Air Marshal SS Soman hands over charge of Western Air Command

NEW DELHI: Air Marshal S S Soman handed over the charge of ' Western Air Command' as he retired today after more than 39 years of service in the Indian Air Force.

Air Marshal S B Deo will take over the command tomorrow.

Commissioned into the Flying Branch (Fighter Stream) in December, 1976, Soman had more than 3,400 hours of flying on fighter aircraft and has held many important assignments at various stages of his career.

In his final address to all the air warriors of Western Air Command, the Air Marshal appreciated the efforts that everybody had put in and exhorted them to continue in their endeavour to ensure 'Mission, Integrity and Excellence', an IAF statement said.