The Commanders’ Conference of Western Air Command (WAC) was inaugurated by Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik. The conference, which began with an underlying theme – “Mission Accomplishment with Integrity and Excellence” – was attended by Commanders of all formations under Western Air Command and the Principal Staff Officers of the Command.

Air Marshal D.C. Kumaria, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command said, “As a part of the ongoing modernisation process, Western Air Command has taken rapid strides in operationalisation of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, as well as induction of critical components essential for network- centric warfare. There is a need to rapidly absorb new inductions over the next few years, as Western Air Command transforms into a much more potent fighting force”.

“Increasing synergy with affiliated Army Commands has been an area of enhanced focus for WAC. Recent joint exercises between Army and Air Force have highlighted this fact by bringing out the immense contribution of air power and the resultant synergy in airland operations between the two services.”

On the recently conducted exercise Gauntlet IV, he said, “The high standards achieved during the highly intensive 24x7 exercises were indicative of the imposing combat potential of Western Air Command. All the resources, energies, capabilities and potential must be directed towards mission accomplishment.”

The Air Chief released a coffee-table book – Western Air Command: Dawn of a New Era – a photo essay on the history of the Command. This visit of the Air Chief to WAC, where he held important operational appointments during his career, was also his farewell visit.