MISSION SEVEN SUMMITS BY INDIAN AIR FORCE

IAF team consisting of five air warriors has successfully returned after hoisting the Indian tricolour and the IAF flag on top of the highest peak of South American continent – Mt Aconcagua(6962mts). The expedition was part of the IAF Mission Seven Summit’ in which air warriors plan to attempt the highest peaks of all seven continents. The team had to negotiate long treks of 8-9 hours through the dry, treacherous, barren and dusty mountains. Strong winds and chilled factor made the things difficult.

Admiring the spirit of the team, the expedition was flagged-in by Air Mshl J N Burma, Air Officer-in-Charge Administration (AOA) in a befitting ceremony in Air Head Quarters on 11 Mar 2010. Wg Cdr R C Tripathi, leader of the Mission Seven Summit handed over the Ice-Axe containing Tricolor and IAF flag to the AOA to mark the flag-in ceremony. Other members of the expedition were Wg Cdr Jai Kishan, Sqn Ldr Namit Rawat, JWO Nikku Choudhury and JWO Suresh Pal.