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The 2015 CF-18 Demonstration Hornet rests on the tarmac at Comox, B.C., where the team is preparing for the upcoming airshow season. The 2015 paint scheme honours those who served in the Battle of Britain, 75 years ago. Lieutenant Mat Strong Photo
The Royal Canadian Air Force’s 2015 CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team travelled to Comox, B.C., last week to continue preparing for the upcoming airshow season.
The team will be in the area until April 30, 2015, as they finalize and perfect the 2015 show routine, working out the complexities that come with a world class aerobatic performance.
“Comox offers us a unique opportunity to practice and hone our skills as a cohesive team unit,” said Michel “Spike” Tremblay, one of the 2015 CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team coordinators.
“The weather in Comox at this time of year is exquisite, and the area provides us with an opportunity to practice the routine over land and water, with very few restrictions.”
Making the trip to Comox along with Captain Denis “Cheech” Beaulieu, the 2015 Demo Hornet pilot, and his beautifully designed Hornet that reflects this year’s 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, are the 2014 Demo Team pilot, Captain Adam “Manik” Runge, both the East and West Maintenance crews from 3 Wing Bagotville, Que., and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta., respectively, the two team coordinators from 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg, Man., and the team’s public affairs officer from 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta.
The Snowbirds air demonstration team is also in Comox, training alongside the Demo Hornet Team and putting the final touches on their routine for the 2015 airshow season.
“It’s exciting to see the Demo Team together in one place,” said Captain Beaulieu. “Everyone has been working really hard planning and preparing for the season and from what we’ve seen here so far, our audiences won’t be disappointed.”
Many of those preparations included developing this year’s theme, the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. More than 100 Canadians flew during the battle, mainly as members of No. 1 Fighter Squadron, RCAF, later renamed 401 Fighter Squadron, and in the Royal Air Force’s 242 “All Canadian” Squadron. An estimated 300 more served as groundcrew.
The Demonstration Hornet is a poignant expression of this theme, having been painted in the style of the Hurricanes and Spitfires flown and maintained by Canadians during the battle.
The same dedication, sacrifice and bravery that past Canadian aviators and maintainers demonstrated during the Battle of Britain are being carried on today by members of the Royal Canadian Air Force each and every day throughout Canada and around the world.
