The U.S. Navy Blue Angels did not take to the skies over San Francisco last weekend after their performance was canceled due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. According to an NBC News article, the shutdown halted nonessential military operations, including the U.S. Navy appearances.
Since 1981, Fleet Week has drawn thousands to the waterfront to honor the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps through ship tours, community events, and aerial demonstrations. The Blue Angels — the Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron known for their high-speed precision maneuvers — are usually the event’s highlight.
This year, the Canadian Snowbirds and the Royal Canadian Air Force’s jet team stepped in to headline the air show. Their synchronized maneuvers filled the skies above the Bay, drawing cheers from crowds lining the piers.
Longtime attendee Robert Green said their absence was disappointing but the replacement was a pleasant surprise.
“I was disappointed because they [the Blue Angels] are the major attraction of this week,” Green said. “But the weather was beautiful, and the Snowbirds from Canada were performing, so I decided to come anyway.”
Green added that he found himself unexpectedly moved by the other aircraft filling the sky.
“It was really impressive to see such a big airplane fly so low over the bay,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting to be so touched.”
Despite the missing jets, many visitors said Fleet Week still carried its trademark excitement.
Tatum Quiñones, a San Francisco resident attending her second Fleet Week, said that while some people were surprised to learn the Blue Angels weren’t flying, the energy of the event remained strong.
“It’s still incredible to see what these other pilots do,” Quiñones said. “People are also curious to see what Fleet Week is like without the Blue Angels. It’s still very impressive.”
Attendee Larry Dickman said the show felt different this year but still offered a memorable experience.
“I’m kind of bummed that the Blue Angels weren’t here,” Dickman said. “But these guys [the Canadian Snowbirds] are pretty good, so they put [the show] together. You end up in the city for the day and it’s not horrible.”
Michael Najar, a Palo Alto High School teacher who has attended Fleet Week for over a decade, said that while he missed the Blue Angels, the Snowbirds impressed him.
“People were disappointed and I was disappointed,” Najar said. “We’ve gone 10 or 12 times — it’s always a great family event. We love the Blue Angels and their thunderous flyovers, but when we heard the Canadians were stepping in, that felt so gracious. They were unreal — smaller planes, different style, but all thumbs up. I’d hope to see them again.”
Reflecting on the weekend, Green said Fleet Week represents more than just an air show — it’s a tradition that captures the Bay Area’s spirit.
“The Bay Area is such a perfect place to have Fleet Week,” Green said. “It’s part of San Francisco’s identity. I hope it keeps going every year.”
As the city looks ahead to next year, officials remain hopeful that the Blue Angels will return once government operations fully resume, restoring the familiar roar that defines Fleet Week for so many.
