In a significant leadership change, Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas officially took over as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) of the Indian Air Force's Training Command on Thursday. The command is headquartered in Bengaluru, marking a new chapter for one of the IAF's most crucial operational branches.
A Solemn Beginning and a Storied Career
Following his assumption of command, Air Marshal Shrinivas commenced his tenure with a solemn tribute. He paid homage to the fallen personnel of the IAF by laying a wreath at the Training Command War Memorial, honoring their sacrifice.
The officer's journey in the skies began decades ago. An alumnus of the prestigious National Defence Academy, Shrinivas was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF on June 13, 1987. His flying credentials are exceptional. A Category A qualified flying instructor, he has amassed over 4,200 hours of flying experience on a diverse fleet of aircraft. His logbook includes the MiG-21, Iskra, Kiran, PC-7 Mk II, HPT-32, and microlight aircraft. Additionally, he is qualified as a second pilot on Chetak and Cheetah helicopters and is a categorised operations officer for the Pechora missile system.
Key Command and Staff Appointments
Over a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, Air Marshal Shrinivas has held a series of critical command and staff positions that have shaped the IAF's operational and training ethos. His command roles are particularly noteworthy:
- Commandant of the Air Force Academy.
- Air Officer Commanding of a frontline fighter base on the western border.
- Air Officer Commanding of a premier flying training base.
- Commanding Officer of the Flying Instructors’ School.
- Commandant of the Institute of Aerospace Safety.
- Commanding Officer of the Basic Flying Training School.
His expertise was also utilized in vital staff appointments, including Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel Officers), Chief Instructor (Flying) at the Air Force Academy, and operational staff at Headquarters Central Air Command. He also served as a directing staff at the College of Air Warfare. Immediately prior to his current promotion, he was the Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters South Western Air Command.
Academic Credentials and Accolades
Air Marshal Shrinivas is not only a seasoned aviator but also a distinguished scholar. He is a graduate of the National Defence College, the College of Defence Management, and the Defence Services Staff College. His academic portfolio includes an MPhil in Defence and Strategic Studies, a Master of Management Studies, and an MSc in Defence and Strategic Studies.
His exemplary service has been recognized with two of the nation's highest service awards. He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2017 and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024. His appointment as the head of the Training Command is seen as a strategic move to leverage his vast operational and instructional experience to mentor the next generation of IAF warriors.
