The U.S. Navy Blue Angels touched down at Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport on Thursday morning as the performance team begins preparations for San Francisco’s Fleet Week later this year.
Blue Angels crewmembers met with airshow organizers, spoke with airport personnel, and verified facilities would have the appropriate resources for their show in October.
Cmdr. Lily Montana from Virginia has been with the group since 2024 as Blue Angel 8 and works as the team’s events coordinator. She spoke about the importance of conducting site visits at the 32 locations where the Blue Angels perform.
“About 50% of our team turns over every year,” Montana said. “Even though that we do San Francisco Fleet Week every year, it is very important just to get eyes on where we’re parking and the briefing spaces. Just to ensure that nothing’s changed.”
The Blue Angels have been extensively training before their first show of the year in El Centro, with each flying 120 practice routines before performing in public.
Lt. Ronny Hafeza grew up in California and recently joined the team in September as Blue Angel 7. He is the group’s show narrator and said extensive early planning is routine for them.
“Preparation and training mean everything for us,” said Hafeza. “Everything from the support officers, the maintainers, and the pilots.”
This year marks the Blue Angels’ 80th anniversary, but there are no current changes to their standard routine.
Last year’s Fleet Week in San Francisco saw the absence of U.S. armed forces during a federal government shutdown and the Blue Angels did not perform. Both Montana and Hafeza said they hope to dazzle crowds during their performance in October.
San Francisco Fleet Week “Air Boss” Donna Flynn is the lead director during the air shows. She has been working on airshows for almost 30 years and said one of the most important parts of planning is getting the necessary teams together on the same page.
“It takes a whole village of people to put this on,” said Flynn. “We can have up to five or six airports involved in any one show. Sacramento, Moffett, San Francisco, Oakland, or Napa.”
The Thursday meeting had people representing several airports, ground staff, Fleet Week producers, and officials who help put on a secure and safe show.
Behind-the-scenes planning will continue over the following months. This year’s Fleet Week will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States. Show producers said surprises are in store for the public.
Shortly after the meeting, the Blue Angels departed for Portland, Oregon, with a mighty roar to continue their cross-country site visits.