US Navy demonstration team visits with Canadian counterparts to pay respects

The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, visited the Canadian Forces jet demonstration team yesterday to pay their last respects to Capt. Miles Selby. Selby, the Snowbirds' opposing solo, died Friday in a mid-air collision during a routine practice in Mossbank (SK).

Selby received full military honors wednesday at a 15 Wing hangar, and his memorial concluded with a flyover by his Snowbird teammates.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Miles' family, and the entire Snowbird family," said Cmdr. Steve Foley, Blue Angels commanding officer and flight leader. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend, and being here to render a final salute is the best way we can support the Snowbirds during this emotional time."

Selby, from Delta (BC) was a two-year veteran of the Snowbirds and had flown CF-18 fighter jets during combat missions in Kosovo. The Snowbirds' lead solo, Capt. Chuck Mallet, 35, of Edmonton, received minor injuries during the incident.

"The Snowbirds would have done the same for us," Foley said. "Flying jet aircraft in demonstrations is a dangerous business, and jet teams around the world share a mutual respect for each other. When accidents happen, the best way for teams to get back in the air is to know that their peers are on the ground rooting for them."

FMI: www.blueangels.navy.mil, www.snowbirds.dnd.ca/index_e.asp