Maj. Robert Mitchell Will Lead Canadian Demonstration Team
Aero-News has learned Major Robert
Mitchell, 37, of Victoria, BC was appointed as the Team Lead and
Commanding Officer of 431 (Air Demonstration) Squadron -- better
known as the Canadian Forces Snowbirds -- on November 14, following
a competitive selection process.
"Major Mitchell (right) demonstrated that he has the piloting
and leadership skills required to lead the Snowbirds, a Squadron
with an extremely important mission as Canadian Forces
ambassadors," said Major-General Charles Bouchard, Commander, 1
Canadian Air Division. "To lead the Snowbirds is a tremendous
privilege and responsibility -- I know that Major Mitchell will
continue the team's 36-year tradition of excellence."
"It is a tremendous honour to be selected as the Team Lead and
Commanding Officer of the Snowbirds - I am truly ecstatic," said
Major Mitchell. "I am looking forward to a wonderful 2007 show
season and to the opportunity of visiting communities across North
America."
Major Ian McLean, who is retiring from the Canadian Forces, will
officially relinquish command to Major Mitchell during a ceremony
January 19, 2007 at 15 Wing, Moose Jaw. Under Major McLean's
leadership, the team participated in more than 100 air shows as
well as hundreds of community events across North America.
As the Team Lead and Commanding Officer, Major Mitchell will be
responsible for leading the 9-plane formation in air shows and
transit flights across North America as well as to provide
inspiring leadership for the 85-member Squadron.
Major Mitchell, a graduate of the University of Manitoba, joined
the Canadian Forces in 1989 and has 3,500 hours of flying high
performance aircraft. His experience includes flying the CF-18
Hornet as an operational and air demonstration pilot, performing on
the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Team from 2000 to 2002 and, most
recently, working as a defence analyst at National Defence
Headquarters in Ottawa.
The team will now begin a rigorous six-month training program,
practicing different manoeuvres and formations, in order to prepare
for the 2007 air show season. During the 2007 season, the team is
expected to participate in about 60 air shows across North America,
representing the professionalism, skill and teamwork of the
Canadian Forces and inspiring Canadians to consider a career in
Canada's military.