March supports Canada’s SkyHawks

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Megan Crusher
  • 452 AMW Public Affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  The Canadian Forces parachuting team the "SkyHawks" have been billeted for the last 16 years at March ARB throughout January and April while they train for their show season in nearby Perris, Calif. 

March is the perfect place for the team to stay because of its close proximity to the jump zone and the additional support the base provides. 

"If the team flies in by military airlift they are able to land at March," said SkyHawks Training Instructor, U.S. Navy Commander retired J.P. McCaan. 

"The team truly appreciates the superb service March provides. Everyone in lodging bends over backwards to help accommodate the team. It's a very intensive training day, every day, so having lodging support us as greatly as they do really helps." 

Perris is one of the largest drop zones in the U.S., with a variety of aircraft and is internationally recognized as a "Mecca of real solid skydivers," said J.P. McCaan. 

They know how to organize, they know how to make things happen, and to support the jump operations. Big name sky divers come to Perris and once you get that core of experience, it feeds on itself and becomes the place to be if you want to excel." 

The Sky Hawks are world renowned for their performances in free fall and canopy formations. "Standard military shows for parachuting used to be a variety of freefalls with smoke to demonstrate skill and ability to maneuver their body in the sky. Then along came the bright idea of flying two canopies together, stacking and making different formations," said J.P. McCaan. 

Most of the show is canopy related because it takes place at a lower altitude and is easier for the crowd to see. 

"There's still free-fall with smoke so we can demonstrate body control, but the freefall is more of a means to enhance the show while delivering the jumper down to an altitude to where the act of parachuting starts," said J.P. McCaan. 

While training, each jump is videotaped from start to finish in the air. Afterward the instructors review the jump and coach with the student. They go over the good aspects, the things to fix and how to fix those things. 

"It's putting repetition of the right things in so you develop the habit patterns, skills and recognition of what looks right, what doesn't and how to fine tune and adjust it to make the formations come together," said J.P. McCaan. 

The show season begins May 2 and ends Oct. 15. During the season, the Sky Hawks perform every week, mainly in Canada, but they also do some shows in the States. 

"The primary objective is to connect with Canadians," said Team Captain Dennis Bellamy. 

Our mandate is to relate and connect with Canadians. We do the show to get attention and we talk to normal Canadians to give them the perspective of what we do... the level of professionalism, skill, the hard work that goes into it and show that we're normal people from down the street who got into the military, do a job and are dedicated to it." 

While performing during show season, the actual jump itself takes less than an hour. 

"The rest of the time is devoted to making sure checks are done on equipment, an hour or two is spent with the crowd, social events and charitable work," said Master Seaman Travis Shorey, parachute rigger. 

A typical show day consists of the jump, getting in the saluting line where the team leader calls them to attention, they salute, then they let the kids help them pack their parachutes, they interact with the crowd, discuss the jumps performed; there's an autograph table, and more interaction with the crowd. 

"They are ambassadors of Canada," said Lieutenant Navy James Sebe, the SkyHawks PA Officer. 

All branches of the Canadian Armed Forces and all trades are eligible to be in the Sky Hawks. 

"The minimum requirements are either Military free-fall parachutist or class-A civilian's license with 50 jumps. Also there is a physical fitness requirement which consist of seven full extension chin-ups, a mile run in under seven and a half minutes, and 31 sit-ups without stopping", said Lt. Navy Sebe. 

"You don't come to the team because you're a good jumper; you come to the team because you're a good soldier and a good representation of the Armed Forces of Canada. The end product shows motivated soldiers from all trades who are selected for the broad base of skill and attitude they have," said J.P. McCaan. 

They have made themselves the premiere demonstration team in the world."