Blue Angels in San Francisco Postcard

The Blue Angels are the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, renowned for their precision aerial manoeuvres and spectacular airshows. Established in 1946, they perform using F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets, showcasing teamwork, skill, and the capabilities of naval aviation. The team typically consists of six demonstration pilots, along with support personnel, and they perform a mix of formation flying, solo stunts, and high-speed passes, often reaching speeds of up to 700 mph. Their shows emphasize precision, discipline, and safety, attracting aviation enthusiasts and general audiences alike. In San Francisco, the Blue Angels are a centerpiece of the Fleet Week San Francisco celebration, usually held in October. During Fleet Week, the city hosts a variety of events honouring the military, including ship tours, military demonstrations, and parades, but the airshows over San Francisco Bay are the main attraction. Spectators can watch the jets streak past iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline, making it a breathtaking combination of natural beauty and aerial skill. Fleet Week with the Blue Angels is one of the most popular annual events in San Francisco, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to marvel at the pilots’ daring manoeuvres and the power of the jets against the backdrop of the Bay Area.