During his tenure as JD Eng B, with systematic planning, close supervision and extraordinary foresight, Gp Capt Sandhu ensured a high serviceability state of the IAF Chetak/Cheetah helicopters, Avro HS-748, Dornier fleets. The Chetak/ Cheetah fleet, in particular, has had an average serviceability figure of more than 80% during the last two years. During the same period, a number of prolonged AOG in respect of Avro and Dornier aircraft have also been recovered, mainly through personal monitoring and timely provisioning and AOG clearances. Also, with a view to improve the availability of Dornier aircraft in Squadrons, the challenging task of setting up Dornier aircraft servicing facilities at a BRD was actively pursued by him, and the requisite TTGE/spares were expeditiously made available to this BRD. Servicing of the first Dornier aircraft was thus successfully completed by the BRD in May 2000. In his previous tenure as the Chief Engineering Officer at a fighter base from Jun 1996 to May 1998, he ensured a high state of serviceability availability of MiG-27 aircraft in the squadrons. As a result Squadron could achieve an enhanced flying task. During the tenure, the Base was awarded the "Best Maintenance Wing Trophy" by the Command Headquarters for both the years, 1997 and 1998.

Gp Capt Sandhu has been a dynamic AE officer throughout his carrier in the IAF. His outstanding performance has been a way of life with him from the beginning, as shown by his previous achievements. He has been earlier commended by the AOC-in-C HQ WAC, IAF in 1993 and by the CAS in 1994.

For his unflinching devotion to duty, professional competence and distinguished service of an exceptional order, the Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Group Captain Raghbir Singh Sandhu.

Air Commodore Raghbir Singh Sandhu VSM (13174) AE (M) was commissioned on 02 Jul 1972 in the Engineering branch of IAF. During his 32 years of distinguished service, he has held several important command and staff appointments, including that of Chief Engineering Officer at two flying bases, Director (Engineering 'B') at Air Headquarters and Commanding Officer of a Base Repair Depot (BRD). He was awarded VSM in 2001 for his distinguished services. Presently, he is Air Officer Commanding of a premier Maintenance Base since November 2002. During his tenure as Director (Engineering 'B') at Air Headquarters, Air Commodore Sandhu had the challenging task of setting up Dornier aircraft overhaul and servicing facilities at a BRD. His careful planning ensured setting up of the required industrial facilities at the BRD in a very short period, which resulted in early commencement of Dornier aircraft servicing, and consequent early availability of the aircraft in IAF. As Chief Engineering Officer at two flying bases, he set high maintenance standards to increase serviceability and availability of MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighter aircraft, resulting in both these flying bases being awarded “Best Maintenance Wing" trophies. As Commanding Officer of a BRD, he brought in visible improvement in the work culture, quality of output and enhanced aero engine production to ensure achievement of task.

Air Commodore Sandhu took over the command of a premier Maintenance Station on 11 November 2002, where he was responsible for functioning two BRDs, one Equipment Depot and many other maintenance and administrative units. His regular interaction with Depot Commanders, constant supervision of aircraft and aeroengine production lines and close monitoring of provisioning of spares ensured achievement of allotted task during the last two years. His innovative measures like formulation of new repair schemes, introduction of new modifications and focused approach on indigenization have helped achieve the station goals in professional arena. His special effort to set up overhaul facilities for Nose Landing Gear of AN-32 aircraft has helped the AN-32 fleet by reducing dependence on Russia besides saving phenomenal FFE to the exchequer.

Air Commodore Raghbir Singh Sandhu VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.