AIR Chief Marshal PV Naik takes over as IAF Chief

Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik took over as the new ‘Chief of the Air Staff ‘(CAS) from Air Chief Marshal FH Major who retired 0n May 31, 2009. The ‘change of guard’ ceremony held in Air Headquarters was attended by all the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of the seven Commands of the IAF and Principal Staff Officers at the Air Headquarters. The new Air Chief reviewed a ceremonial ‘guard of honour’ presented to him by a smart contingent of air warriors at the foyer of the Vayu Bhavan before assuming charge. Later he addressed all the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief who arrived here for the occasion. ACM Naik was born on July 22, 1949 at Nagpur and was commissioned into the IAF on June 21, 1969 as a Fighter Pilot. He is an alumnus of Sainik School, Satara and National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla in Maharashtra. During his long distinguished service spanning nearly 40 years he has served in a variety of ‘Command Staff’ and ‘Instructional’ appointments. He has over 3000 hrs of flying to his credit. The Air Chief also took part in 1971 war. Before taking over as CAS, he was the IAF Vice-Chief. He has also served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Allahabad-based, Central Air Command.