The first female boss of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds aerobatic team based at 15 Wing in Moose Jaw will officially take command on Thursday.
Lt. -Col Maryse Carmichael said she is very much looking forward to the challenge.
She is also excited to be back for her third posting in Moose Jaw.
Carmichael was an instructor on the tutor after she received her wings at 15 Wing in 1994.
In November 2000, she was selected to fly as Snowbird No. 3, becoming the first female pilot to fly with the aerobatic team. She also flew as Snowbird No. 2.
She has most recently been posted at 8 Wing Trenton but says being in Moose Jaw is like coming home.
Carmichael has two daughters aged one and four and her husband is an F18 pilot.
“It’s very exciting to be back at the squadron and good for our family to be back in Moose Jaw and it just feels like home,” she said.
Carmichael has spent the last month settling in and attending meetings about the new changes in structure for 431 Air Demonstration Squadron.
This season is the first time the flying formation team lead Snowbird No. 1 is a separate position from the squadron’s commanding officer.
The Snowbirds now also fall under the Commander of 4 Wing, based in Cold Lake, Alta. instead of reporting to 15 Wing.
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