CMFMAG Team
Canadian Forces Snowbirds announced the team would be flying across Canada for Operation INSPIRATION.
Beginning this weekend on the East Coast “the Canadian Forces Snowbirds will cross the country to salute Canadians doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19. This unique mission is being aptly dubbed Operation INSPIRATION,” according to the press release.
The team’s signature nine-jet formation, with trailing white smoke, will fly over cities across the country starting in Nova Scotia this weekend and working west throughout the week.
“Every year, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds travel the country, putting smiles on the faces of Canadians. While Canadians may not be able to gather at air shows, for now, we’re honoured to bring the Snowbirds team to Canadians and to pay special tribute to them,” noted Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force.
“We’ve been asked to do what we do best… inspire Canadians. Through Operation INSPIRATION, we not only want to salute the front-line health care workers, first responders, and essential workers, but also all Canadians doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We want Canadians to know we’re in this with you,” Lieutenant-Colonel Mike French, Commanding Officer, Canadian Forces Snowbirds.
The team will release anticipated locations, routes, and times on their social media platforms each day. Flyovers will occur at an elevation no lower than 500 feet above all obstacles.
“Every year, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds travel the country, putting smiles on the faces of Canadians. While Canadians may not be able to gather at air shows, for now, we’re honoured to bring the Snowbirds team to Canadians and to pay special tribute to them,” noted Lieutenant-General Al Meinzinger, Commander Royal Canadian Air Force.
https://www.facebook.com/CFSnowbirdsFC/videos/1247884642294238/
According to the press release the team will be practicing recommended hand-washing and wearing recommended personal protective equipment while travelling. They would also be minimizing any interactions with people outside of the team.
“The iconic Snowbirds have a special place in the hearts of many Canadians. We hope that their presence over Canadian cities and towns to acknowledge the hard work being done by Canadians in our grocery stores, our pharmacies, our hospitals and long-term care facilities lift up Canadians during these difficult times,” stated Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of national defence.
The team is spending two days at their home base of 15 Wing Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan flying refresher and proficiency training missions, which is standard Royal Canadian Air Force practice after an extended pause from flying operations, before starting their cross-Canada tour.
The Snowbirds paused operations on March 20, 2020, to preserve the team’s health. The members have been at home physically distancing since that time.
The release encouraged Canadians to observe the flyovers from the safety of their homes and refrain from travelling to see the flyovers and to remember to please maintain physical distancing practices that are keeping us all safe.
Check our the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Facebook page for route.
Above Image: The Canadian Forces (CF) Snowbirds, Canada’s air demonstration team, flies in palm formation with Canada’s 2012 Demo Hornet over the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island’s coastline on May 4, 2012. Photo: Sergeant Robert Bottrill, 19 Wing Imaging © 2012 DND-MDN Canada.
