AFOVA New Letter 2 of Year 2021

Section 7 – Panorama CV 2 No. 02 / 2021 Page 298 of 332 ACNS(Air) Rear Admiral Pasricha and many other dignitaries being present to witness the epoch commissioning ceremony. The roaring fly past by the TUs, IL38s, Dorniers and Helicopters heralded a new era of great strategic significance on the east coast of India. It was remarkable that soon after the commissioning the VVIP Boeing landed on the commissioning day and took off with the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of India. It was just the beginning of a long process of infusing life in to Rajali a unique bird belonging to the grey eagle family. There was never a dull moment from the commissioning date. By end of the month, the TUs landed in Rajali and started operations despite many constraints. The runway lighting and other facilities were operationalized. ILS, Nav facilities and Radar were being installed on a priority. It is to the credit of the TU Squadron that the Form Green sorties were being flown virtually from Day 1. In the meanwhile, the HTS was shifted methodically and commenced flying training with half a dozen Chetaks within three months of commissioning and the very first course from Rajal passed out in November 1992. The maintenance facility for Chetaks and the BSF started with full-fledged maintenance work. The innovative technical team had created sporting facilities during shramadhans, slowly most of the facilities were coming to life including Rajalika the theatre, Officer’s institute, Squash court etc., Rajalika was a hit as we were able to use a video projection system and screen even new movies for the Rajalians. Another challenge was to get the KV School. Here the efforts of DNE and Mrs Lalitha Ramdas need to be acknowledged. Also, as even small children had to go all the way to Avadi every morning, it was essential to commission the KV School without any delays. DO letters were addressed to Mr Arjun Singh then HRD Minister and by sustained effort we were able to get the KV School up to 8 th Standard. The entire DSC block was made available for housing the KV School and the teachers and staff was allotted quarters with in Rajali. Play Schools and small markets were improvised from within the existing buildings and we were self-sufficient on most counts. From those days, Rajali has moved on leaps and bounds and has become the most important strategic base for the Navy. The induction of the P8i Poseidon to replace the President meeting the HoDs and Squadron Commanders