Air Marshal Athawale was commissioned in the Electronics steam of Engineering branch of Indian Air Force on July 2, 1973. A graduate of Electrical Engineering from the University of Roorkee, he earned his post graduate degree in Computer Science from IIT Kharagpur. Beginning as Engineering Officer in HF-24 Marut Squadron, he worked on to become Chief Engineering Officer of a MiG-21 fighter base, thereby gaining rich and varied experience in maintenance of various fighter and transport aircraft. An aircrew tenure on Super Constellation aircraft provided him valuable flying experience, which was followed with a stint in aircraft and system testing at ASTE, Bengaluru.

He has been credited with immense experience in Radar and Communication fields. Having held appointments in Microwave Communication units besides steering the Low Level Radar Networking Project as its Project Director, he finally assumed the appointment of Principal Director Ground Electronics at Air HQ. Apart from work in engineering and systems, Air Marshal Athawale pioneered the software initiatives in IAF. In 1992, he established the Software Development Institute of IAF at Bengaluru as its first Commandant. Known as the porjects’ man, he has steered the vital projects of integrated Air Command and Control Systems and Air Force NET (AFNET) as the Asst Chief of Air Staff (Signals & IT) at Air HQ. Before assuming responsibilities as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, the Air Marshal held the appointment of Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, HQ Maintenance Command

As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, he has implemented the concepts of Quality Management System (QMS) and Lean Engineering at the Base Repair Depots so as to optimize the efforts of the personnel towards improvement of Quality of Products at the Depots. He also initiated various welfare measures at Stations/Units under the Command so as to improve the quality of life of the Air Warriors. For his distinguished services of exceptional order, he has been conferred with ‘Param Vishist Seva Medal, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, Vishist Seva Medal and appointed as Honorary ADC to the Honourable President of India. The Air Marshal has represented services in Ranji Trophy, besides being a competitive high level sportsman in many sports during his younger days. He is an avid golfer now.

Mrs Neelima Athawale has always been active member of Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) in various capacities. She has contributed significantly in improving the quality of life and morale of air warriors and families. Air Marshal Athawale and Mrs Neelima Athawale were today bid an emotional farewell by all members of Maintenance Command.