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The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) air demonstration teams concluded their programs for 2016 during the weekend of Oct. 14, after collectively appearing at more than 70 venues in Canada and the United States over the summer.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds performed their year-end show for military families on Friday, Oct. 14 at 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, noting the CAF is marking 25 years of service provided by the Military Family Services Program. The CF-18 Demonstration Team returned home that same weekend.
“The RCAF’s air demo teams have done an outstanding job this summer, fulfilling their role to connect with Canadians, by educating and informing them about their Royal Canadian Air Force,” said MGen Christian Drouin, Commander, 1 Canadian Air Division. “By sharing their enthusiasm and excitement for aviation, they have inspired future generations of aviators. Each member of the CF Snowbirds and the CF-18 Demo Team brings to bear a unique skill set in the accomplishment of our mandate. I thank them for their remarkable service and congratulate them for a safe and successful air show season.”
Throughout the show season, the RCAF has recognized Canada’s leadership of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). The 2016 CF-18 Demo Hornet has unique tail and body art to illustrate this theme, and the eleven Snowbird CT-114 aircraft each display a BCATP logo.
Both teams represent Canada as ambassadors across North America, demonstrating the outstanding teamwork, excellence, discipline and dedication inherent in the women and men of the CAF. Airshow demonstrations are an opportunity to show Canadians the professionalism and skill within the RCAF critical to serving important missions in Canada and around the world.
Quick Facts
• The Military Family Services Program, created 25 years ago, is a program that is built by families for families; it supports military families in person at local Military Family Resource Centres, by phone through the Family Information Line, or online;
• In collaboration with the Military Family Services Program, the RCAF considers support to families a key line of operations with a particular focus on facilitating affordable daycare, access to medical services, and spousal employment;
• Each year the RCAF air demonstration teams highlight significant undertakings or commemorative events; this year the RCAF recognizes the great achievements of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan; and
• The BCATP played a critical role in Canada’s great contributions to Allied victory in the Second World War.
