ANNAPOLIS, Md., May 12, 2025 — The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels will return to Annapolis for the U.S. Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week, offering residents three opportunities to witness their precision flight demonstrations. The events, scheduled from May 20 to May 23, will draw thousands to downtown Annapolis, with road closures, heavy traffic, and parking challenges expected.
On Tuesday, May 20, the Blue Angels arrive, circling Annapolis from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a rehearsal from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This rehearsal, similar to the full air show, typically attracts smaller crowds. If weather disrupts the schedule, the rehearsal shifts to Wednesday, May 21, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The official Naval Academy Air Show takes place Wednesday, May 21, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., packing downtown roads, parking garages, and waterfronts with spectators. The City of Annapolis advises securing viewing spots early and planning for traffic.
The Blue Angels’ Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets will perform, reaching speeds of 700 mph and as low as 120 mph, flying as close as 18 inches apart at altitudes from 50 to 15,000 feet. A final flyover occurs Friday, May 23, at 10:04 a.m. over Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium during the Naval Academy’s commissioning ceremony, which is closed to the public but visible from nearby areas.
Commissioning Week, from May 14 to May 23, celebrates the Class of 2025’s graduation and commissioning as Navy or Marine Corps officers. Highlights include the Herndon Climb on May 14 at 8 a.m., where plebes scale a 21-foot greased monument to replace a plebe hat with an upperclassman’s hat. Last year’s climb lasted two hours, 19 minutes, and 11 seconds. The commissioning ceremony on May 23 features Vice President JD Vance as the speaker, with events starting at 6:30 a.m. and concluding by 2:30 p.m.
The City of Annapolis shared logistical tips for residents and visitors. The Route 450 (Naval Academy) bridge closes Tuesday, May 20, from 10:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., and Wednesday, May 21, from 1:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. Heavy traffic is expected, particularly on May 24 near the stadium due to security measures. The “Prepare Me Annapolis” app provides real-time traffic alerts. Parking at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium offers free shuttles to the Naval Academy’s Visitor Center, but downtown garages like Hillman, Gott’s, and Knighton are recommended for air show attendees. Reservations are available.
Boaters must adhere to exclusionary zones in Spa Creek and the Severn River, marked by buoys and patrolled by the U.S. Coast Guard, Annapolis Harbormaster, and other agencies. Maritime rules are detailed on the Annapolis Harbormaster’s website. Security will be heightened, with residents urged to report suspicious activity to 911 or the Annapolis Call Center at 410-260-2211.
Commissioning Week’s events underscore Annapolis’s deep naval heritage. The Blue Angels’ performances, a tradition during the week, highlight the skill and precision of naval aviation, drawing both locals and tourists to celebrate the academy’s graduating midshipmen.
