The air show will be led by a former Navy men’s lacrosse player and the first female pilot to fly with the squadron. The Blue Angels are returning to Annapolis for their annual demonstration during United States Naval Academy’s Commissioning and Graduation Week festivities.
Lt. Amanda Lee, hailing from Mounds View, Minnesota, has been appointed to the esteemed “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 as their inaugural female flying ace. Zimmerman, a graduate of the academy in 2009, will be accompanying Lt. Amanda Lee on the mission. He is a member of the renowned “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron 11. Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman, formerly residing in Owings Mills, is among the four aviators chosen for the upcoming 2023 show season.
The week of activities, including the Climb Herndon and the Sea Trials, will culminate in a flyover by the Blue Angels at approximately 10:04 a.M. The commissioning and graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023 will take place at 10 a.M. On Friday at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. The performance on Wednesday and the rehearsal on Tuesday are scheduled to start at 2 p.M., Depending on the weather.
[ A series of events commemorate the approaching Naval Academy Commissioning Week ].
The protest at the Naval Academy is one of the few yearly occasions the squadron finishes during their journey each year.
Best places to watch the Blue Angels
Every year, the Blue Angels show draws thousands of spectators, including family and friends of students from the Naval Academy, to attend the graduation ceremony in Annapolis.
The prestigious group of pilots who fly the F/A-18 Hornet claim to know the best spots to view precision acrobatics. They also attract locals who are willing to play hooky from school or work to travel to Annapolis.
Creek Spa and Dock City are extremely popular in the surrounding areas. Highly sought-after attractions include Memorial II War World and Bridge Academy Naval, as well as the public spaces along the banks of River Severn.
For approved guests, the academy’s Ingram Field and parts of Farragut Field and Hospital Point might be the best locations of all.
It also helps to know someone who can provide a choice view from a rooftop in the city, while aboard a boat on the sprawling lawn along the Severn.
[ ‘We achieved it!’: Naval Academy Class of 2026 triumphs over Herndon Monument Climb in 2 hours, 32 minutes ].
Those who are traveling by boat are advised to pay close attention to markers that delineate exclusionary zones and temporary channels marked by red and green buoys. Public safety boats will be present. Boaters are advised to promptly follow the given instructions.
The Annapolis Fire and Police departments, along with the Annapolis Harbormaster, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and U.S. Coast Guard Natural Resources Department, will patrol the River Severn and Creek Spa area by boats for rescue purposes. The Harbormaster in Annapolis operates on channel 17 VHF.
Navigating Annapolis during Commissioning Week
Annapolis is gearing up for an influx of visitors, as thousands of people are expected to come to the city to attend the graduation ceremony on Friday and participate in the activities of Commissioning Week 2023, as friends and family of the Class of 2023.
Visitors and residents should anticipate heavy traffic as the downtown area experiences increased security, restrictions on maritime traffic, limitations on parking, and temporary closures of bridges and roads.
The Naval Academy bridge on Route 450 will be shut down from 10:45 a.M. Until around 3:45 p.M. On Tuesday, in preparation for the Blue Angels flyover practice.
The bridge will once more be shut on Wednesday, commencing from approximately 1:45 p.M. Until about 4 p.M. For the Blue Angels aerial display.
Red areas and areas with permits for residents, parking spaces limited to two hours, enforcement of metered parking, and the option to reserve parking in advance can all be accessed by visiting annapolisparking.Com at Gott’s Garage.
Visitors are encouraged to utilize the complimentary downtown shuttle and park at Park Place, conveniently located off of West Street and Spa Road, as well as Knighton Garage, situated at the intersection of Colonial Avenue and West Street.
The parking lot will be designated for graduation attendees. On Friday, there will be no parking for state employees in the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium lot.
City and state employees who typically park at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium are recommended to utilize the Calvert Street Garage.
To see the full timetable for all events taking place during Commissioning Week, please visit https://www.Usna.Edu/CommissioningWeek.