FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - U.S. Navy Blue Angels jets were seen flying over the South Florida skies ahead of this weekend’s Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale.
7Skyforce captured the jets practicing their moves over Fort Lauderdale Beach, Thursday.
The Blue Angels are the event’s headliners, and several F-18 Super Hornets were seen flying above the beach during their practice run.
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jack Keilty, the number two pilot of the 2025 Blue Angels, told 7News the Blue Angels will be debuting a new trick for the fans watching below.
“There is one new maneuver this year. It’s called the Delta Aileron Roll, and it’s essentially six airplanes, 200 feet, and we’ll all roll 360 degrees in unison,” he said. “What you’ll see is a very precise aerial demonstration, that is meant to showcase the teamwork and dedication of the Navy and Marine Corps, but really, it’s very indicative of the armed forces in General.”
The decorated naval aviator with nearly 3,000 flight hours said repetition and training makes the performances look effortless.
“We go out to California for about 12 weeks, and we’ll fly 15 times a week, sometimes three times a day, and that’s how we build in safety margins and earn the right to bring the jets lower to the ground and closer together,” said Keilty.
U.S. Navy Petty Officer Kirk Coco said the team is much bigger than just those in the cockpit.
“As a crew chief, my job is the safety of the jet. I do all the inspections of the jet, I set up the cockpit and make sure the overall appearance of the jet is how it needs to be for every show,” said Coco.
Sami Khup, an aviation enthusiast, said he was visiting South Florida for work when he heard about the practice flights on the beach.
“I’ve been watching the news, actually, and this is why I came over to the beach. I heard they’re doing the show,” he said.
Khup said he knows the pilots will put on a thrilling show.
“They’re great pilots. You know, I heard a lot about them. It’s pretty awesome,” he said.
The weekend will be filled with several pilots performing several high-flying tricks.
The thunderous roar and the breathtaking moves of the jets are sure to have fans in awe.
“It’s awesome to see all these planes,” said a woman.
“Amazing!” said another plane watcher.
The Blue Angels will soar the skies alongside F-22 Raptors and F-15 Eagles.
“It’s the Blue Angels, so you can’t miss the show,” said Khup.
But the team wants the public to know that outside of the show they put on, they also visit community groups, hospitals and school with a message they hope to deliver.
“Our job is to inspire excellence, and never stop growing as an individual. Continue to find goals and dreams, and if I get the opportunity, or have an effect, positively, on any one person, then this weekend was mission accomplished,” said Keilty.
The show, part of the 2025 Air Dot Show Tour, will take place Saturday and Sunday starting at 11:45 a.m. For more information, click here.
The event will also bring road closures and congestion on the roads. For more information on road closures, click here.
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