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Navy says no punishments after Blue Angels low beach flyover

Published 17 July 2026

A low-altitude flyover by the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels demonstration squadron over a crowded Florida beach has sparked a Navy safety review and prompted strong public support from top Pentagon officials. The incident occurred on the morning of July 15, 2026, during the annual "Breakfast with the Blues" event on Pensacola Beach, which kicks off a multi-day air show.

Videos widely shared on social media showed two Blue Angels jets making an exceptionally low pass over the shoreline, with the force of the aircraft reportedly sending beach chairs, umbrellas, and tents flying and kicking up sand. The event drew one of its largest crowds in recent memory, with thousands of spectators lining the beach. While many cheered the dramatic maneuver, some observers expressed concern over the noise and proximity to the public.

In a statement following the event, the Blue Angels acknowledged that one aircraft flew below the team's standard arrival profile, creating a disturbance. The squadron said its leadership was reviewing the circumstances and conducting a thorough safety review to confirm the flight complied with Navy and Federal Aviation Administration standards. The Navy emphasized that...

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