CFB Comox 19 Wing hosted an air show on May 18, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and what a celebration it was.

Yes, the lines were long - that鈥檚 what happens when 20,000 people show up for a six-hour show. But the operational side of the event was second-to-none.

The military expertise and efficiency were evident long before arriving to the show. Volunteers were out at every major intersection en route to the airport, directing traffic with smiles on their faces.

Parking was a breeze, and equally impressive were the number of people who left their vehicles at home, choosing to walk or cycle to the event.

The Comox Valley Cycling Coalition said 1,100 bikes were checked into the free bike parking site.

The show itself was everything it was promised to be. The numerous static displays included the Government of Canada Airbus 002, where people lined up for two hours or more to get a glimpse of how the prime minister flies.

The CF-18 demo team put on a spectacular performance, as spectators even saw how the planes refuel while in the air.

As for the Snowbirds, what can one say: it was a thrill ride. Seven Tutors took to the air and wowed the crowd with their loops, spins and close passes. It was particularly impressive how seamlessly the team adjusted to a couple of absentees. The team is usually nine, but one pilot couldn鈥檛 fly due to injury and one plane was pulled due to mechanical issues just prior to takeoff.

But the real stars of the show were the hosts and hostesses. Everywhere one looked, there was someone in military uniform, answering any questions, or helping in whatever fashion they could.

From start to finish, this was a fantastic experience.

Thank you CFB Comox. Thank you Royal Canadian Air Force. And thank you to all those who attended. Let鈥檚 hope we don鈥檛 have to wait another nine years for the next show.