Taking off to cross the pond back home.

Canadian Hornets were once a common sight in Europe when they were based in large numbers with the 1st CAD in Sollingen, Germany. Now a rarity in the UK, this particular aircraft was the spare for the Hornet flying display at RIAT 2008. The aircraft wears the tail markings of 425 "Alouettes" Squadron.

One of four CF-188 Hornets which staged through Prestwick after the Royal Canadian Air Force completed its deployment to Central Europe as part of NATO's Operation REASSURANCE, designed to help protect the freedom and sovereignty of European skies. This particular Hornet wears the markings of 425 Squadron "Alouettes", based at CFB Bagotville as part of 3 Wing. Luckily, a strong wind was blowing the jetwash behind the aircraft as it taxied out for departure, creating this dramatic effect.