IAF Veterans Converge in Chandigarh for Emotional Fairchild Packet Reunion
Veterans of the Indian Air Force gathered in Chandigarh this week for a heartfelt reunion celebrating the enduring legacy of the C-119G Fairchild Packet aircraft. This special gathering, organized after a two-year hiatus since the last meeting in Agra, brought together the global "Fairchild family" from India, the United States, and New Zealand.
The Fairchild Family Reconnects
The event, scheduled from February 6 to 8, served as a moving tribute to what veterans affectionately call the "workhorse" of Indian airpower. Currently comprising approximately 112 members, the Fairchild family includes veterans from Nos 12, 19, 48, and Paratroopers Training School squadrons—units that operated the Packet until its retirement in March 1986.
Many participants described returning to Chandigarh, where many began their service, as a profoundly spiritual experience. "Almost a spiritual experience, one re-lives one's entire life on touching ground zero," shared Wing Commander N J D Conceicao (Retd), the oldest veteran present, who had a remarkable career that included flying the Dalai Lama in Leh and later serving with the Singapore air force.
Honoring a Legendary Aircraft
The US-made transport aircraft, which served the IAF from February 1954 to 1986, earned multiple affectionate nicknames during its service. Civilians often called it the "Leopard" or "Aasmaan se Aayaa farishta" (Angel from the Sky) for its critical roles in disaster relief operations and national defense missions.
The Packet's most celebrated military achievement came on December 11, 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The aircraft executed a crucial airdrop of troops in Tangail, Bangladesh—an operation that shattered the Pakistani Army's will to defend Dhaka and accelerated the war's conclusion.
Decisive Contributions to National Security
Beyond the 1971 conflict, the Fairchild Packet played pivotal roles in numerous national security operations. In April 1984, the aircraft proved instrumental during the challenging Siachen Glacier operations. Later, it facilitated the conversion training of pilots transitioning to the Russian AN-32 aircraft that eventually replaced the Packet in IAF service.
"We are a family of C-119 G Fairchild happy years. A family of joys and tears. We have so much to share and this get-together shows how much we care," expressed Air Vice Marshal H P Singh, capturing the emotional resonance of the gathering.
Celebrating Camaraderie and Service
The reunion atmosphere at Chandigarh's upscale club lawns buzzed with deep bonhomie as former course mates and squadron buddies exchanged stories from their flying days. Approximately 80 veterans and their families participated in the three-day event, which included visits to local tourist sites and heartfelt tributes to colleagues lost in service or to time.
"Every reunion is connected with the lad in uniform, the lovely life we lived to the fullest," reflected Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak (Retd). "So this reunion makes it a special time to remember, a time to laugh, a time to celebrate, a time to share old stories and make new memories."
Distinguished Veterans Lead Celebrations
The gathering featured prominent IAF veterans including Air Marshal B K Pandey, Air Vice Marshal Kapil Kak, Air Vice Marshal H P Singh, Air Commodore R P S Garcha, Air Commodore J V Singh, Air Commodore G T Joshi, and Air Commodore Peter K Pinto. Group Captain Alvinder Chand (Retd), who traveled from the United States and once served as ADC to former President V V Giri, emphasized how the reunion connected generations of air warriors.
Wing Commander Charanjit Singh Grewal (Retd), one of the event organizers, perfectly summarized the reunion's spirit: "Nostalgia is to revive some old memories while making newer ones." This gathering not only honored a legendary aircraft but also reinforced the enduring bonds among those who served their nation aboard the Fairchild Packet.
