The Blue Angels Return to San Francisco for Fleet Week on October 4 - 7

This weekend in San Francisco is the 27th annual appearance of the United States Navy Fleet. With the return of the Blue Angels it is expected that Fleet Week will be bigger than ever, attracting an estimated one million spectators.

Edward M. Leonard, Chairman of San Francisco Fleet Week Committee, announced that "Since 1981 San Francisco Fleet Week has been an annual opportunity for Northern Californians to honor the men and women serving in the United States Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Marine Corps. This year we are fortunate to have increased participation from the Coast Guard and the Canadian navy. In so doing, we expand the scope of Fleet Week internationally as well as across the armed services." Chairman Leonard asks all Northern Californians to make our visitors welcome and thank them for their service to our country and for the "remarkable contribution they are making to our security and well being."

The U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard join forces for a week-long celebration, not only in the waters of San Francisco Bay but in the skies over the Bay Area. The event is highlighted by a two-day air show. The weekend line up featuring the Blue Angels will also feature U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper West and Patriot Jet demonstration teams and U.S. Air Force's newest fighter aircraft, the F-22A Raptor A-10 and a U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter. The U.S. Air Force F-16 and P-51 Mustang will fly together commemorating the power of the United States Air Force throughout the ages.

Two father and son pilots will appear in this year's lineup. Team Oracles, Sean Tucker, will be performing and he will be joined by the "Collaborators," his son, Eric W.D. Tucker and two other aerobatic pilots. Also appearing will be John Piggott flying a Sukhoi Su-29 known as the "Russian Sukhoi" followed by his son Capt. Russ Piggott of the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper West Demo Team.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels in Flight

Credit: Public Domain

Copyright: Pbulic Domain