near Somalia coast. A Nm is about 1.8 kilometers. Flight Information Region is a defined airspace of specific dimensions, within which flight information and warning services are provided.
Wing Commander cautioned all kinds of caution during the mission
The Ministry of Defense said that C-17 aircraft Captain Wing Commander Saxena switched off all the ammems during this mission. He flew in very low light in the foreign sector. To avoid identity, he aircraft Marko Commandos in the dark of evening.
Accurate and safe aircraft sure
Even the wing commander ensured the crew member’s exact and safe aircraft even after the first drop location was changed from the drop. As a result, pirates were caught and MV Ruen with 17 crew members was rescued.
Co-ordination maintained in land and air
According to the Ministry of Defense, Wing Commander Saxena maintained co-ordination in both land and air. He took all possible measures to maintain the confidentiality of a 10 -hour long mission.