Skyhawks land in Trenton for season opener
By Gail Paquette
The Skyhawks, Canada’s only military parachute demonstration team opened their 2011 season in their hometown of Trenton Ontario, May 9.
Fresh from their training camp in Perris Valley, California, they captivated hundreds, including students, the community and local dignitaries at the football field at Trenton High School.
“This is a great opportunity for our school to show our awesome school spirit and support for our military.” said Tigers cheerleader and student Jami Kendall.
Since 1996, the Skyhawk’s have called CFB Trenton their home and it was important for them to open this year’s demonstration season there.
“We have left our foot prints all over North America,” said Lt. Col. Paul Lockhart, Commanding Officer of Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre, “ We want to be better connected to this community. This is where we live, shop and where our kids go to school.”
Team members come from the three elements of the military; army, navy and air force.
“There is not really one type of person who becomes a Skyhawk,” said team member Corporal Teri Fralick, ”We are all from vastly different trades.”
“I have never loved anything more and most jumpers will tell you the same thing.”
Applications are accepted from any member of the forces regardless of trade or rank. Applicants must have their military free-fall and basic parachutist qualification or experience from the civilian world including an A license and 50 free-fall jumps.
Announcer Captain Indira Thackorie energetically gave a detailed play-by-play of what was happening in the skies above Trenton High as each jumper left the plane at 6000 feet in the air.
The high school’s website stated the school was very proud to be hosting “Canada’s World Renowned Parachute Jumping Team” and challenged both staff and students to
to show the Skyhawk’s and the various dignitaries in attendance ‘Tiger’ spirit by wearing black and gold.
When Sergeant Kevin Walker parachuted down with the flag of Trenton High School the crowd responded with cheers and applause.
The team will perform their aerobatics at over 30 events in North America this year.
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