May 31, 2007
15 WING, MOOSE JAW, SASK. – The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are scheduled to return to Great Falls, Montana, U.S.A. Thursday, May 31 to retrieve the CT-114 Tutor jets to prepare for the 2007 season in honour of Captain Shawn McCaughey.
“While we are still grieving, we remain focused on our mission - Shawn was a passionate aviator and he would want us to return to the skies,” said Major Robert Mitchell, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds. “We will continue to strive for excellence and to represent the skill, professionalism and teamwork of the Canadian Forces in Shawn’s honour.”
“In consultation with Canadian Forces Flight Safety personnel, aircraft engineers as well as operational specialists, we have confirmed that the aircraft are ready for flight,” said Major-General Charles Bouchard, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division. “I am very proud of the team and look forward to seeing them soar, representing the best of the Canadian Forces and Canada.”
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are scheduled to resume practices Friday, June 1 in Moose Jaw, Sask. Captain Paul Couillard, a former Snowbird 2 pilot, will rejoin the team, flying in the Snowbird 2 position for the 2007 season.
Pending favourable weather and ample training opportunities, the team intends to resume their 2007 season with the Owen Sound Air Show June 20.
“On behalf of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, I would like to thank all those who have supported our team during this extremely difficult time,” said Major Mitchell. “We appreciate that some communities will be disappointed that we had to cancel, but our priority at this time is to resume training to ensure that our team is ready for the air show season.”
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Note to editors/news directors: For more information about the team’s upcoming schedule, please contact Lieutenant (Navy) Petra Smith, Public Affairs Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds, at (306) 694-2437 or (306) 684-3005 or visit the team’s website at www.snowbirds.forces.gc.ca.
For more information about the Canadian Forces Flight Safety investigation, please contact the Media Liaison Office at (613) 996-2353.
