Members of the Snowbirds team will be returning to their home base of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan today following the abrupt interruption of Operation Inspiration last weekend.
The Canadian military’s aerobatics team made the announcement in a facebook post, with the team expected to reach 15 Wing Moose Jaw around 1:15 p.m. B.C. time this afternoon.
“The majority of the team returned to Moose Jaw on the evening of May 20. The social media post is regarding team members returning from their participation in Halifax yesterday,” said Capt. Camille MacKenzie Dolphin, a Public Affairs Officer with 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
“It is too early in the flight safety investigation to determine when the jets will be returned to 15 Wing Moose Jaw.”
The Snowbirds flew into Kamloops just over a week ago on May 16 as part of Operation Inspiration. Public affairs officer, Capt. Jennifer Casey was killed after one of their Tutor jets crashed into a Brocklehurst house on Sunday, May 17.
The pilot, Capt. Richard MacDougall, is recovering from his injuries.
“It is important to note Capt. Casey died inspiring people across the country to stay home, keep their distance, and stay safe while keeping their spirits high,” said the facebook post.
“The Squadron is still grieving deeply and asks for privacy upon their arrival [in Moose Jaw]. Citizens that wish to show their support for the team are encouraged to make creative displays or drawing large hearts with sidewalk chalk for the team to see from the sky.”
On Sunday, the body of Capt. Casey left Abbotsford and returned home to Halifax where it was welcomed by family, friends, and dignitaries for a ramp ceremony and motorcade through parts of Halifax.
Governor General Julie Payette says the Snowbirds do a risky job and said she was proud to be in Halifax on Sunday.
“The fact that this happened during Operation Inspiration, where they were going around cheering us Canadians, is even more tragic,” she said, after the ceremony.
The investigation into the crash is underway, and it could take a year for the entire process to be completed.
The mayor of Kamloops, Ken Christian, says when the time is right, the city will create a memorial to the Snowbirds and Capt. Jenn Casey.
A few stills from today’s ceremony for @CFSnowbirds Capt. Jennifer Casey in Halifax. #Kamloops pic.twitter.com/bvepnoFYD4
— Victor Mario Kaisar (@supermario_47) May 24, 2020
