It was a matter of pride when the coveted ‘Unit Citation’ award was presented to city-based 25 Squadron, also known as Himalayan Eagles, by Air Force chief Air Marshal P V Naik.

The award was received by Commanding Officer Group Captain S P Singh during the Air Force Day parade at Hindan, near Ghaziabad, on Thursday.

“The squadron has excelled in operations consistently and this award is a recognition of their exceptional performance,” said Air Commodore S R K Nair, Commanding Officer, Air Force Station, Chandigarh, who is a veteran of the Himalayan Eagles.

One of the most prestigious units of the Indian Air Force, 25 Squadron takes a lion’s share of the credit for the success of the defence force. The Himalayan Eagles, as they are called, was established in March 1963, under the command of Squadron Leader G J Shaw following the need to bolster the country’s defence post the 1962 war with China.

The unit was raised primarily to provide vital support to the Army and Air Force units located in the inhospitable terrain in the Himalayas which are cut-off for most of the year due to snow. This ‘air bridging’ activity is undertaken by the squadron in the most treacherous environment conditions on a daily basis.

Hence, the epithet ‘Saviours of the North’ rightly describes the squadron’s role.

In addition to this, the Himalayan Eagles have been involved in almost every war, operation, relief mission and mobilisation that the country has seen through the years.

... contd.