July 9 – Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan – Snowbirds

We decided to go for a Sunday drive to the west of Regina to visit the small prairie city of Moose Jaw. In the past we had driven across the prairies in other seasons but this was the first time driving in the prairies in the summer when everything was growing. The endless fields of canola was amazing; mile after mile of brilliant yellow.

We had heard from a few people in Regina of an interesting tourist attraction to see in downtown Moose Jaw; the tunnels under the buildings in the downtown area. There are two tours of the tunnels; one is depicting the life of the Chinese migrants working in the laundry business for a white proprietor; the other tour is depicting the life and times of Al Capone during the late 1920s when he was supposedly hiding here during the Prohibition years in the United States. We went on the Al Capone tour; very touristy. Perhaps there is some truth to the story. Take the tour and decide for yourself.

The Royal Canadian Air Force Base Moose Jaw is a few miles to the south of Regina and after a short drive we were at the main gate. The base is home to the Royal Canadian Air Force 431 Air Demonstration Squadron – the Snowbirds. 

Entrance to the base at Moose Jaw

Being a Sunday morning things were pretty quiet at the base and there was no flying activity. While taking a few photos at the entrance to the base a man came by and we started chatting about the base and about our trip across the country with our Canada Flag. It turned out that he is Sergeant J. Weber who is in charge of security at the Guard House at the entrance to the base. He offered to raise our Canada Flag on their flag pole. What a great idea!

I never would have guessed in a hundred years the we would see our flag flying at Moose Jaw. What’s more, is that his folks are from nearby Chilliwack, BC.

Our Canada Flag up the flagpole at the Moose Jaw Guard House

The on-duty Corporal A. Vallieres raised the flag in short order. Another person came by and chatted about the flag and our trip; Company Warrant Officer M. Blain who happened to be driving by. After many years in the military he is retiring and today was his last day on the base. In just a few more days he will be out of the military and back to being a normal citizen. Everyone was so pleasant to talk to and wished us a safe journey. Thank you so much to all of you.

With Sergeant J. Weber and Warrant Officer M. Blain

Moose Jaw is a training base and as such security was at an appropriate level. We were allowed a self-tour of the base so drove around to see what was there.

There is always room for an airplane or two on a pedestal.

Canadair CT-114 Tutor

North American Harvard

Home of the Snowbirds!

This hangar has been the operational headquarters for the Snowbirds for many, many years. When the team is not on the air show circuit you can usually find them here.

Home of the Snowbirds squadron aircraft

Canada has been conducting flight training for many nations since World War II. In conjunction with CAE from Montreal, Canada continues to train many NATO nations’ military pilots under the NATO Flying Training in Canada program. Part of that program is delivered at base Moose Jaw.

Even the provincial highways celebrate the Snowbirds.

 

Time to head home.

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