15 WING, MOOSE JAW – On the afternoon of Thursday, May 6 at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, command of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds was passed from Lt.-Col. Steve Will of North Bay, Ont. to Lt.-Col. Maryse Carmichael of Quebec City, Que.
 
 “This is a proud moment for me to be back with the Snowbirds,” said Lt.-Col. Carmichael.  “The squadron is such a patriotic symbol for many Canadians and it is an honour and privilege to be in command of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.”

For Lt.-Col. Steve Will, this departure also marks the end of his 26 year career as a military officer. “It’s with a heavy heart that I leave this great organization, but I feel as though it is time to move on to new adventures. There will always be a special place for my memories of the Air Force and the Snowbirds, in particular.”

During the ceremony, the squadron colours of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron were handed from Lt.-Col. Will to Lt.-Col. Carmichael symbolically representing the handover of command of the squadron under the review of Col. David Wheeler, Commander of 4 Wing Cold Lake and in front of such honoured guests as the Lieutenant- Governor of Saskatchewan, Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart and Maj.-Gen. Yvan Blondin, Commander 1 Canadian Air Division.

Following the organizational restructure of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Lt.-Col. Carmichael will be taking over as commanding officer of the squadron, responsible for the administration and overall command of the fleet of Tutor aircraft as well as maintenance and personnel. Maj. Chris Hope of Blenheim, Ont is Snowbird #1 and team lead for the 2010 show season.

This year, the Snowbirds are embarking on their 40th season, demonstrating the skill, professionalism and teamwork of the men and women of the Canadian Forces. With 56 shows in 35 locations across North America, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds look forward to exciting and inspiring audiences everywhere.

Source and picture: Canadian Armed Forces