Kolkata,The
touchdown by an IAF C-130J Super Hercules at Panagarh airfield was smooth today.
The landing was significant as it heralds the beginning of a new chapter
enhancing IAF’s strategic capability in the Eastern AOR (area of
responsibility).
Air
marshal SB Deo, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command and other
senior IAF officials were among those present as the C-130J demonstrated its
agility in the air before coming in for a landing.
Earlier,
three Hawk Jets in a vic formation flew past the airfield ahead of the C-130’s arrival
over Panagarh from Hindan, presently IAF’s only Super Hercules hub. Panagarh is
the designated as the second hub for the next batch of six C-130J aircraft
after induction.
Air Marshal Deo earlier inaugurated
the newly resurfaced runway at Air Force Station Panagarh. He was also briefed
on the ongoing projects and congratulated the Runway Project Team for
successful completion of task.
“Panagarh
is being developed as a base for C-130J. It is a special forces aircraft and
that is why it is designated J,” Air Marshal SB Deo, AOC-in-C, Eastern Air
Command, addressing mediapersons, said. “There are also plans for a larger
aircraft, a tanker variety aircraft,” he also added.
“Availbaility of Panagarh
Airfield will definitely enhance strategic capability of IAF in the Eastern
Area of Responsibility (AOR) and will also augment mobililty of Mountain Strike
Corps which will be stationed at Panagarh in near future,” Air Marshal Deo
said.
The presence of the C-130J
will also help in HADR (humanitarian and disaster relief) operations in Bengal
and adjoining regions,” he also said, outlining the
various utilities of the aircraft besides its primary role.
The AOC-in-C also visited
various operational facilities and lodger units of the Station. He also
addressed the Air Warriors and appreciated the efforts of the Station in
bringing up the facilities to operational standard in laid down time frame.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Anjna Deo,
President AFWWA (R), visited Air Force School, AFWWA complex and Family Welfare
Centre. During her visit to school, she was briefed on the development of the
school during the current year.
The AFWWA President was
also acquainted with the welfare activities of the Station. She interacted with
the families of Air Warriors of Air Force Station, Panagarh and listened to
their problems besides expressing her views on enhancement of various welfare
measures and schemes in vogue for the benefit of Sanginis and children of Air
Warriors.
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