U.S. Navy Blue Angels arrive in Seattle to prepare for Seafair 2025 performance
Blue Angels arrive in Seattle ahead of Seafair air show
Pilots of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels arrived in Seattle to prepare for their incredible display at the Boeing Seafair Air Show.
SEATTLE - One of the most impressive aerial performances in the world is returning to Seattle. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are back for the 2025 Boeing Seafair Air Show.
The team of Navy and Marine Corps service members arrived on Wednesday in seven F-18 Hornet jets at King County International Airport to prepare for the weekend festivities.
"I used to watch this show growing up as a kid, and it’s always the high point of summer," said GySgt. Brandon Wishard, a flight engineer with the U.S. Navy C-130 Fat Albert.
Local perspective:
The annual aerial event is a full-circle moment for Seattle-native Wishard. This will be his second year flying high above his hometown.
"Watching the Blue Angels as a kid was a fantastic opportunity. See it over here at the Flight Museum and fly over, but to actually come back and be a part of the actual show and be part of the Seafair in this role is definitely a dream come true," said Wishard.
The Blue Angels said all the aerial acrobatics are sure to be a showstopper for the thousands of fans along Lake Washington.
"This year I think it’s going to be better than the last. Last year we had a little bit of cold rain when we got here, but now it’s bright and sunny so I’m pretty stoked," said Maj. Sam Petko, a pilot on the U.S. Navy C-130 Fat Albert.
Timeline:
As the team prepares to be Seafair’s main attraction, they will conduct test runs on Thursday, July 31, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. - 4:40 p.m.
On Friday, August 1, the Blue Angels will perform at 3:35 p.m., with ticketed shows at Genesee Park continuing through Sunday, Aug. 3, at 3:35 p.m.
How to watch the Blue Angels in Seattle during the 2025 Seafair Air Show
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be back in Seattle this summer. Here's how to watch them practice and perform.
Unlike in years past, the I-90 bridge will remain open during all air show performances.
"One of the coolest things for me is anytime we can go to the shoreline or interact with people, you got the little kids coming up and saying they want to be a Blue Angel or even just a pilot someday. That gets me excited. It reminds me of when I was a kid, when I was looking up into the sky and doing the exact same thing," said Petko.
All the action kicks off with a nine-minute show from Fat Albert. It’s a U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules used by the Blue Angels for their logistics. In-between shows, it hauls other Blue Angels team members, luggage, and equipment across the country.
The performance will continue with six Blue Angels jets. Inside one of the jets is flight commander Adam Bryan. He will be soaring over Emerald City for the first time.
"I have the honor, and I’m humbled to work along 160 of the absolute finest sailors and Marines in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. And they’re even better people. They make me better every single day and I love working alongside them," said Cdr. Bryan.
The Blue Angels began their legacy in 1946 and have since performed for more than 500 million spectators. Officials said, "Their mission is to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach."
The Source: Information in this story came from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.
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