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SEATTLE - Known for their high-flying skills above the skies during air shows, the Blue Angels will be in Seattle once again on Monday.
But with Seafair not until the summer, many are wondering why the Navy pilots are in the Emerald City ahead of schedule.
Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets are flying The Diamond Roll (four planes in formation), doing a 360-degree roll as one unit, flying at 400 mph over Lake Washington for the Seafair weekend in Seattle. (Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Keep reading to find out why the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are in Seattle on Jan. 12.
Why are the Blue Angels in Seattle now?
The Blue Angels returned to Seattle on Monday to begin preseason planning for the 2026 Boeing Seafair Air Show.
Pilots will assess airshow locations, scouting the skies and getting familiar with the landscape ahead of the Seafair Weekend Festival, when they perform in three separate air shows. Their visit brings the iconic Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornets to the city, the aircraft pilots use during the air show.
Blue Angels pilots plan to stay in Seattle until Tuesday, coordinating with Seafair event organizers. Last year, only two Blue Angels pilots were in Seattle for preseason planning, instead of the entire squadron.
Blue Angels to arrive in Seattle for Seafair 2025 planning
Here’s when you can expect to see the U.S. Navy Blue Angels fly over Seattle today, Monday, Jan. 13.
When are the Blue Angels coming back to Seattle?
The Blue Angels will fly back to western Washington for the 2026 Boeing Seafair Air Show, on Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2, 2026.
They'll also be in town for two practice runs on Thursday, July 30.
When is the 2026 Seafair Air Show?
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will perform in three air shows throughout Seafair weekend. They're happening each afternoon on July 31 through Aug. 2 on Lake Washington and at Genesee Park.
The multi-day Seafair Weekend Festival also includes the Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Races, along with live entertainment, food and drinks, and family-friendly activities. Tickets for the festival go on sale in February.
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New Seafair event in Seattle: 'Winter by the Water'
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Who are the Blue Angels?
The Blue Angels is a team of elite Navy flight demonstrators, showcasing their aviation skills in high-speed, precision aerobatic performances.
They perform in air shows across the U.S. each year, with the goal of inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country, displaying the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
Formed in 1946, this year marks the 80th year of the Blue Angels. They take pride in performing for audiences both at home and abroad, showcasing the excitement, precision, and power of Naval aviation.
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The Source: Information in this story came from U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Seafair, and FOX 13 Seattle reporting.