50 years soaring the skies

– Air Corps celebrates 50 years of Service by aviation legend Lt Col (Ret’d) Nezamudeen

After 50 years of traversing the clouds, a legacy was grounded in gratitude on Friday as the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps came together in a heartfelt tribute to Lt Col (Ret’d) Mohamad Aziz Nezamudeen, honouring a half-century of distinguished service and unwavering dedication to aviation.
In attendance were Director of Public Prosecutions Shalimar Ali-Hack, Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, senior officers of the GDF, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Fields, former and current commanders of the Air Corps, and a cadre of pilots—both seasoned and newly minted—who have flown with or been mentored by Lt Col Nezamudeen. Also present were close relatives, lifelong friends, and colleagues who have shared in his extraordinary journey.

The event was more than a ceremony—it was a heartfelt celebration of a life devoted to the skies. Lt Col Nezamudeen’s aviation journey began in 1975 and has since soared across borders and decades. With over 26,000 accident-free flying hours, he has earned a reputation not only for exceptional skill but for unmatched professionalism and commitment.
Notably, his service has not ended. Lt Col Nezamudeen remains active in the cockpit, continuing to fly and guide the next generation of aviators.
According to the GDF, Capt Nezamudeen’s earliest days were marked by a rare passion for flight. It began at age 10, watching pilots walk the tarmac at Atkinson Field, dreaming of the day he too would don the gold bars and flight bag. That dream became reality, and his journey would go on to influence generations.
Flight Operations Manager Lt Col Mohinder Ramjag, who flew alongside him for 15 years, described him as a career pilot on a different level, recalling with admiration how he seemed to know every river, mountain, and trail in Guyana as if they were etched into the palm of his hand.

“He has done so much for Guyana and for the Air Corps. We salute not just his service but the strength of that service and the depth of his character,” Ramjag said. Meanwhile, Director General Egbert Fields hailed him as a true legend, stating: “You are not just a pilot. You are a great aviator and a wonderful human being worthy of commendation.”
He encouraged Lt Col Nezamudeen not to sail off into the sunset, but to continue mentoring the next generation of aviators—words that ring true, as his flight log continues to grow. Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, in his remarks, noted that Lt Col Nezamudeen’s loyalty to the GDF is a mark of honour.
“You could have flown anywhere, but you chose here. And in the GDF, service means more than bravery—it means getting the mission done. After 50 years, you don’t just say you were a pilot. You say you are a GDF pilot, and we are proud of that.” Brigadier Khan also conveyed warm sentiments on behalf of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, who extended appreciation and congratulations to Lt Col Nezamudeen for his unwavering service to the nation, both in the military and civil aviation spheres.
Throughout the afternoon, the emotional weight of the moment was palpable. Young officers, many of whom were personally trained or guided by Lt Col Nezamudeen, shared their tributes—embodying the very mentorship he has come to represent. The ceremony reached its most touching point when Lt Col Nezamudeen took to the podium. With humility and grace, he reflected on his journey and the people who helped shape it. He expressed gratitude to the GDF for allowing him to serve with purpose, to his late parents for their foundational guidance, and to his wife Neisha for her steadfast presence throughout the years. Above all, he gave thanks to the Almighty for being the captain of his life’s journey.
“The commemorative plaques and gifts are more than tokens,” he said. “They are symbols of shared history—of missions flown, lives touched and memories made.”
Following the ceremony, a reception was held in his honour, where guests shared warm conversations, exchanged stories and continued to express appreciation for his lifelong contributions to aviation and national service. It was a fitting close to an afternoon marked by deep respect and heartfelt gratitude.