Navy's Blue Angels Touch Down In Mather For Pre-airshow Visit

Several of the United States Navy’s elite pilots visited Mather Airport on Wednesday afternoon in preparation for the upcoming 2025 California Capital Airshow, scheduled for March. Members of the Navy Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron took to the local skies before landing for a brief visit with media and meetings with officials to discuss plans for the highly anticipated event. Tickets for the airshow will go on sale next week.

The March event will mark the Blue Angels’ first Sacramento performance since 2019, bringing their signature high-speed, precision aerobatics back to the region. Fans can expect jaw-dropping stunts and formations as the squadron showcases their F/A-18 Super Hornets. Additionally, it will be the team’s first 2025 appearance in California, taking place ahead of the popular Fleet Week in San Francisco.

Major Scott Loux, the narrator and flight demonstrator for the elite squadron, was among those in town for Wednesday’s meeting.

“It’s a really unique opportunity to bring the Navy and Marine Corps to a place like Sacramento,” Loux said during an interview with local media. “You don’t often get to see much of the Navy and Marine Corps around here. We’re excited to visit and show you what your Navy and Marine Corps are doing around the world.”

The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron, are renowned for their high-speed, precision aerobatic displays. Established in 1946 by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, the squadron was created to maintain public interest in naval aviation after World War II and to showcase the skill and professionalism of Navy and Marine Corps aviators.

Over the decades, the Blue Angels have become a symbol of American military excellence, combining technical mastery with the values of honor, courage, and commitment. Their performances serve as both entertainment and a recruitment tool, inspiring young people to consider careers in the armed forces.

The 2025 California Capital Airshow, presented by Sacramento County in partnership with the City of Rancho Cordova, will celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. The airshow, scheduled for March 22-23 at Mather Airport, will be the keystone event of “Navy Week,” which runs from March 17-23 in Sacramento. Sacramento is one of just 15 cities selected to host Navy Week events in 2025.

“It is a tremendous honor to partner with the Department of the Navy to bring the Blue Angels to Sacramento and celebrate the military branch’s 250th birthday,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the California Capital Airshow. “Attendees can look forward to fascinating educational exhibits showcasing the Navy’s history, mission, and career opportunities. We’ll also have a specially curated selection of aircraft and other naval assets on display.”

The Blue Angels’ performances feature intricate formations and daring maneuvers, often with planes flying just feet apart at speeds exceeding 700 mph. Currently, the team flies the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a versatile fighter jet designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. The team’s routines, including the iconic diamond formation and solo high-speed passes, highlight the skill, discipline, and teamwork required for military aviation.

“We are so excited to have the Blue Angels back,” Brewer said. “Their return to Sacramento has been highly anticipated, and we’re proud to be one of their first stops following winter training.”

Discounted airshow tickets will be available exclusively to “Airshow Insiders” beginning January 22, 2025. Public ticket sales will open February 1, 2025. Tickets are limited and will not be available for purchase onsite at the event.

Gates to the airshow will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, and Sunday, March 23, with four hours of non-stop flying performances from noon to 4 p.m. Featured acts will include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Demonstration Team, Tucker’s Air Patrol, vintage warbirds, and more.

The 2025 California Capital Airshow is expected to be one of the largest in the country, drawing tens of thousands of visitors. The return of the Blue Angels promises to add an extra level of excitement to an already stellar lineup of performers and attractions.

For more information or to sign up as an Airshow Insider, visit CaliforniaCapitalAirshow.com.