Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Hardin
Saw the Blue Angels perform at CFB Moose Jaw when I was stationed there back in the 70's. They put on a faster or speedier show than the Snowbirds. Due to their speed there are gaps in their show as it takes them further away to turn around, with a long pause before you see them again. The Snowbirds working at a slower speed are mostly in front of the crowd. Having said that, the Blue Angels are a treat to watch.
Side Note involving the Snowbirds: Do you believe on omens? Every year, the City of Moose Jaw came out with a commemorative coin. In the spring of 1978 they decided to commemorate the Snowbirds. On the obverse side of the coin was the Snowbird team in a flying formation. They invited the Base Commander (BComd) and the CO of the Snowbirds to a ceremony presenting them with the first coins. Either the BComd or the CO commented that on the coin, the formation was only showing 8 aircraft instead of 9. The Mayor apologized but said the coins were already struck. They said not to worry about it
A week or two later on May 3rd the Snowbirds started the new season at Grande Prairie, AB. where during the performance, Capt Gordon de Jong crashed and was killed. The Snowbirds were recalled to Moose Jaw and they had to decide whether to cancel the season or fly with only 8 aircraft. That year they performed the season with 8 aircraft. I have two of those coins.
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Never heard that story before, very interesting ,thanks for sharing it.