The True North Strong and Free

Avatar for Skies MagazineBy Skies Magazine | July 11, 2012

Estimated reading time 6 minutes, 11 seconds.

Since 2008, when the federal government introduced the Canada First Strategy, the Canadian Forces has been making its presence visible and thereby asserting Canadian sovereignty in the resource-rich North. This has become more important as Canada’s resources become increasingly accessible due to the shifting weather patterns. So, it is only fitting that the theme of this year’s CF-18 Demo Team from 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron at 3 Wing Bagotville, Que., is “The True North Strong and Free.”

To portray this theme and help increase awareness in Canada’s North, this year’s CF-18 Demo Hornet, which is flown by Capt Patrick ‘Paco’ Gobeil from 3 Wing Ops, displays tail and dorsal art featuring 13 distinctive snowflakes representing Canada’s provinces and territories, as well as the 13 RCAF Wings across the country. Created by graphic designer Jim Belliveau of 410 Squadron at Cold Lake, Alta. (see Faces of Flight profile), each snowflake also represents a unique northern theme.

This year, the 2012 schedule has the team travelling further than it ever has before. The team is participating in 15 Canadian air shows, with two taking place in Canada’s North (Yellowknife and Inuvik), and four shows in the United States. For the first time, the team also made an appearance in South America as part of Operation Southern Reach, from May 5 to 26.

The purpose of Southern Reach was to increase the RCAF’s professional bonds with the air forces of Brazil, Chile and Jamaica. The goodwill tour included a detachment of 40 personnel, three CF-18s from 425 Squadron, one CC-130J Hercules from 436 Squadron and one CC-130H(T) Hercules from 435 Squadron for air-to-air refuelling support.

While in Brazil, the CF-18 and the CC-130J performed air demonstrations during the Brazilian Air Force’s Fumaça (Smoke) Squadron’s 60th anniversary celebration and air show in Pirassununga, May 12 and 13, for tens of thousands of overwhelmingly enthusiastic spectators.

“The warmth, enthusiasm and support our Brazilian hosts extended to us have been nothing short of amazing,” said LCol Louis-Henri Remillard, detachment commander for Op Southern Reach. “There is no doubt in my mind that we will meet our goals here and develop enduring relationships with our South American partners.”

“There were a lot of firsts for the CF-18 during our trip to South America, including the fact that the CF-18 flew across the equator for the first time since it has been in service,” said Gobeil. “For me, just to be in South America taking part in this operation, was a great opportunity with many memorable moments, like flying in formation crossing the equator,” said Gobeil. “To be able to participate in the show while we are here and to see the reaction of the crowds is an unforgettable experience.”

On May 16, the Canadian detachment then made the 12-hour trek across the Andes to Los Condores AFB in Iquique, on Chile’s northern coast, where the CF-18s conducted combined forces training with Chilean Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 3rd Aviation Group. The pilots flew together, familiarizing themselves with some of each other’s, as well as their aircraft’s, capabilities, flying basic missions – including offensive counter air, red air and basic fighting manoeuvres – to practice techniques against dissimilar aircraft, weapons and tactics.

After three days in Chile, the detachment carried on to Kingston, Jamaica, where the CF-18 and CC-130J performed aerial displays at Jamaica’s Labour Day celebrations along the Kingston waterfront. The group returned in time for the CF-18’s first Canadian show in Waterloo, Ont., June 2-3.

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