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LCol Mike French, commanding officer of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, took to social media on the evening of April 7 to announce that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the team would not be travelling to 19 Wing Comox for spring training.
“We know the arrival of the team in Comox Valley is a sure sign of spring,” French said in the video announcement. “We regret this year we will not take part in our annual migration west, however the health and safety of all Canadians is paramount right now.”
Along with announcing the team wouldn’t be heading to Comox, French also said that the team is currently “taking a pause” from flying at its home base of 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, “in order to maintain social distancing practices.”
Wrapping up the announcement, French said these pauses in training will “definitely” affect the team’s 2020 planned airshow season, however the full effects are still to be seen. The pandemic and its resulting fallout has undoubtedly been sad news for the team, as the 2020 season was set to mark its 50th anniversary.
“Until we resume flying, we ask that everybody stay safe and look after each other,” French concluded.
For our friends in the Comox Valley #cfsnowbirds #rcaf #comox #covid_19 #stayhome pic.twitter.com/1I8pT09BsR
— CF Snowbirds (@CFSnowbirds) April 7, 2020
