Blue Angels forced to scrub 2025 Commissioning Week show
Despite receiving a go for Annapolis weather conditions, the demonstration squadron did not receive take-off clearance due to conditions at Joint Base Andrews
Weather forecasts predicting heavy rain for today had called the Blue Angels’ flight demonstration for Commissioning Week 2025 into question. Ultimately, the weather in Annapolis didn’t stop the Navy’s famed flight demonstration squadron from flying, but a low cloud ceiling at Joint Base Andrews left the team stranged on the runway.
As the rainy morning played out, weather forecasting became tepidly more favorable for the yearly show to be able to proceed. The Naval Academy posted an announcement on their website that a final decision would be made no later than 1:00 pm. At approximately 1:30 pm it was announced that the show was intended to proceed as scheduled, for two 2:00 pm.
However, as Annapolitans braved chilly and windy conditions to watch the much beloved yearly tradition, there was no sign of Fat Albert. By 3:00 pm the crowds of would-be spectators crowding the far end of city dock began dissipating. With automotive and marine traffic closures of the Severn River set to expire at 4:00 pm, it soon became clear that hope was running out of time.
As it turned out, conditions in Annapolis, despite notable winds, weren’t the cause of this year’s no-show. Cloud coverage at Joint Base Andrews was the culprit. The squadron was ready to take off, but they did not receive clearance.
The Midshipmen families are the ones to miss out the most, as they likely have not attended a Commissioning Week before. On the other hand, graduating Midshipmen likely have seen the preceding shows taking place during their time at the Academy. But the ones most disappointed are likely the local residents who never tire of reminders that their town is home to the US Naval Academy, and basking in all of the local traditions it entails.