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Jets such as these were visible above Yellowknife this weekend as they took part in a training exercise. - Photo credit: Kevin W. Moore

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Yellowknifers experienced a sense of wonderment as sleek jets streamed side by side above the city on the weekend.

Two Canadian Forces CF-18 Hornets performed training exercises in the area on Saturday and Sunday, confirmed Steve Loutitt, Yellowknife Airport manager.

Earl Blacklock, manager of communications for the Department of Transportation, said Yellowknife is a forward operating location in the North, so "we regularly get jets. It's not an uncommon thing," he said.

In support of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission, the Royal Canadian Air Force maintains four forward operating locations in the North, "where it can deploy fighter aircraft to respond more rapidly to, or act in anticipation of, increased air activity," stated David Elias, public affairs officer of 1 Canadian Air Division, in an e-mail to Yellowknifer.

He said the CF-18 Hornets are based in 4 Wing, Cold Lake, Alta.

"Our fighters often travel to other operating bases to conduct air sovereignty and air security missions and training.

"While at these bases, they may conduct missions and training in the same manner as they do while at their home station," he stated.

A CF-18 Hornet will be back in town on July 14, alongside a Griffin helicopter and the Snowbirds, for this summer's airshow.

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