The Blue Angels and USAF Thunderbirds will both fly in the upcoming NAS Pensacola Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show Nov 1-2. It’s a very rare public get-together for both teams, and the only opportunity this year to see it at a public event.
Both teams have conducted joint training together each winter for the last 5 years, most recently in March 2024 when the Thunderbirds visited the Blues’ at NAS El Centro. Each team represents different military branches, but both share a similar mission.
Both teams are now on the tail-end of a very busy air show season, performing across the United States week after week. The Pensacola show will be the last for both teams in 2024.
A rare appearance together at the home of the Blue Angels
“Having our military’s top flight demonstration teams perform at the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation’ will undoubtedly be an experience you won’t want to miss!” said Capt. Terry Shashaty, NAS Pensacola’s commanding officer.
“The Blue Angels and Homecoming Air Show are ingrained in the identity of Pensacola. We are proud to host a family-friendly event showcasing the capabilities and precision of both the Navy and Air Force teams as well as our civilian performers!”
“Our demonstrations showcase the incredible milestones a team can accomplish when they work together,” says Thunderbirds leader Lt. Col. Nathan Malafa.
“It’s an honor to perform alongside our Navy counterparts; we both started building the foundations of our 2024 teams together in El Centro and will end our seasons together in a display of excellence.”
While rare, it’s not the first time both teams have got together at an air show
While it is rare to see both teams together at any air show, it has happened before. They both appeared at Point Mugu in 2023.
They also flew the “Super Delta” together during a National Memorial Day parade in 2021, in addition to the America Strong flyovers during Covid in 2020. Both teams also appeared together at the Kansas City air show in 2021.
Both teams will fly together on Oct 30 ONLY
While both teams will be at the air show Nov 1-2, they won’t be actually flying together. Each team will fly their demos separately (officially, for now).
Both teams have however scheduled a Super Delta flyover of the Pensacola area on Oct 30 at 11:30am. Points along the planned flight path include Johnson Beach, Pensacola Beach, Oriole Beach and Palafox St.
