U.S. Navy Blue Angels give Annapolis spectators a "thrill" with flyover practice ahead of demonstration

Thousands of people packed the Annapolis, Maryland, waterfront on Tuesday as the U.S. Navy's elite flight squadron, the Blue Angels, performed a full rehearsal over the Severn River ahead of Wednesday's official air show.

The annual practice day drew crowds to parks, boats, and sidewalks across the city as the Blue Angels performed high-speed aerial maneuvers over Annapolis during Naval Academy Commissioning Week.

Connor, an 11-year-old visiting from Centreville, called the show "exciting."

When asked how fast he thought the jets were flying, he replied: "Probably over 100 mph — really, really fast." 

What are the Blue Angels?

The Blue Angels is a Navy flight team that performs stunts and maneuvers during air shows across the country. 

They fly F/A-18 Super Hornets, with some maneuvers reaching about 700 miles per hour, nearly the speed of sound.

The Blue Angels' famous Diamond 360 maneuver features jets flying as close as 18 inches apart.

The show in Annapolis coincides with the U.S. Naval Academy's Commissioning Week, which runs from May 16 to May 22, with a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 22. 

The Blue Angels' official performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday over the Severn River. 

Officials are encouraging visitors to arrive early, expect heavy traffic, and be prepared to walk. Spectators are also advised to bring sunscreen and water due to hot temperatures.  

The Blue Angels will return to Maryland for another demonstration on June 27 and June 28 for the Sail250 airshow in Baltimore. 

"It's always a thrill"

Spectator Linda Everett said she was amazed by the Blue Angels' maneuvers. 

"Just the precision and the practice and the skill that these gentlemen and women have," Everett said. 

The Blue Angels have been performing since 1946 and are known for demonstrating the professionalism and teamwork of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

For many first-time viewers, the performance left a lasting impression.

"I was wondering how they have stomachs of steel going up in those planes, it's crazy," said Zoe Scontras, from Leesburg, Virginia. "I've never seen it before, so I'm excited to see what happens."

Others said the show carries a deeper sense of patriotism and tradition during Commissioning Week.

"It kind of gives you this feeling of like, 'Wow, those are our guys,'" said Dawn Scontras, from Leesburg.

Dean Scontras said his family has strong Navy ties.

"I come from a Navy family; my brother flew for the Navy," he said. "This is a great event to see prior to the graduation. We love coming back and visiting and seeing the show."

For longtime Annapolis residents, the event remains a tradition that never gets old.

"It's always a thrill," said Robin, who brought the child she nannies to watch the rehearsal. "Especially to see it through new eyes."

The Blue Angels' official performance is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday over the Severn River. Officials are encouraging visitors to arrive early, expect heavy traffic, and be prepared to walk. Spectators are also advised to bring sunscreen and water due to hot temperatures.

Traffic restrictions for Blue Angels flyover 

Vessel traffic in the Severn River will be on Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

During the Blue Angels' air show on Wednesday, the following traffic restrictions will be in place:

• The exit 27 ramp of Route 50 onto southbound MD-450 (Baltimore/Naval Academy) will be closed 
• The Naval Academy Bridge will be closed, with significant delays expected on MD-450 and MD-648 south of US-50. 
• Access to Pendennis Mount, Greenbury Point and the Naval Support Activity will be limited. 
• Southbound MD-450 traffic will detour northbound at the World War II Memorial. 
• Southbound MD-648 traffic will detour at Greenbury Point Road and will not access MD-450. 

Drivers should expect delays, detours and heavy traffic between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Anne Arundel County Police said.