Navy
Navy Blue Angels ‘air show ready’ for 2026 season, celebrate 80 years
Stars and Stripes
March 11, 2026
The Blue Angels fly in formation during winter training in El Centro, Calif., Feb. 11, 2026. (Crayton B. Agnew/U.S. Navy)
Audiences nationwide will once again see the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in action as the team begins its 80th air show season, with the first show set for Saturday at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona.
“For 80 years, the Blue Angels have represented the absolute pinnacle of naval aviation and this anniversary is a testament to a legacy of excellence that few organizations ever achieve,” said Rear Adm. Max McCoy, chief of Naval Training, in a service news release.
The team recently completed its annual certification for the 2026 airshow season on Feb. 23, confirming they meet the highest standards of safety and performance before the season begins, the release said. Final approval came from McCoy after he observed the Blue Angels’ last practice demonstration in El Centro, Calif. He declared the team “air show ready.”
“Certification for this historic season was exceptionally rigorous because the standard must be met,” McCoy said. “This squadron demonstrated unwavering precision and commitment, proving they are not only ready to fly, but ready to continue the Blue Angel legacy with the honor it deserves.”
The Blue Angels team consists of 158 active-duty sailors and Marines, including pilots, aircrew, maintainers and many other support personnel.
For a full schedule of shows this season, visit the Blue Angels’ official website.
The Blue Angels in formation during winter training in El Centro, Calif., Feb. 24, 2026. (Maxwell Orlosky/U.S. Navy)
Personnel with the Blue Angels conduct winter training in El Centro, Calif., in January 2026. (U.S. Navy via Facebook)
The Blue Angels conduct winter training in El Centro, Calif., in January 2026. (Class Crayton Agnew/U.S. Navy)