El Centro to Host Blue Angels’ 2025 Season Opener on Saturday March 15th

EL CENTRO, CA – The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels are set to host their first air show of the season on Saturday, March 15, at Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro. The event promises thrilling aerial performances, a classic car show, a variety of food vendors, and static aircraft displays. Despite previous concerns, the government shutdown has been averted, and the show is confirmed to proceed as scheduled.

During a media event, Kristopher K. Haugh, ABD, Public Affairs Officer for the U.S. Navy at NAF El Centro, confirmed that the air show would continue, with no shutdown in sight.

“The shutdown concerns have been resolved, so the air show is definitely on,” Haugh said.

Weather and Security Updates

Though the government shutdown threat has been lifted, weather conditions still pose a possible risk. Haugh mentioned that the Navy is closely monitoring the weather, especially potential rain and wind. In the case of inclement weather, attendees are advised to keep an eye on the base’s social media channels for updates on any schedule changes or cancellations.

For those attending the air show, heightened security measures will be in place. Bags will be inspected before entering the airfield, and all attendees must present a valid government-issued ID. While base access itself will not require a security check, entry to the airfield will be closely monitored.

New Addition: Naturalization Ceremony

A naturalization ceremony will also take place at the event at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, where 15 U.S. service members will officially receive their citizenship. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the base’s Facebook page for those unable to attend.

Navy’s ‘Strike Group’ Mixed-Reality Experience

In addition to the Blue Angels’ aerial performances, the U.S. Navy will showcase its brand-new ‘Strike Group’ mixed-reality experience, designed to highlight the high-tech career opportunities available in the Navy. The experience includes three interactive challenges:

• All Hands – A five-person game where participants work together on an aircraft carrier to launch an F-35C Lightning II jet.

• Dive – A virtual mission where attendees play the role of a Navy diver, completing an undersea repair operation.

• Achieve – A career exploration tool that pairs participants with Navy STEM roles based on a personality quiz. Participants will even receive an AI-generated image of themselves in their recommended job.

According to Rear Admiral James P. Waters, Commander of Navy Recruiting Command, the “Strike Group” is meant to demonstrate the advanced technology and teamwork involved in the Navy.

“From the depths of the sea to the heights of the stars, America’s Navy is the most highly skilled, technologically advanced military force in the world,” Waters said.

Blue Angels: Behind the Scenes

For the Blue Angels, the upcoming performance at the El Centro Air Show holds special significance. Lieutenant Commander West Perkins, who has been part of the Blue Angels for two years, shared his journey to becoming a part of the prestigious team in an interview with 760 News Media.

“The journey was very long,” Perkins explained. “As far as the Blue Angels, I can’t remember when that started, but it was at a very young age. I went to airshows with my family my entire life, and I saw the Blue Angels. They were often in our hometown shows, and that kind of engraved something in my DNA that made me want to do this job. I worked my way through all the way from grade school to college, and all the way through the U.S. Navy, to even want to be a part of the Blue Angels. I got lucky enough after three attempts—after three tries—to finally be a part of this team. It was a long road, over 11 years, to get to this point.”

As the team prepares for their first season opener, Commander Adam Bryan shared his thoughts with 760 News Media. “For us, the most memorable moments as a team are when they put our very first ever show together here as an entire team,” Bryan said.

Final Thoughts

With an action-packed lineup featuring the Blue Angels, a naturalization ceremony, a car show, food vendors, and cutting-edge Navy technology, the El Centro Air Show is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. The show is confirmed to take place without any cancellations related to the government shutdown, and weather concerns are being actively monitored.

For more information or to schedule media interviews, contact the U.S. Navy Public Affairs Office at NAF El Centro.

This updated version incorporates everything from your interview quotes and clarifies that the air show is confirmed to happen. Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments!