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Blue Angels Roar Into Seattle: Seafair Weekend Ignites
Blue Angels Are Soaring into Seattle for Seafair Weekend!
Get Ready for Some Serious Jet Noise!
Hey Seattle! If you hear really loud roaring in the sky this week, don’t worry—it’s not thunder. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels have officially landed in town! They’re here early to practice and get ready for their big shows during Seafair Weekend Festival.
Your Complete Blue Angels Schedule
Here’s exactly when to look up (or cover your ears):
Wednesday, July 29
- 2:30–2:50 p.m. — The team arrives at King County International Airport
Thursday, July 30 (Practice Days!)
- 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — First practice run
- 3:30–4:30 p.m. — Second practice run
Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2 (Showtime!)
- 3:30 p.m. daily — Official Blue Angels Airshow
IMPORTANT REMINDER: These jets are loud! If you have little kids, pets, or sensitive ears, you might want to grab some ear protection or watch from a bit farther away.
Who Are the Blue Angels? (The Simple Version)
Think of them as the Navy’s elite stunt flying team. Here’s what makes them special:
- Founded way back in 1946 — that’s over 75 years of flying!
- Their mission: Show off the skill and professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps
- They travel ALL over the country performing for about 11 million spectators each year
- Seafair is their annual Seattle tradition — they come back every year just for us!
Meet the Rest of the Airshow Crew
The Blue Angels aren’t flying solo! Other awesome performers joining the party:
- U.S. Army AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter — a real-life combat chopper
- U.S. Marine Corps F-35B — the fancy stealth fighter that can hover!
- U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III — a massive military transport plane
MISSING THIS YEAR: Fat Albert (the C-130 cargo plane that usually carries Blue Angels gear and does its own cool tricks) won’t be here. He’s sitting this one out.
How Long Do Pilots Stay on the Team?
It’s not a forever job—it’s a special tour of duty:
| Role | Typical Time on Team |
|---|---|
| Officers (Pilots) | 2–3 years |
| Enlisted Personnel | 3–4 years |
After their time with the Blue Angels, they go back to regular Navy/Marine Corps jobs.
Quick Summary
- Blue Angels arrived Wednesday at King County Airport
- Thursday = Practice days (two sessions!)
- Friday–Sunday = Main shows at 3:30 p.m.
- Other military aircraft performing too
- Fat Albert (C-130) is NOT coming this year
- Team members serve 2–4 years then rotate out
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where’s the best place to watch the airshow?
A: The official Seafair viewing areas along Lake Washington (like Genesee Park, Stan Sayres Park, or Lake Washington Boulevard) give you the best views of the water maneuvers. But honestly? You’ll see and hear them from lots of places around Seattle!
Q: Are the practice runs on Thursday the full show?
A: Not usually. Practice runs are often shorter or focus on specific maneuvers. The real full show with all the signature formations happens Friday through Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Q: Why isn’t Fat Albert coming this year?
A: The article doesn’t say exactly why—sometimes it’s maintenance, scheduling, or logistics. But he’s a fan favorite, so hopefully he’ll be back next year!
Q: Can I meet the pilots?
A: Sometimes there are meet-and-greet events during Seafair week. Check the official Seafair website for any scheduled autograph sessions or public appearances.
Q: What if the weather is bad?
A: The shows can be delayed or canceled if there’s low clouds, heavy rain, or unsafe winds. The team needs good visibility to fly safely. Keep an eye on Seafair’s social media for real-time updates!
Enjoy the show, Seattle — and don’t forget to look up!
