With so much skill and talent all throughout the Canadian Armed Forces, we often take for granted just how good our people really are. RCAF pilots operate at a world class level, and we have the TOPGUN patch to prove it.

On Tuesday, November 24, 2020, Captain Chris ‘LIME’ Swartz graduated from the United States Navy (USN) Fighter Weapons School – Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, more commonly known as TOPGUN.

As part of the virtual graduation ceremony, RCAF Major General Michel Lalumiere was invited to say a few words. He expressed his sentiments that are shared by RCAF leadership – the pride and excitement of Captain Swartz’s success. Thanking the US Navy for their leadership, MGen Lalumiere congratulated the graduates of TOPGUN class 01-21, and commended all participants for their hard work and dedication. He also spoke of the deep relationship shared by Canada and the United States at every level.

190217-N-FK070-0439 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Feb. 17, 2019) An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the “Pukin’ Dogs” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143 launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln is underway conducting composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. The components of CSG 12 embody a team-of-teams concept, combining advanced surface, air and systems assets to create and sustain operational capability. This enables them to prepare for and conduct global operations, have effective and lasting command and control, and demonstrate dedication and commitment to becoming the strongest warfighting force for the Navy and the nation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian M. Wilbur/Released)

Maverick peut se rhabiller! Un pilote canadien réussit le programme TOPGUN

Puisque les Forces armées canadiennes regorgent de compétence et de talent, nous tenons souvent pour acquis l’efficacité de notre personnel. Les pilotes de l’ARC accomplissent un travail de premier ordre, ce que prouve l’écusson TOPGUN.

Le mardi 24 novembre 2020, le capitaine Chris « LIME » Swartz a terminé avec succès le programme d’instructeur de tactiques liées aux chasseurs polyvalents de la Fighter Weapons School de la United States Navy, communément appelé « TOPGUN ».

On a invité le major-général Michel Lalumière, de l’ARC, à dire quelques mots pendant la cérémonie virtuelle de remise de diplômes. Il exprimé ce que ressent le leadership de l’ARC : la fierté et l’emballement suscités par la réalisation du capitaine Swartz. Remerciant la United States Navy de son leadership, le major-général Lalumière a félicité les finissants du groupe 01-21 du programme TOPGUN, ainsi que loué leur travail acharné et leur dévouement. Il a aussi parlé de la relation étroite qu’entretiennent le Canada et les États-Unis à tous les niveaux.

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