SkyHawks launch 2018 demonstration season with first major public performance

News release

May 16, 2018 – Trenton, Ontario – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces Parachute Team, the SkyHawks, will officially launch its 2018 performance season at the Victoria Day SpeedFest at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, on Sunday, May 20, 2018.

As Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team, the SkyHawks team is comprised of Regular and Reserve Force members from across the Canadian Armed Forces. The team will perform at air shows, sporting events, and festivals across Canada between May and September.

At every performance, members of the SkyHawks showcase the high standard of professionalism, dedication, and teamwork it takes to be part of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Additional multimedia

SkyHawks teammates Master Corporal Antoine Collette (top left), Master Corporal Jeremy Canfield (top right), and Master Corporal Stuart Ayres (bottom), fly the Canadian flag in the ‘Canadian T’ formation over Perris, California, during training on March 29, 2018. Photo: Craig O’Brien © 2018 DND-MDN Canada
SkyHawks teammates Master Corporal Antoine Collette (top left), Master Corporal Jeremy Canfield (top right), and Master Corporal Stuart Ayres (bottom), fly the Canadian flag in the ‘Canadian T’ formation over Perris, California, during training on March 29, 2018. Photo: Craig O’Brien © 2018 DND-MDN Canada

Quotes

“My fellow SkyHawks and I are immensely excited to perform and meet with spectators from coast to coast this summer. Our team members come from a wide variety of military trades and backgrounds but are united in purpose – to put on a great show for enthusiastic audiences.”

– Captain John Hart, SkyHawks Team Captain

Quick facts

  • The SkyHawks team was established in 1971. During the last 47 years, members have performed at more than 5000 venues in Canada and around the world, while interacting with millions of spectators.

  • As specialists in Canopy Relative Work, the SkyHawks perform daring manoeuvres by bringing their parachutes in close proximity to each other. This style of parachute formation flying requires a high level of skill and physical fitness.

  • The 2018 SkyHawks team features performers from all elements of the Canadian Armed Forces (the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Navy) and includes members from both the Regular and Reserves Force.

  • The SkyHawks’ official web page has an initial calendar of 2018 show dates – note that all performances are subject to change without notice.

  • The SkyHawks team has been based out of 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario, for nearly twenty years and is part of the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre.

Associated links

Contacts

Cheryl Forrest
Directorate of Army Public Affairs
Phone: 613-971-7127
Email: Cheryl.forrest@forces.gc.ca

Search for related information by keyword: Military | National Defence | Canada | National security and defence | general public | news releases

Page details

Date modified: