Grey Cup delivered by RCAF CH-146 Griffon for an exciting, snowy arrival in Hamilton ​

Photos and report by Gord McNulty, CAHS Vice President
Snowy Grey Cup arrival - An RCAF Griffon from 430 Helicopter Squadron whips up the snow at Bayfront Park
The arrival of the Grey Cup for an official welcome in Hamilton on 7 December 2021, provided lots of excitement for football fans and photographers.
Crew members of 430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron pose with the Grey Cup for photos after ceremonies at Bayfront Park.
A CH-146 Griffon from 430 ‘Silver Falcon’ Tactical Helicopter Squadron, based in Valcartier, Quebec, flew the iconic trophy and Canadian Football League Commissioner Randy Ambrosie to Bayfront Park for an official welcome. In a remarkable scene, the Griffon whipped up so much snow as it approached that for a few moments the shutterbugs couldn’t see anything – only hear the sound of the rotors.
 CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie with the Grey Cup at Bayfront Park
The Griffon was painted in an impressive colour scheme honoring the 50th anniversary (1971-2021) of the squadron’s reactivation in 1971 as a French-speaking tactical helicopter unit, making the occasion all the more special. The squadron’s gyrfalcon emblem proudly stood out on the side of the fuselage. A second Griffon, in standard finish, flew in as a backup.  
Special arrival - It was an exciting time at Bayfront Park when the Grey Cup was delivered by an RCAF Griffon helicopter.
Touchdown - The 430 (Silver Falcon)  Squadron Tactical Helicopter Squadron Griffon displayed special colours.
.430 Tactical Helicopter Squadron sent a backup CH-146 Griffon for the delivery of the Grey Cup at Bayfront Park
Ambrosie and other dignitaries provided a land acknowledgment at the official ceremonies, including Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Hamilton Tiger-Cats ‘caretaker’ Bob Young and Indigenous leaders. Everyone was thrilled to enjoy the ‘one of a kind’ event.
The helicopter crew posed for a few photos with the Grey Cup before lifting off. Kudos to 430 Squadron for mission accomplished!
Mission accomplished - CH-146 Griffon 146430 lifts off from Bayfront Park on 7 December 2021 after delivering the Grey Cup to Hamilton.
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