The Blue Angels are returning to Annapolis for their annual demonstration as part of Commissioning Week festivities culminating Friday with the U.S. Naval Academy graduation.
The Tuesday rehearsal and Wednesday performance are slated for a 2 p.m. start, depending on the weather.
On Tuesday, the Naval Academy, or Route 450, bridge will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., and again from 1:45 p.m. through the completion of the rehearsal at approximately 4 p.m.
The Naval Academy bridge will be closed to all traffic Wednesday from 1:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. or until the conclusion of the flight demonstration. The Severn River will be closed to boats and other watercraft from the bridge to Spa Creek for both days.
Both shows are open to the public. The demonstration over the Naval Academy is one of a number of annual events the squadron completes during its tour.
How to watch the Blue Angels
The Blue Angels show brings in thousands of spectators every year, many of whom will be Naval Academy students’ friends and family in Annapolis for the graduation ceremony.
Public places along the banks of the Severn River, like the area near the Naval Academy Bridge, World War II Memorial, City Dock and Spa Creek, are popular spots for spectators.
For approved guests, the academy’s Ingram Field and parts of Farragut Field and Hospital Point might be the best locations of all.
There are also nice views from rooftops in the city, aboard a boat or on a lawn along the Severn.
Boaters are advised to pay close attention to markers that show exclusionary zones and temporary channels marked by red and green buoys. Public safety boats will be out.
The Annapolis Harbormaster operates on VHF 17. The area of Spa Creek and the Severn River will be patrolled by the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Natural Resources Police, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Annapolis Harbormaster, Annapolis Police and Annapolis Fire Rescue boats.
In addition to the demonstration, Annapolis Commission Week will have a broad range of activities, including concerts, award ceremonies, and receptions with the superintendent, Vice Adm. Yvette M. Davids.
Thursday: Color Parade
The final formal parade of the spring, held on Worden Field at the academy, highlights the presentation of the color company pennant by the superintendent, the company commander and the “color honoree” to the newly designated spring color company.
The color company is chosen each semester by virtue of its excellence in academics, athletics and professional accomplishments. The color company competition dates back to 1867.
This event is open to the public and starts at 11 a.m.
Friday: Graduation and commissioning ceremony
The week finishes with a graduation and commissioning ceremony at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Parking at the stadium will open at 6:30 a.m., and the stadium will open at 7 a.m.
Midshipmen will begin their procession into the stadium at 9 a.m. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. with a Blue Angels flyover set for 10:04 a.m. During the ceremony, the graduating midshipmen are commissioned into the Navy as ensigns or into the Marine Corps as 2nd lieutenants.
The commencement speech typically rotates among the president, vice president and secretary of defense. Last year, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin delivered the remarks to the Class of 2023, assuring the graduates that they were ready. In a break from tradition, Austin will be the keynote speaker again Friday.
The ceremony is open only to a limited number of guests of graduates.
Parking
There is limited parking available on the Naval Academy grounds. The best option for getting onto The Yard is parking at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and taking the free shuttle to enter through the visitor center at Gate 1, according to the City of Annapolis.
Parking will be limited in downtown Annapolis, as well, with city parking garages being the best bet.
How to put gate addresses into GPS
Gate 1: The main visitor gate to the Naval Academy is located downtown at the corner of King George and Randall streets. GPS address: 52 King George St., Annapolis, 21402.
Gate 3: This gate is located at the intersection of Maryland Avenue and Hanover Street. GPS address: 1 Maryland Ave., Annapolis, 21401.
Gate 8: Access to this gate is at Bowyer Road off Route 450 near the Naval Academy bridge. GPS address: 675 Decatur Rd., Annapolis, 21402.
Directions to stadium: Take U.S. 50 to Exit 24 (Rowe Boulevard) and turn right at first light onto Farragut Road.
