The United States Navy’s prized flight team, the Blue Angels, is bringing its one-of-a-kind aerial aerobatics back to the skies this spring and summer. The Blue Angels, which are internationally known for executing graceful maneuvers, flawless flight formations, and death-defying displays at insane speeds, are set to fly a full schedule throughout 2016 that includes over 30 appearances at air shows and events.
One of the places you can see the Blue Angels in action is in Annapolis, Md during the United States Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week. The Blue Angels will take flight to capture the eyes and imaginations of onlookers below with performances during Commissioning Week, including the flyover of the Naval Academy graduation ceremony on May 27.
If you want a peek at the Blue Angels before their scheduled performances, keep an eye out for their arrival over the Severn River around 11am on May 24, and their rehearsal at the same location beginning at 2pm. (Note: the Route 450 Bridge will be closed to traffic from 10:45am-1pm and again from 1:45-4pm to accommodate the Blue Angels).
The USNA Air Show will take place Wednesday, May 25, at 2pm over the Severn River. (The Route 450 Bridge will once again be closed to traffic from 1:45pm through the conclusion of the flight demonstration). Although there are many viewing areas along the river and throughout Downtown Annapolis, the Naval Academy campus and the WWII Monument offer some of the best views of the world’s best aerial stunt team.
If you are viewing from the USNA campus, Hospital Point is hard to beat. There you can sit on the sea wall, bring your own chairs, or spread out a blanket amongst a crowd of midshipmen and their families in an atmosphere that is relaxed, yet festive.
If you don’t want to fight the traffic or deal with parking downtown, the WWII Monument off of Route 2 is another excellent viewing location. Although not as crowded as downtown, the large lawn along the water will fill up fast, so make sure you get there early for prime seating.
The USNA campus and WWII Monument are great options for viewing the Blue Angels flight demonstration, however, there really is no bad seat in downtown Annapolis. Sitting in your backyard or outside at your favorite bar or restaurant will also give you a front-row seat to the spectacle.
The Blue Angels will round out Commissioning Week at the Naval Academy in traditional fashion as they help commemorate the 2014 graduation ceremony with a flyover of Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium just after the start of commencement on May 23.
For those of you who have never had the privilege to experience a Blue Angels aerial show, or may have forgotten what they are like after their hiatus in 2013, here are some great images of the renowned stunt team in action that we hope will inspire you to come see them in person.
Leave A Comment