In yet another mercy mission on 05 March the IAF evacuated casualties in critical condition from Char village in Ladakh region in inclement weather The rescue mission was meticulously planned and executed by Wg Cdr BS Sehrawat with SqnLdr KS Negi, SqnLdr Pradeep and Flt Lt CS Shekhawat as the other crew members. On 04 March, ‘Siachen Pioneers’ from Air Force Station Leh evacuated 26 villagers from Lingshet a remote village of at 13000ft, isolated from habitat for many days as the only available path to it got disrupted due to the heavy snow fall. Seven helicopters were launched in two waves, led by the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander BS Sehrawat. The isolated village was also supplied with essential medical supplies, ration in drinking water. On 31 Jan 14 a critically ill pregnant woman was evacuated from Niraq in the wee hours, saving a young mother and baby. Similar missions were aunched to Padam, Tangze, Nirag and Dibling in Zanskar area to evacuate casualties and supplying more than 1000 kg of life sustaining material, to these villages.
The unit has a special connect with people of the region. Often small children come rushing to the waiting helicopter braving its icy downwash and tie a woolen thread on its skid (Landing gear),establishing a bond with the helicopter pilots. On the fringes of its flight envelope and extreme cold temperatures, 114 HU has evacuated over 6000 casualties since its raising and is also celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year.
