CREST AND MOTTO

The Squadron adopted the motto 'Ba Hikmat, Himmat aur Hifazat' (with Wisdom, Courage and Safety) in 1952. In 1962 the President awarded the Squadron the 'Pegasus' crest (the mythological winged steed of the gods) and the motto was aptly changed to 'Seva aur Suraksha' (Service and Safety), signifying the Squadron's role and the essential character of its operations. This year the Squadron completes glorious service to the nation and the Indian Air Force.

Squadron History

Air Headquarters Communication Squadron of the IAF was formed on 01 Nov 1947 and has been based at Air Force Station, Palam since its inception. Originally, called Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (RIAF), it became Air Headquarters Communication Squadron (IAF) on India becoming a Sovereign Republic. The Primary role of the squadron is to convey VVIPs/VIPs of India and visiting foreign heads of states and Governments.

Commencing its operations with the Airspeed Oxford aeroplane the Squadron has operated the Harvard, Dakota, Devon, Ilyushin IL-74, Viscount, Vampire and HS-748. The squadron entered the jet age in 1966 with the arrival of Tupolev - 124s. It maintained its penchant for keeping pace with modern technology by acquiring the Boeing - 737 aeroplanes in 1981. With the induction of MI-8 helicopters in 1984 a new dimension was added to the airlift capability of the Squadron. The Squadron has grown from its humble beginnings to its present stature and has the singular distinction of being uniquely associated with all the momentoes and historic occurrences of national and international importance.

The Sqn has actively participated in all the post-Independence Military operations, beginning with the J & K operations in 1947, followed by Hyderabad Police action in 1948, Goa operations in 1960, the Chinese aggression in 1962, Indo-Pak conflict in 1965 and liberation of Bangladesh in 1971 and IPKF operations in Sri Lanka.

Over and above its primary role of flying the VVIPs, the Squadron is fully committed to other peace time operations, e.g., aid to civil authority and assistance to the United Nations and neighbouring countries. These missions have included operation of Commercial aeroplanes to maintain essential services, flood reconnaisance, relief and rescue operations airlift of UN Peace Keeping Force in 1954 and flights of UN Secretary General over the distributed Indo-Pak border areas.

This Squadron has the distinction of flying the first President of Independent India and thereafter all the VVIPs of the country. The foreign dignitaries transported by this Squadron include Josip Broz Tito, Zhou En Lai, Yasser Arafat, U Thant, Nelson Mandela, Margrett Thacher and Pope John Paul II. This Squadron had the unique previlage of flying Mother Teresa also. The list of such distinguished dignitaries seems endless.

The Squadron maintains an exceptional standard of professional knowledge, flying skill and maintenance practices, its personnel are amongst the most highly qualified in the IAF. During the course of its exalted existence of fifty years, the Squadron has won some rare honours. It has won three Vir Chakras, three Ashok Chakras, two Shaurya Chakras, Nineteen Vayu Sena Medals, four Vishisht Seva Medals and one letter of Appreciation by Constituent Assembly. On 11 December 1984 the President of India presented the Squadron with the President's Standard in recognition of distinguished service rendered.