SF Fleet Week: Blue Angels grounded due to government shutdown

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — SF Fleet Week looks set to steam ahead without its main event. In the midst of the ongoing government shutdown, a Fleet Week spokesperson confirmed to KRON4 that “due to the lapse in federal appropriations,” the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps have “temporarily paused” planning efforts to participate.

That means no Blue Angels — and no U.S. Navy participation in the Parade of Ships. According to officials, Fleet Week will still take place, but without the Navy or Coast Guard, it will likely be a shadow of itself.

The Air Show, the annual event’s top attraction, will still take place, but without the headline draw of the Blue Angels. Instead, the Canadian Snowbirds, a Canadian Forces air demonstration squadron, will take center stage.

The abrupt cancellation of the Blue Angels and U.S. military participation sets the stage for a largely diminished Fleet Week this year. No naval participation likely means no ship tours and a Parade of Ships that will only feature vessels from partner nations Colombia and Canada — if it takes place at all.

Event organizers, however, did not shut the door completely on the possibility of the Blue Angels taking flight over the Bay this year.

“If there is a swift decision on a federal funding bill or continuing resolution, we’ll consider the circumstances and timing to determine how we might salvage military participation,” a spokesperson said. “Our Sailors and Marines look forward every year to visiting San Francisco and participating in unparalleled training and outreach events.”

However, with no votes scheduled in either chamber of the U.S. Capitol Thursday due to Yom Kippur, the earliest possible vote on reopening the government won’t take place until Friday. With Fleet Week set to officially get underway just two days later, the chances of seeing the iconic Blue Angels roaring over Alcatraz this year look slim.

“If there is no speedy resolution, we’ll be disappointed we aren’t able to attend this year, but Navy and Marine Corps planners will begin planning our participation in the 2026 Fleet Week as early as November,” a Fleet Week spokesperson said. “San Francisco Fleet Week has earned a well-deserved reputation with Sailors and Marines as a favorite port visit, and we look forward to returning to the Bay Area.”