Beloved Buffalo aircraft returns to former CFB Summerside
CBC
It was a moment for the history books Thursday afternoon in Summerside, P.E.I., as a CC-115 Buffalo made one last flyover the city and touched down on the runway at Slemon Park, completing its final flight.
The Buffalo is being retired from service after more than five decades, and a military crew flew the plane from its last home, in Comox, B.C.
Several P.E.I. veterans watched on the tarmac, and burst into applause as the plane came to a stop in front of the airport, including retired Col. Dennis Hopping.
He has fond memories of the plane that he calls "the Buff."
"After almost 18 years of the Buffalo not being at CFB Summerside, it was emotional," Hopping said.
"As a helicopter pilot, I often was on a search over the water and I was always so grateful to see a Buffalo flying top cover."
Hopping was the commanding officer of the 413 Transport and Rescue Squadron in Summerside, as well as commanding officer of the base.
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