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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
This summer's airshow will be one of the biggest in recent memory with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) increasing its presence at the show scheduled for July 14.

Maj. Steven Thompson, left, and Maj. Wes Cromwell announce the launch of Operation Northern Reach in Yellowknife Friday. - Kevin Allerston/NNSL photo

Air Force representatives announced Operation Northern Reach Friday from a hangar at the Yellowknife Airport. The outreach operation will have 122 crew and 24 aircraft representing each of the RCAF's fleet at the airshow, including the Griffin helicopter, the F-18, Hercules and, of course, the Snowbirds.

"We intend to display the capabilities, the professionalism, skill and teamwork of the entire Royal Canadian Air Force to the people of the North – what we can do, not only as pilots and aircrew, but what our technicians are capable of and what our Air Force can do in the North," said Maj. Steven Thompson, special events co-ordinator for the 1 Canadian Air Division out of Winnipeg.

Mayor Gord Van Tighem said he is excited to have Operation Northern Reach involved in the airshow.

"This will be the largest airshow that we've had in many years," said Van Tighem. "We look forward to the airshow every two years but the fact that the military has chosen to focus on and highlight the North this year is really good for us."

Typically, said Van Tighem, the military is represented only by the Snowbirds and an F-18.

After the Yellowknife airshow, the fleet will fly north doing flybys in communities along the Mackenzie River and holding airshows in Inuvik, Norman Wells, Watson Lake and Whitehorse.

Thompson said the show will involve more than the fleet flying through Northern skies, there will also be opportunities for people to meet crew members.

"We will be in the community not only flying, but there will be static displays where people can come out, get inside the airplane, talk with crew. The Snowbirds will be signing autographs, the pilots, the technicians -- everybody who makes the Air Force what it is. It's a great opportunity for everyone," said Thompson.

He said beyond the community outreach, it is important for the Air Force to come up to practise operating in a Northern environment.

"The Royal Canadian Air Force needs to be able to operate anywhere within it's borders at any time and it's important for us to exercise that and an air display is a perfect opportunity for us to exercise our capabilities in a controlled environment," said Thompson.

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