Twenty Royal Canadian Air Cadets, members of 902 Nighthawk Squadron, were given a unique opportunity on Dec. 16.
The Commanding Officer, LCol William Radiff, and Deputy Commanding Officer, Maj Denis Bandet from 409 Royal Canadian Air Force Squadron located in Cold Lake flew out in one of Canada’s CF-18 Fighters to give a personal tour to 902 Cadets.
The 902 Cadets now share the Nighthawk name with 409 Squadron.
After watching a flying demonstration both the CO and DCO greeted 902 Cadets at the fighter aircraft.
During the tour, cadets were able to ask questions and try on some of the pilot’s operational gear.
After the group tour, cadets were allowed to individually climb onto the aircraft and sit in the pilot’s seat.
After the CF-18 tour LCol William Radiff and Maj Denis Bandet joined the 902 Nighthawks for their annual Christmas dinner.
During the dinner both the 409 CO and DCO presented the cadets with their new Nighthawk shoulder flashes that will be worn on the cadet uniforms.
In his speech to the Cadets, LCol Radiff expressed how excited he was to have the Summerland Cadets affiliated with his Nighthawks in Cold Lake.
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a national program for youth aged 12 to 18. The aims of the program are to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promote physical fitness, and to stimulate interest in the aviation and aerospace industries including the air element of the Canadian Forces.
The 902 Nighthawk Squadron parades Wednesday evenings from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. at the Harold Simpson Memorial Youth Centre located at 9111 Peach Orchard Rd.
