Two CT-155 Hawks from 419 Tactical Fighter Training (Moose) Squadron are set to fly over Kamloops this Thursday as part of the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Memorial Cup.
Captain Sophie Quemeneur, a Public Affairs Officer at 4 Wing Cold Lake, says the planes are set to fly from east to west over the Tk’emlúps Powwow Grounds at around 4:30 p.m. on May 25. The flight will coincide with the Arrival of the Cup ceremony taking place at the Powwow Grounds.
The flyby was a request of Councillor Mike O’Reilly, who in March suggested that Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson send a letter asking for the flyby during the Memorial Cup’s opening ceremonies.
“Royal Canadian Air Force flybys, requested by organizers of special events, are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety at all times,” Quemeneur said. “The Royal Canadian Air Force is proud to share in special events that allow us to demonstrate the capabilities of our personnel and aircraft to Canadians.”
“Aircraft participation is subject to weather and operational requirements.”
Kamloops and 419 Squadron have had a strong relationship over the years. The Moose Squadron was named after its first commander – Kamloops native Wing Commander John “Moose” Fulton.
The 419 Squadron was given the Freedom of the City of Kamloops in 1993.