Air Mshl Hemant Sharma PVSM, AVSM, VSM was commissioned in the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 07 Jan 1980 as an Aeronautical Engineer in Electronics Stream. He is a graduate Engineer from NIT Bhopal and a post graduate from IIT Kharagpur. He is also a post graduate in Business Administration. The Air Officer is well versed with front line fighter aircraft of the IAF. He revolutionised the communication system in IAF by pioneering the pan India Digital Communication Air Force Network (AFNET). The Air Marshal has held various field & staff appointments during his distinguished service career. He functioned as the Chief Engineering Officer at two premier fighter air bases. He has immensely contributed at Air Headquarters and Command Headquarters as Director for Air Borne Warning and Control Systems, Director Air Force Network, Principal Director Signals (Air), Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Systems), Senior Maintenance staff officer at Central Air Command, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Communications), Director General (Communications) and Director General (Systems) prior to taking over as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Maintenance Command from 01 Jun 17 till his retirement on 31 Jan 19. For his distinguished service the Air Officer has been awarded thrice by three different Honourable Presidents of India. The awards are Param Vishisht Seva Medal (2019), Ati Vishisht Seva (2015) Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal (2009). The Air Officer is married to Mrs Kusum Sharma and has two sons and a daughter-in- Law who are pursuing their professional careers.