MOOSE JAW, SK – Following a rigorous selection process and months of preparation, five Canadian Forces pilots were introduced this week as the latest members of 431 Air Demonstration Squadron – the “Snowbirds” – at 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Sask.

The newest squadron members are:

Snowbird 3, Captain Padruig MacIntosh of Windsor, Ont.

Snowbird 5, Captain Brett Parker of Edmonton, Alta.

Snowbird 6, Captain Denis Bandet of Regina, Sask.

Snowbird 8, Major Ryan Stich of Toronto, Ont.

Snowbird 11, Captain Robert Chagnon of Laval, Que.

“It’s a great honour and privilege to be a Snowbird,” said Maj Chris Hope, Snowbird 1 and team lead. “For many of our new pilots, this moment is a fulfillment of a childhood dream and a culmination of years of training and flying experience with the Canadian Forces.”

While pilot selection for 2011 began in the spring, they had not flown as an integrated, nine-plane formation until this month. The new team is now preparing for their first public appearance this weekend at the Canadian Football Championship – the 98th Grey Cup.

During the 2011 season, the team is expected to participate in about 60 air shows across North America, representing the professionalism, skill and teamwork of the Canadian Forces and inspiring Canadians to consider a career in Canada’s military.