October 22, 2010
MOOSE JAW, Sask. – The Canadian Forces Snowbirds Demonstration Team is marking its 40th Anniversary this weekend with performances at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
Based out of 15 Wing Moose Jaw, the Snowbirds are comprised of 85 Canadian Forces members, both Regular and Reserve Force, who come from various military backgrounds and experience. Canadians have been connecting with the Snowbirds and their tradition of excellence for 40 years. During the 2010 show season the Snowbirds completed 60 performances at 35 different locations around North America. The Snowbirds are the only air demonstration team in North America to perform with nine jets flying in close formation.
"The Snowbirds are one of Canada's most recognized and treasured national symbols," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. "The Snowbirds are outstanding international ambassadors for Canada and I congratulate the entire Snowbirds team, as well as the Air Force, for the long-standing tradition of aviation excellence and showmanship."
"The Snowbirds have given Canadians great shows over the years and, in turn, Canadians have given them their support," said Lieutenant-General André Deschamps, Chief of the Air Staff. "The aerobatic grace of the CT-114 Tutor aircraft has remained fresh and inspiring, and Canadians can be proud of their world-class Canadian Forces air demonstration team."
"We have grown and evolved over the years thanks to the support of Canadians," said Lieutenant-Colonel Maryse Carmichael, Commanding Officer 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. "We train to achieve aviation excellence because we know that spectators deserve a spectacular performance every time we take to the skies."
The 40th anniversary season of the Snowbirds will wrap up over the weekend with many festivities as friends and members of the team, past and present, converge in Moose Jaw to mark the historic occasion. The festivities will culminate over the friendly prairie community when the team will soar through the last performance of the season.
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NOTE TO EDITORS / NEWS DIRECTORS: For more information, please contact Captain Holly-Anne Brown, Air Force Special Events Public Affairs Officer, at 204-227-8535.
