MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- All hands were joined, one on top of the other, and a slow, steady chant commenced.
Through the thunderous sounds of a CH-46's helicopter propeller blades spinning in never-ending circles and violent winds blowing from 6,000 feet above sea level, the Canadian SkyHawks Parachute Demonstration Team clasped and held hands seconds before jumping out of the helicopter.
The chanting continued; cheers of adrenaline.
And then, they drop. Dropping at 160 miles per hour for what onlookers see as only a second. But to the SkyHawks it seems like hours.
With the pull of a cord, a giant canopy erupts above the skydiver. Unfurled, the parachute displays the Canadian flag.
The 150,000 plus spectators that came aboard the Station for the 2004 Friendship Day Festival, May 5, looked with amazement toward the clear blue sky and saw a dozen parachutes lingering, dancing, flying in the air.
As they landed one by one onto the flight line, thousands cheered to see such a display. Children laughed and pointed toward the sky with curiosity as to how they flew.
From the speakers the Japanese National Anthem poured out to the crowd, while one of the Canadian SkyHawks carried the Japanese flag. All attendants stood at a position of attention.
The tune from the speakers continued and merged into the Canadian National Anthem. Then, from the air, appeared another sky diver holding the Canadian flag.
The "Star Spangled Banner" began to echo across the flight line. The last Canadian SkyHawk flew across the audience bearing the American flag. Service members held their salute until the tune faded away.
Once all the Canadian SkyHawks rallied on the runway, they all stood at parade rest for Station Commanding Officer Col. Dave Darrah, and then cut to the position of attention and saluted.
The Canadian Sky Hawks Parachute Demonstration Team was one of the many attractions that the Friendship Day Festival offered.
Based out of Trenton, Ontario, "The SkyHawks consist of 17 members from both the Regular and Reserve Forces. As a public relations unit and ambassadors for the Canadian Forces, the team has performed more than 3,800 demonstrations in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia for more than 60 million thrilled spectators," said Sgt. Christian Binet, Canadian SkyHawk.