November 10, 2005
15 WING, MOOSE JAW, SASK. -- Three military pilots officially became the newest members of 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Wednesday, November 9 at 15 Wing, Moose Jaw, Sask., after a rigorous 2-week selection process.
The newest Snowbirds are Captain Shawn McCaughey, Snowbird 2, of Candiac , Que., Captain Denis Beaumont, Snowbird 5, of Loretteville, Que., and Captain Christian Dallamore, Snowbird 9, of Fort Fraser, B.C. Also new to the team is Captain Jody McKinnon of Almonte, Ont., who was selected as Snowbird 11, Team Coordinator.
Congratulations to the following Snowbird technicians who were selected to key 2006 show team positions, Sergeant Barry Ripley, crew chief, of Edmonton, Alta., Corporal Dan McIntyre, lead aviation technician, of St. John, N.B., Corporal Nicholas Katuski, lead avionics technician; of Wynyard, Sask., and Corporal Matt Faulkner, technical coordinator, of Stirling, Ont.
"To successfully complete a Snowbird tryout is a tremendous accomplishment and a dream come true for our pilots and technicians," said Major Ian McLean, commanding officer and team lead, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. "Our newest team members have proven that they have the skills, dedication and spirit of teamwork required to represent the men and women in the Canadian Forces with the highest degree of professionalism."
The newest Snowbirds bring years of military experience, thousands of flying hours and a wealth of operational experience to the team. Snowbird members come from various military backgrounds, including maritime patrol, maritime helicopter, tactical aviation, tactical fighter, transport and search and rescue squadrons.
The team will now begin an intensive six-month training program, practicing different manoeuvres and formations, in order to prepare for the 2006 airshow season. Under the leadership and guidance of Major McLean, and alongside their veteran teammates, the new Snowbird pilots will solidify their skills in formation and aerobatic flying.
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Note to editors/news directors: Please contact Lieutenant (Navy) Petra Smith, public affairs officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, at (306) 694-2437 to coordinate interviews. Biographical information and photos of the new team members will be available on the Snowbirds' website at http://www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca
