The Canadian Armed Forces parachute team, The SkyHawks, is kicking off the season which marks its 45 years of representing Canada with a presentation at the March Air Reserve Base Airshow in California on April 16 and 17, 2016.

Since 1971, The SkyHawks have been captivating and entertaining audiences with aerobatic feats using their signature Canadian flag canopies.

The team is made up of 16 highly-skilled Canadian Armed Forces members with a wide range of military experience. This year, The SkyHawks will perform at over 30 venues, including air shows, sporting events, and festivals across Canada and the United States.

Some quick facts about the SkyHawks:

  • The SkyHawks is Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team and is comprised of regular and reserve force members from across the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • The SkyHawks was established in 1971. During the last 45 years, members have performed at more than 5000 venues in Canada and the United States and interacted with over 75 million spectators.
  • The members of The SkyHawks showcase the high standard of professionalism, teamwork and physical fitness it takes to be part of the Canadian Armed Forces.
  • Parachuting skills allow the Canadian Armed Forces to quickly deploy military elements to respond to local or national emergencies, such as search and rescue operations; sending humanitarian aid to remote areas or allowing for rapid insertion of personnel across the spectrum of operations.
  • The SkyHawks has been based out of Trenton, Ontario, for nearly 20 years and is part of the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre.

“The SkyHawks are excellent ambassadors for Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. “Their precision and teamwork showcase how well-prepared the Canadian Armed Forces is to meet today’s domestic and international challenges.”

A complete schedule of performances will be posted on The SkyHawks’ Facebook page and website.