Saskatchewan Honours the 45th Anniversary of the Snowbirds

Released on October 28, 2015

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds celebrate their 45th anniversary today as one of the world’s best precision flying teams, a distinctive symbol of our province and our country.

“This 45th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the entire team for their great skills as well as their military service,” Lieutenant Governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield said.  “To the pilots, flight maintenance crews, administration, communications and command personnel - more than 80 in all - well done and thank you.”

“The Province of Saskatchewan is the centre from which our mission to demonstrate military skill, professionalism and teamwork to Canadians emanates,” 431 Air Demonstration Squadron Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Brad Wintrup, C.D. said.  “Our home from the beginning, Moose Jaw is not only the birth-place of our present day mandate but it also serves as an example of international co-operation and the connection between the Canadian Armed Forces and with the broader community that we serve.”

The 431 Squadron traces its lineage and military Battle Honours back to 1942 and the Second World War.  Originally a bomber squadron, after the war they reformed first as a fighter squadron before becoming an air demonstration squadron.  They flew under the name the Snowbirds for the first time at the Saskatchewan’s Homecoming Airshow in Moose Jaw, in July 1971.

“Moose Jaw is home to the Snowbirds and southern Saskatchewan their training ground,” Provincial Military Liaison and former Snowbirds lead pilot D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert said.  “Our country’s proud tradition in aviation and military service is on display every time the team performs.  The province views this squadron as a source of pride, especially when we are able to watch them fly in formation.”

Flying Canadair CT-114 Tutor jets, in an average year, the Snowbirds appear at approximately 60 air shows and events across North America.  Since 1971, the specially-selected pilots of the aerobatic team have performed at more than 2,500 airshows. 15 Wing Moose Jaw has been the home to the Snowbirds since the team’s inception.

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For more information, contact:

Sean St. George
Parks, Culture and Sport
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9087
Email: sean.st.george@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8635

Lt Patricia Brunelle
431 (AD) Sqn Snowbirds
15 Wing, Moose Jaw 
Phone: 306-694-2222 ex. 2437
Email: patricia.brunelle@forces.gc.ca
Cell: 306-684-3005