Story perspectives

Blue Angels Flyover Praised; Navy Orders Safety Review

7/17/2026

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Hegseth Praises Flyover

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the low-altitude Blue Angels flyover over crowded Pensacola beach, urging “carry on” despite safety concerns.
The Navy confirmed no injuries and kept the weekend air-show schedule unchanged after the Pensacola flyover.
A thorough safety review was launched by the Navy to examine the low-altitude maneuver.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti warned maneuvers have caused crashes, citing Mary Schiavo’s FAA-restriction concerns.

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Cao Clears Flyover

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the debrief found no problem and no one will be reprimanded or fired.
The Blue Angels performed a low-altitude flyover over Pensacola Beach with no injuries and the weekend air-show schedule unchanged.
Thousands attended the annual “Breakfast with the Blues,” calling the close pass thrilling despite sand.
Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger voiced full support, saying she heard no constituent complaints.

History

Historical Context

The Blue Angels have endured fatal accidents that spurred safety overhauls, notably the 1973 mid-air collision over Lakehurst that killed three crew members and halted the season. After the 2016 split-S crash that killed Jeff Kuss, the team’s risk profile remains, prompting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to back a Pensacola Beach flyover despite FAA analyst Mary Schiavo’s warnings.

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Hegseth Praises Flyover

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised the low-altitude Blue Angels flyover over crowded Pensacola beach, urging “carry on” despite safety concerns.
The Navy confirmed no injuries and kept the weekend air-show schedule unchanged after the Pensacola flyover.
A thorough safety review was launched by the Navy to examine the low-altitude maneuver.
Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti warned maneuvers have caused crashes, citing Mary Schiavo’s FAA-restriction concerns.

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