Odd Man Out : Lt. Arun Prakash (Later Admiral Arun Prakash CNS) In October 1971, Wg. Cdr. C.V. Parker Commanding No.20 Sqn Lightnings.fighter-bomber squadron of Indian air force has a surprise visitor to his squadron. One fine day, an impromptu inspection was called in and the visitor turned out to be Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.C. Lal, in one of his surprise visits to forward units. All the pilots turned out in flying gear for inspection. As Parker came in to receive the CAS, Lal remarked, Parker, I understand that you lay lot of emphasis on physical training, maybe thats why one of your pilots is still in his PT Shoes! Wg. Cdr. Parker could detect a hint of well intended sarcasm in the Lals remark. Parker looked at the pilots for the offender, and realised what had inspired Lal to remark on that. Parker replied to Lal, Sir, the pilot is not wearing PT shoes, he is a naval pilot, wearing his white uniform shoes. Even Lal was unaware of the details of how a naval officer came to be deputed to an operational IAF squadron. In the late 1960s it was decided that the Navy and the Air Force would depute two pilots each to operational units to learn about the workings of each other. Accordingly Lt. Arun Prakash and Lt. Peter Debrass, from the IN, were deputed to the IAF. Debrass went and joined No.9 Sqn on Gnat aircraft, and Arun Prakash came to the Lightnings. The CAS had been unaware of the details and he did not know of that the pilot was attached to the Lightnings. On being appraised of the situation, Lal asked What if on the outbreak of a war, the navy wants him back?. Parker replied, He would be of more use to the Air Force than to the Navy. Moreover the amount of expenditure incurred in his training with Hunters would be wasted if he goes back to his naval unit, where in all probability he will not be as useful. Lal agreed with the assessment, and Arun Prakash flew with the Lightnings in the conflict that came later.In the Investiture Ceremony, Wg. Cdr. C.V. Parker introduced Lt. Arun Prakash to the Air Chief. You remember Arun Prakash, Sir, he was the one wearing the PT shoes on the day of your inspection. It goes without saying that Lal was amused. Lightnings take pride in the fact that Lt. Arun Prakash was awarded the Vir Chakra (VrC) under the Air Force List rather than the Navy List.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 05:21:00 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015