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747-237

IAF Squadron 44 "The Mighty Jets" are celebrating 50 years of their raising and are to receive President's Standards on 9 March 2011.

With 2 family members (My Dad & Uncle) having served with Squadron 44 (AN-12s), I received the following email from the current CO of Sqdn 44 at Nagpur.

Kindly pass on this information to anyone you might know, who has served in Squadron 44.

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I am pleased to apprise you that the preparations for the presentation of Presidential Standard are progressing as planned. 10 Mar 2011 has been finalized for the presentation ceremony in Baghdogra. We look forward to your whole hearted participation to make this occasion a memorable one.

2. The post PSP programmes to be conducted at Nagpur are as listed below:-
(a) Barakhana –25 Mar 2011 (Friday evening).

(b) Reunion Dinner –26 Mar 2011 (Saturday).

(c) Sqn Breakfast –27 Mar 2011 (Sunday).

3. It is requested that the confirmation of your attendance may please be sent in by mailing the attached ‘RSVP’ proforma. All necessary arrangements for transport and accommodation would be made by the sqn. The information may please be sent at Sqn’s address by mail/ e-mail/ telephone nos. as mentioned below:

(a) 44 Sqn AF

Air Force Station,

Nagpur-440005

(b) pspmightyjets@sify.com

Thank You

Warm Regards
Wg Cdr BK Chauhan
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Here is the offical press release from the IAF :

http://indianairforce.nic.in/show_news.php?pg_id=2&news_id=597

Thanks !
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shivendrashukla · Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:08 pm Post subject:

Nice. I believe they are currently operating IL76's. Enjoy yourself.

Cheers
Shivendra

747-237 · Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:47 pm Post subject:

http://www.zeenews.com/news692295.html

President awards 'Standards' to two Air Force units
March 09, 2011

agdogra: President Pratibha Patil on Wednesday awarded prestigious 'Standards' to 44 Squadron and 110 Helicopter Unit of the Indian Air Force here in recognition of their sustained hard work and "operational excellence" during the times of war and peace.

"It gives me immense pleasure to be at Air Force Station Bagdogra, and to award Standards to 44 Squadron and 110 Helicopter Unit, popularly known as the 'Mighty Jets' and 'Vanguards' respectively," Patil said after awarding the honour to the two Air Force units.

The 44 Squadron is a transport unit formed in 1961. It was equipped with AN-32 aircraft.

"The unit also operates Russian made IL-76, which has been named as Gajraj. It can carry tanks also. and can accommodate around 350 personnel. Its is capable of carrying a load of 44 tonnes," an Air Force officer said.

During the India-Pakistan conflict of 1965, the 44 Squadron had carried out extensive airlift operations in support of the Army, while during the 1971 war, it carried out extensive bombing missions with the AN-12 aircraft, which had been suitably modified for the bombing role.

For its valorous efforts, 44 Squadron was awarded 'Battle Honours', which is a rare honour for a transport squadron.

"Both these flying units have a rich tradition of valour and courage, and have rendered distinguished service to the nation since their inception," Patil said.

Their personnel, both past and present, have put in untiring efforts in pursuit of excellence and have set an example for others to emulate and for their selfless devotion, professionalism and courage in the face of adversity, the Nation honours them today with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation, she added.

"The award of 'Standard' is in recognition of sustained hard work and operational excellence displayed by these units during war, natural calamities and peace time operations," an official statement said.
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747-237 · Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2011 2:54 pm Post subject:

Here is a bunch of stuff I received from the C.O. of Sqn 44 - an invitation card to the event, brochures, stickers, & a nice booklet about the squadron.
Very nicely done !

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747-237 · Posted: Tue May 07, 2013 12:56 am Post subject:

Decided to get the Inflight500 Indian Air Force IL-76MD K-2661; for Sqdn. 44.

747-237 · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2016 7:32 am Post subject:

The DNA newspaper in India has a wonderful article on it's front page today, about Squadron 44, which celebrates its 55th Anniversary.
A pleasant surprise seeing coverage of a specific IAF Squadron in the Indian press.

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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

Very nice article, but...the AEW&C Be-50 shown is not a part of this squadron, is it?
Cheers, Sumantra.

747-237 · Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 5:19 am Post subject:

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

747-237 · Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 7:04 am Post subject:

sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

747-237 · Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 10:32 am Post subject:

Sumantra, as Sqdn 44 turns 55 tomorrow - here is something from when it turned 5.
This invitation card to the 5th anniversary celebration of the squadron was designed by my old man, while they were based out of Chandigarh. Though the squadron was only 5, he had been through 2 wars, and was awarded his VSM while with them. This card is half a century old today. I bet that must've been some party, back in '66 !

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sumantra · Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi

747-237 · Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 12:04 pm Post subject: