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Dundigal (Andhra Pradesh), June 19 (ANI): A ceremonial Passing out parade was held today at Air Force Academy, Dindigul, near Hyderabad, where 172 cadets passed out from the premier defence academy as flying officers.

This Combined Graduation Parade was presided over by Minister of state for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju.

Six officers from the Indian Navy and one officer from Indian Coast Guard also received their flying brevet at the Combined Graduation Parade.

The parade marked the successful completion of the basic and professional training for Flight Cadets who underwent training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad, Air Force Administrative College, Coimbatore, Air Force Station Hakimpet, Yelahanka and Begumpet.

Flying Officer Sumit Kumar, who commanded the parade, was awarded the President’s Plaque and Chief of Air Staff ‘Sword of Honour’ for standing first in overall order of merit in Flying Branch while Flying Officer K Sridhar was awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in overall order of merit in Ground Duties Branch and Flying Officer Vishal Kumar being awarded the President’s Plaque for standing first in overall order of merit in the Navigation Branch.

In his address to the newly commissioned officers, Raju said the nation is proud of the Indian Air Force and its dedication and exhorted the newly commissioned officers to serve the nation well and take this fine service, even higher.

There was a traditional fly past by various aircraft including an exhilarating and scintillating air show by the ‘Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team(SKAT) ‘ led by Wg Cdr JT Kurien, which kept the audience spell-bound.

The display by Air Force Skydiving team ‘Akash Ganga’ and the Air Warrior Drill Team(AWDT) enthralled the audience.

Besides a large number of retired and serving defence officers, civilian dignitaries, the parents and relatives of the cadets were also present to witness this proud moment of passing out of the cadets. (ANI)