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Flying from coast to coast and across international borders, the CF-18 Demonstration Team was honoured to represent the Canadian Armed Forces again this year. They proudly flew Canada’s colours under the 2013 theme: “The Common Thread”.
“Embracing a demanding schedule, challenging logistical considerations, and taxing working conditions, the team tirelessly and consistently exuded camaraderie, professionalism, and patriotism,” said Major-General Pierre St- Amand, the commander of 1 Canadian Air Division, located in Winnipeg, Man.
“Not only did the team provide thrilling air performances, but they also personally connected with thousands of Canadians, Americans, and Colombians through their engaging community, school, and hospital visit program. I am extremely proud of what the team accomplished.”
Supported by a team of experts, Captain Patrick “Flocho” Pollen, the 2013 CF-18 Demonstration Pilot, flew in more than 50 air displays at 26 air show sites in Canada, the United States, and Colombia.
“The whole season was a highlight,” said Captain Pollen emphatically. “It was a dream job, a remarkable experience. I wanted to be the CF-18 Demonstration pilot since I was six years old.”
The 2013 CF-18 Demonstration Team technicians included crews from 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, and 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta. The 3 Wing crew comprised Sergeant Marc Lemelin, crew chief; Master Corporal Jean-Martin Thériault, aviation technician (engine); Master Corporal Louis-Jacques Barbeau, avionics technician; and Master Corporal Richard Doucet, aviation technician (airframe).
The 4 Wing crew comprised Master Corporal Derrick MacDonald, crew chief; Master Corporal Allen Cyr, aviation technician (engine); Corporal Owen Davies, aviation technician (aircraft life-saving equipment); and Corporal Adam Linney, avionics technician.
“It is a team concept,” said Captain Pollen. “The technicians put their blood and sweat into making the demonstration what it is.”
“As a crew chief, I never had to ask for anything from our excellent team of technicians – they always did the job ahead of time, trouble-shooting any problems,” said Sergeant Lemelin. “We had great team spirit, and they always worked together. The team was outstanding.”
In addition to the technicians, the 2013 CF-18 Demonstration Team included Major Trevor Juby, special events plans and CF-18 Demonstration Team safety pilot and narrator; Mr. Michel “Spike” Tremblay, senior operations coordinator; Captain Blair Barthel, special events coordinator; Captain Jill Lawrence, public affairs officer; and Mr. Jim Belliveau, graphic design director. This year Mr. Belliveau celebrated his twentieth anniversary with the team.
“The CF-18 Demonstration Team exposes the public to the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Armed Forces, allowing the public to hear, see and touch what the military is and does for them on a day-to-day basis,” said Major Juby.
“The team provides an excellent opportunity to inspire young people to think about a career in aerospace and possibly the RCAF. Both Captain Pollen and I became pilots in theRCAF because of experiences at air shows.”
During school visits, the team spoke with students about the importance of integrity and honour, upon which the three cornerstones of a team can be built: teamwork, effort and dedication.
“Everywhere we went – schools, hospitals, radio stations – people were so welcoming, waiting with arms wide open,” said Sergeant Lemelin. “The kids were so excited.”
Highlights of the 2013 season included the honour of flying with Canadian astronaut Colonel (retired) Chris Hadfield at the Canadian International Air Show as well as the opportunity to represent Canada at the Rionegro International Air Show in Colombia.
“The opportunity to be a part of an exclusive club [the air show community] was a remarkable experience,” said Captain Pollen. “To share a year within that tight-knit family – with that kind of passion and energy – was inspiring.”
During the show, Captain Pollen flew 13 awe-inspiring manoeuvres at speeds between 150 and 1,000 kilometres per hour.
“We must continue to invest in our future generations of Canadians,” said Captain Pollen. “Our goal is two-fold: to profile the talent of Canadian Armed Forces and to inspire future generations.”
