The 25 Squadron of the Indian Air Force - popularly known as the Himalayan Eagles - celebrated its 42nd anniversary today with a grand reunion of all retired and serving officers of the Squadron.
Raised on March 1, 1963, in Chandigarh, the Squadron was initially equipped with the AN-12 aircraft, which rendered yeoman service till they were phased out in January 1993.
It was subsequently re-equipped with heavy jet transport aircraft IL-76 and the medium turbo aircraft AN-32 with the responsibility of maintaining the vital airbridge to Ladakh.
The Squadron served the country with valour and dedication in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars. In the recent years, it has also showed its mettle during the Kargil conflict in 1999 and Op Parakram in 2001-02.
The Himalayan Eagles provided succour to the needy during peacetime too. They undertook casualty evacuation sorties and relief work in the aftermath of natural disasters like floods in Orissa and Bihar in 1999, Gujarat earthquake in 2001 and the tsunami recently.
The good job done by its personnel in airlifting thousands of transients between Jamu and Srinagar during this month was appreciated by one and all.
The Himalayan Eagles are the most visible on occasions of national celebrations such as the Republic Day when the Squadron aircraft form the backbone of the magnificent flyers known as the Big Boy Formation.