On the eve of Republic Day, Wing Commander Akshay Saxena of the Indian Air Force was conferred the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his remarkable leadership and courage during a high-stakes mission off the Somali coast. The operation, which took place on March 16, 2024, involved rescuing 17 crew members from the MV Ruen, a merchant ship that had been seized by pirates. The pirates had previously attacked merchant vessels in the Arabian Sea and even fired at the Indian Navy’s INS Kolkata, making the mission both time-sensitive and extremely dangerous. Saxena, commanding a C-17 military transport aircraft, was responsible for ensuring the aircraft's readiness and the safety of the entire mission team.

In what was a complex and high-risk mission, Wing Commander Saxena flew into foreign airspace undetected, navigating low-altitude, high-seas conditions for close to four hours. The mission involved the airdrop of two combat rubberized raiding craft (CRRC) and a team of 18 MARCOs (Marine Commandos), who were tasked with capturing the pirates and liberating the hostages. Due to the secrecy of the operation, Saxena made the critical decision to fly with all emitters off to evade detection, ensuring that the mission remained covert until the last possible moment. With precise coordination between the Indian Air Force and Navy, Saxena’s leadership resulted in the successful capture of the pirates and the safe rescue of the crew.

The entire operation, lasting nearly 10 hours, was executed with flawless precision. Saxena demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dynamic leadership, and situational awareness under extreme pressure. The mission's secrecy and success were crucial not only for the safety of the crew but also in showing India’s commitment to combatting piracy in international waters. Saxena's heroic actions were acknowledged by the Defence Ministry, which commended his bravery and his ability to maintain operational secrecy while managing such a high-stakes mission.