Air Marshal P N Pradhan new senior air staff officer of Southern Air Command

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Air Marshal P N Pradhan will assume the charge of Senior Air Staff Officer of Southern Air Command, Indian Air Force, tomorrow.

Commissioned as a pilot in the Transport Stream of the Indian Air Force in 1981, Pradhan was qualified on all operational roles, especially in forward areas and Advanced Landing Grounds in the North and North-East, a defence presss release said here.

The Air Officer has long been associated with the premier Air Headquarters Communication Squadron which is India's "Air Force One" entrusted with conveying the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Head of the States and other distinguished dignitaries both within and outside the country, it said.

He has held various important command appointments which includes Station Commander of a Ground Air Defence Base, Air Officer Commanding of a transport base, President of Air Force Selection Board and Command of Air Headquarter Communication Squadron.

His staff appointment includes Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Transport & Helicopters) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Personnel Airmen & Civilians) prior to taking over the present appointment, the release added.