Planes soared across San Francisco last week in an annual tradition meant to honor the contributions of the members of the United States Armed Forces.
San Francisco Fleet Week, held from Oct. 7 to Oct. 14, featured a series of free, public events held in the city. These events included ship tours, concerts, parades, career fairs, and flight performances, in which attendees could explore Navy equipment and learn more about the people who serve them. Local businesses and vendors were also included in the festivities.
Some of the most anticipated events were the flight performances by the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron. Established in 1946, the Blue Angels were created to boost Navy morale and increase public awareness of the Navy’s capabilities all over the country.
Over the years, they have introduced new formations that showcase the precision and skill of army pilots, who fly in F/A-18 Super Hornets. These planes permit the pilots to perform high-speed passes, vertical climbs, and intricate formations. Spectators were captivated by the fast-paced show.
“Every maneuver they make is really astounding to me,” said Kathy Lingenfelter, an Oakland resident and yearly viewer of the show.
Citizens and visitors alike felt the city come alive with the celebration and sense of togetherness that the shows provided.
“I really feel the camaraderie of the city,” said San Francisco resident Sydney Burton. “Everyone comes together this weekend. It’s like a big party, almost like San Francisco’s own holiday. It’s something that brings the whole city together.”
As seen across many event-goers, the celebration fosters a sense of community and shared pride.
For some, the spirit of the show is worth traveling thousands of miles to experience with family.
“I flew 2,500 miles just to see them with my daughter,” said Burton’s father, Mike Burton. “Sydney is only home a couple of times a year. Any time we can be together is perfect.”
But whatever their reason for attending, viewers were consistently in awe at the skill of the pilots.
“The talent that I see in the pilots is just unbelievable,” Lingenfelter said.
