Blue Angels Set to Return Home from Winter Training in California

R. Ken Cooper • March 13, 2023

A sure sign of Spring is when the Blue Angels return from their winter practices in California

Blue Angels Smokin' the Beaches in Orange Beach

UPDATE at 1:08 pm: The Blue Angels just posted that they'd be doing the beach buzz around 2pm.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 20, 2023 @ 11:15am Update: 𝐎𝐁𝐀 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐭: Fat Albert just took off from the airfield in California. Assuming that the Blue Angels took off at the same time we should be able to expect them in our area between 3:15 and 4:15 this afternoon.


We will update this post if we get any new information about their arrival time.


In addition, the Blue Angels practice schedule was just published today...


Link: https://www.obawebsite.com/blue-angels--schedule#PracticeSchedule


NAS Pensacola, Fla - (OBA) - Excitement is building as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels prepare to return to their home base of NAS Pensacola from their winter training base at NAS El Centro, California.


Although the exact date and time of their return from the west coast are uncertain, we're expecting them back on Monday, March 20th. (Spring arrives on March 20th at 4:24pm.) As always, we will be monitoring chatter to give our best guess forecasts for timing.


As the Blue Angels make their way back to NAS Pensacola, the local community is eagerly anticipating the possibility of "Beach Buzzes" again for the 2023 season. Beach Buzzes involve the Blue Angels flying low over the beaches, usually between Pensacola Beach to Perdido Pass in Orange Beach, thrilling spectators with their high-speed passes.


To help locals and visitors stay informed about the Blue Angels' possible Beach Buzzes, the OBA Community Website will be, as we have for the last 15 years, forecasting the possible dates and times of the Beach Buzzes. These forecasts are based on previous years' patterns, chatter, and the Blue Angels' flight schedules. We will provide our best guess on timing on Sundays, where we'll post our timing estimates on our OBA Facebook page.


Blue Angels Beach Buzzes have become a tradition here on the Alabama/Florida Gulf Coast. Sometimes they fly as low as 250 feet above the water, creating an exciting arrival that is both impressive and awe-inspiring. Many locals and tourists flock to the beaches to witness the Blue Angels' returns, making it a significant event for our community. The Beach Buzzes generally take place when the Blue Angels are on their way home from certain air shows.


Their first air show was at Naval Air Station El Centro, CA on this past weekend.  This year they'll perform a second west coast show at NAS Point Mugu, CA next weekend, before returning to NAS Pensacola on March 20th (estimated). After their return to NAS Pensacola, the Blues first air show will be at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. We are hoping for a Beach Buzz on March 26th, as they return home.


The Blue Angels are an important part of Pensacola's history and culture, and their return from winter training is a highly anticipated event. As the community waits for their arrival, excitement is building, and people are preparing to catch a glimpse of the legendary flight demonstration squadron.


Blue Angels Practice Schedule:

The Blue Angels Practice Schedule has not yet been published. When we get the practice schedule we will publish it on our OBA Blue Angels Schedule page.

About the U.S. Blue Angels:
For anyone who doesn't know, the Blue Angels are the United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron, renowned for their precision and breathtaking aerial displays. The Blue Angels formed in 1946 at NAS Jacksonville. On June 25, 1950, the Korean War started, and all of the Blue Angels pilots volunteered for combat duty. The squadron and its members were ordered to "combat-ready status" after an exhibition at Naval Air Station, Dallas, Texas on July 30th. The Blue Angels were disbanded, and its pilots were reassigned to a carrier.

On October 25,1951, the Blues were ordered to re-activate as a flight demonstration team, and reported to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1954 the Blue Angels relocated to their current home base of Naval Air Station Pensacola. Since then, Pensacola has become synonymous with the Blue Angels, and the squadron has played an important role in the community's culture and identity.

Dates for POSSIBLE Beach Buzzes

We have put estimated times in for possible Beach Buzzes on some of the dates based on previous year's timing. We will update these times as the dates draw nearer and we get additional information.


This is not a complete list of the Blue Angels Air Shows. It is only a list of the ones were we may see a Beach Buzz.

Date Location Estimated Time
March 26 Barksdale AFB, LA 5:15-6:15
April 2 Lakeland, FL 5:15-6:15
April 16 NAS Key West, FL 6:15-7:15
April 23 MCAS Beaufort, SC 5:45-6:45
April 30 Fort Lauderdale, FL
May 7 Corpus Christi, TX 6:45-7:45
May 14 Scott AFB, IL
May 21 Seymour Johnson AFB, NC
May 28 Long Pond, PA
June 10 Smyrna, TN
June 18 Columbus, OH
June 25 North Kingston, RI (Not likely)
July 2 Oklahoma City, OK
July 8th & 9th Pensacola Beach Air Show, FL
September 17 NAS Oceana, VA
October 21 Jacksonville, FL
October 29 Greenfield, IN
November 3rd & 4th Homecoming Airshow at NAS Pensacola, FL

Blue Angels Complete 2023 Air Show Schedule

Share this article w/ Friends...

New lot purchase aims to support downtown businesses
By Guy Busby April 20, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley is adding more downtown parking by buying a lot at the corner of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98. Foley City Council approved the purchase of the property near the southwest corner of the busy intersection.
Department of Environmental Protection Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves
By OBA Staff April 20, 2025
Perdido Key, Fla. – (OBA) – The Perdido Bay Estuary Program will hold an open house about its new Living Shoreline Assistance Program. The event is open to commercial and residential property owners, neighborhood groups, and community organizations.
Fort Morgan Land Donation Expands Coastal Protection
By David Rainer April 19, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Conservation efforts on Alabama’s Gulf Coast have taken another major step forward with the protection of additional land on the Fort Morgan Peninsula. Thanks to a donation from the Alabama Coastal Heritage Trust, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will permanently preserve 13 ecologically sensitive lots, safeguarding critical habitats from future development.
Gulf Shores Celebrates Bike Month with National Recognition
By OBA Staff April 19, 2025
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Gulf Shores has been awarded the Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation by the League of American Bicyclists. This honor places Gulf Shores among a select group of U.S. cities committed to cycling. The award highlights Gulf Shores’ efforts to create a safer, more connected place for cyclists of all ages and abilities. It also recognizes the city's major investments in bike trails and active transportation infrastructure.
Mullet Toss Weekend at the Flora-Bama
By OBA Staff April 18, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 2025 Interstate Mullet Toss at the Flora-Bama is only a week away, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest. Whether you're a seasoned tosser or a first-time visitor, this legendary beach party promises a weekend full of sun, sand, music, and, of course, flying fish. But before you pack your bags and head down to the Flora-Bama line, there are a few important things to know to help you make the most of your Mullet Toss weekend.
Orange Beach Adopts New Business Restrictions for Beaches and Waterways
By OBA Staff April 18, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – In a move to preserve its natural beauty and maintain public safety, the City of Orange Beach has adopted new regulations restricting business activities on beaches, shorelines, and waterways. The ordinance, passed on April 15, 2025, amends the city’s Business License Code to prohibit most forms of commercial activity in these sensitive areas.
Gulf Islands National Seashore - Rosamond Johnson Beach on Perdido Key
By OBA Staff April 18, 2025
Perdido Key, Fla. – (OBA) – The United States National Park System is a vast collection of protected lands and seas. While the National Park Service (NPS) oversees a network of over 433 distinct parks, including battlefields, monuments, seashores, and preserves. There are 63 National Parks in the United States. The first National Park in the United States — and the world — was Yellowstone National Park, established on March 1, 1872.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich, left, presents a proclamation recognizing the 250th anniversary.
By Guy Busby April 18, 2025
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley’s recognition of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution will begin with a commemoration of the Battle of Lexington.
The Port at Zeke's
By OBA Staff April 17, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Orange Beach is preparing to celebrate those who make a difference in their communities with a special event dedicated to local heroes. The evening will highlight individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary service and compassion along the Gulf Coast.
Twelve Streets in Bear Point Getting New Pavement
By OBA Staff April 17, 2025
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Twelve city streets in the Bear Point neighborhood are scheduled for resurfacing starting in late April, weather permitting, as part of Orange Beach’s 2025 Roadway Resurfacing project.
Show More