Defence: May 2010 Archives

How about "an airshow"? Which makes you wonder how many people will turn up for the actual Victory Day parade in Moscow in four days time after getting rather more than a sneak preview of the aerial component yesterday. All the tank freaks I suppose.

Having set off down the road of chronicling the recent achievements of female pilots in the world's military aerobatic teams, I guess I'm now stuck with it. You'll recall how the Red Arrows and Patrouille de France both announced their first female pilots last year, and then the Patrouille confirmed the appointment of a female leader this year.

Well, now it turns out that Canada's Snowbirds have gone the same route. So congratulations to Lt Col Maryse Carmichael who is their new commander. (Just need some new aircraft now and all will be well.)

Canadian readers may point out that this was announced in January. OK, sort of. In a highly successful attempt to bury the good news, Canada's Department of National Defence announced the news thus: Canadian Forces Snowbirds to gain leadership depth. I guess it meant something to somebody.