Address and Interaction at the Air Force Station, Car Nicobar

I am indeed delighted to be with you in this beautiful environment. My greetings to all Officers, Warrant Officers and Airmen of Air Force Station, Car Nicobar. I have been closely monitoring the status of this Air Force Station during the Tsunami devastation on 26th Dec.2004. I was shocked to know that valuable lives of 116 officers, men, support employees and families posted in this station were lost due to the fury of the nature. I pray to the Almighty to give strength to bear the loss to those who lost their kith and kin during this devastation. Inspite of the traumatic situation, Wing Commander BSK Kumar with his co-pilot and technical staff flew number of sorties, winched-up people through hovering at very low altitude and saved over 350 lives. I also understand a 13 year old girl Meghna Rajasekhar lost her father, mother and brother and was brought to the Air Force Station after a lapse of 48 hours by the tribals from Kakana village. She is now living with her grandparents at Secunderabad. Due to Tsunami the area of the Air Force Station has shrunk from 500 acres to 350 acres. I am sure very soon the Air Force Station will be able to get the additional 150 acres for bringing the Station to its original state. Now in record time the Car Nicobar runway has been restored to it original position, in which any type of aircraft can land. My congratulations to the construction engineers and the Air Force team for realizing this mission.

The Government is well aware of hardships being faced by our defence personnel deployed in these areas. We are making all out efforts to improve the quality of life our Air Force personnel operating in such far flung areas. Presently, due to non-availability of certain infrastructure like schools and colleges, this station has been declared as a non-family station. Very soon, I am sure adequate infrastructure and facilities will come up and we will be able to revert back to its earlier status. Reconstruction of Houses and other facilities have been undertaken with a new design which is capable of withstanding any type of natural fury. Meanwhile, apart from providing opportunity to speak to your families, efforts to send more men on leave by air are some of the measures being taken to improve the quality of life.

I would like to assure you that the entire Nation is with you in this honourable duty. We are all very proud of the our Air Force and its achievements.

Finally, I wish you all the very best and may you all succeed in all your future missions. I also take this opportunity to greet your families.

Thank you.

Air Force Personnel - Five point Oath

1. I am proud to belong to the Indian Air Force of great tradition.

2. I will always win and win, and lead my nation to victory.

3. I will always be a useful citizen and be helpful to my countrymen when they are in distress.

4. I will proudly celebrate the success of my country and my people.

5. My flag is my life.