By : TOI

Enhancing efficiency of training at the Indian Air Force Station at Tambaram would be his top priority, said Air Commodore T K Varma, who assumed charge on Monday as Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the station.

"The IAF Tambaram is a premiere training institute and I will make all efforts to maintain the status," he told reporters after taking over from Air Commodore M S Ahluwalia.

Varma said that this was his first stint as Commanding Officer. Ahluwalia, who took charge in November 2004, said during his tenure tsunami rehabilitation work was undertaken and coordinated in a 'very professional way.'

He also recalled the 'best service' from the IAF during that time: "Those at Car Nicobar base, who rose to the occasion despite the earthquake and the resultant tsunami devastating it.”

Terming the Tambaram base as a training hub, he, however, said that upgradation and improvement was a continuous process. He mentioned the recent air show at Marina and an accident-free record during his tenure as other achievements.

Earlier, a parade was held in honour of the outgoing officer, at the end of which Varma took over as the new AOC.