Bhubaneswar: Air Marshal D K Patnaik has become the first Odia to fly the Rafale Fighter Jet. D K Patnaik is the Chief Of Eastern Air Command. He flew the Rafale fighter jet from the Hasimara Air Force Base in West Bengal yesterday. Earlier, he had also inspected the Air Force Station at Hasimara from 22 to 24 May 22. During his visit, he stressed upon the importance of the base owing to its strategic location and operating latest Rafale aircraft brings in additional responsibility. The Rafale squadron in Hasimara has helped in enhancing operational preparedness in the eastern sector.