Air Marshal Mehtab Singh Deswal today assumed charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Air Force’s Eastern Air Command. Air Marshal Deswal was commissioned in the flying branch of IAF as a fighter pilot on 14th Jun 1989. The Defence Ministry stated that Air Marshal Deswal has logged over 3,200 hours of flying experience on various fighter aircraft. He is a specialist in strike aircraft and Air Defence roles and a qualified Pilot Attack Instructor. In recognition of his distinguished service, Air Marshal Deswal has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vayu Sena Medal.