Combined grad parade at Air Force Academy on June 15

Dundigal: A Combined Graduation Parade will be held at Air Force Academy on June 15 to mark the successful completion of pre-commissioning training of Flight Cadets belonging to various branches of Indian Air Force.

Chief of the Air Staff and Chairman of the Chiefs of the Staff Committee, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa will be the chief guest and reviewing officer of the Passing out Parade. During the function, he will confer the 'President's Commission' to 152 graduating trainees of various branches.

The ceremony also includes presentation of 'Wings and Brevets' to the Flight Cadets who would be successfully completing Flying and Navigation training respectively. The award of 'Wings or Brevets' represents a significant milestone in every Military Aviator's career and is the culmination of a very demanding but rewarding period of training. The chief guest will also award 'Wings' to officers of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard on successful completion of their flying training at Air Force Academy.

The Parade will be followed by a static and aerobatic display of aircraft used by Indian Air Force. The event will be witnessed by the parents and relatives of the Flight Cadets and various military dignitaries from Hyderabad region as well as Foreign Service Attaches.

The Flight Cadet from 'Flying Branch' standing first in the Order of Merit will be awarded with the 'Sword of Honour' for his achievements and will have the privilege of commanding the Parade besides receiving the President's Plaque. The reviewing officer will also present the President's Plaque to those who stand first in the overall merit in the Navigation and Ground Duty Branches.

As a custom, on the eve of Graduation Parade, the Reviewing Officer would attend the Ceremonial Guest Night and interact with graduating Flights Cadets and their parents. During this event, he will award trophies to the Flight Cadets who have excelled in their respective streams.