Canadian air force flies Jets logo abroad

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This article was published 26/10/2011 (4164 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Jets pride has gone global, thanks to a Winnipeg-based division of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Recent photos from Kandahar, Alert Bay and Italy show members of 1 Canadian Air Division displaying their pride in Winnipeg’s new NHL team. The division, which is the operational-level command and control formation of the Royal Canadian Air Force, is based in Winnipeg.

“It’s (about) Canadian members who call Winnipeg home or are based in Winnipeg who support the team,” said David Elias, spokesman for 1st Canadian Air Division at 17 Wing.

Elias sent the photos to the Free Press Tuesday.

“We are truly honoured at the way the Winnipeg Jets have chosen to pay tribute to the Canadian air force’s long-standing relationship in Winnipeg,” Elias said.

The rondel the NHL team adopted is inspired by the air force’s symbol.

“It’s what we call ‘the fuelled by passion’ version of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s rondel,” Elias said.

The three flags in the photos are among the six Winnipeg Jets flags the NHL gave to 17 Wing on the day the franchise unveiled its new uniforms at the RCAF base in September.

At the Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan, Canadian forces formed their own Jets hockey team, after Canada took on its mission there in 2008.

Getting the NHL back in the ‘Peg was big news in Kandahar, Elias said.

Some soldiers had parcels sent from home with gear featuring the new logo, while others went with the vintage Jets jerseys, which they had with them for their own Jets games.

 

— staff