BAGOTVILLE, QC – The Canadian Forces CF-18 national demonstration jet will be dazzling audiences across North America as it launches its 2010 air show season starting this weekend at the Jones Beach Air Show in New York.

Captain Brian Bews of 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron based at 3 Wing, Bagotville, Quebec, is this year’s Demonstration Pilot. “I am incredibly excited to be chosen as this year’s demo pilot,” he said. “It’s a pretty small group that gets to fly Hornets and a significantly smaller group that is chosen to be demo pilots. It’s a huge honour to represent Canada for 2010.”

In tribute to the Canadian Navy, the Air Force will adopt the Canadian Navy Centennial (CNC) as it’s theme for the 2010 air show season.  “We are looking forward to celebrating the Navy’s Centennial,” said Major-General Yvan Blondin, Commander of 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg.  “It is a proud moment for every Canadian.”

The demonstration jet’s tails have been specially painted to mark this important milestone. Featuring classic Canadian Air Force and Navy motifs and a striking paint design, the CNC theme is featured on both tails, rendered in freehand airbrush and paint gun murals in subdued blues. The tri-colour Royal Canadian Navy Roundel from the 1950s is featured on the fuselage. 

“Knowing the type of outreach achieved by this Demo Team, we couldn’t ask for a better partner,” said Rear-Admiral Tyrone Pile, Commander Maritime Forces Pacific.

Jones Beach NY
Saturday, May 29, 2010 – Sunday, May 30, 2010

CFB Borden ON
Saturday, June 5, 2010 – Sunday, June 6, 2010

Quebec City
Saturday, June 12, 2010 – Sunday, June 13, 2010

St Georges QC
Thursday, June 24, 2010

Charlo NB
Saturday, June 26, 2010

Summer leave
Monday, July 5, 2010 – Sunday, July 18, 2010

Dawson Creek BC
Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Lethbridge AB
Saturday, July 24, 2010 – Sunday, July 25, 2010

Wetaskiwin AB
Saturday, August 7, 2010 – Sunday, August 8, 2010

Abbotsford BC
Friday, August 13, 2010 – Sunday, August 15, 2010

Windsor ON
Saturday, August 21, 2010 – Sunday, August 22, 2010

Val d’Or QC
Saturday, August 28, 2010 – Sunday, August 29, 2010

Toronto ON
Saturday, September 4, 2010 – Monday, September 6, 2010

Shearwater NS
Saturday, September 11, 2010 – Sunday, September 12, 2010

Salinas CA
Saturday, October 2, 2010 – Sunday, October 3, 2010

San Francisco
Saturday, October 9, 2010 – Sunday, October 10, 2010

Source and photo: Canadian Armed Forces