Canadian Snowbirds to Headline San Francisco Fleet Week Airshow

The annual Fleet Week airshow in San Francisco will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds as the main attraction this year, stepping in for the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, who are grounded due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2023, has left military aviation teams unable to participate, impacting events across the country.

Fleet Week, a tradition since 1981, is celebrated over the Columbus Day Weekend. This year, the show will continue with a reduced lineup of performances, including fly-bys. The Blue Angels, known for their thrilling displays in six F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter jets, issued a statement indicating their participation is “paused” rather than fully cancelled, in hopes that operations may resume soon.

Snowbirds Take Center Stage

The Snowbirds, recognized for their striking red-and-white Tutor trainer jets, will now lead the event. They are well-known to Canadian audiences from performances at various airshows, including the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. This will mark the second time in recent weeks that the Snowbirds have filled a void left by U.S. teams due to the shutdown. Last weekend, they headlined the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California, after the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were unable to attend.

Kevin Elliott, director of the Fleet Week show, expressed relief at the Snowbirds’ participation, stating, “Thank God Canada is not the 51st state yet.” He acknowledged the challenges organizers faced in adjusting the lineup quickly but appreciated the Snowbirds’ readiness to perform.

The Blue Angels are expected to appear in three upcoming airshows over the following month, including events in Georgia and Florida. No plans have been announced for the Snowbirds to participate in these shows.

Impacts of the Government Shutdown

The current government shutdown, which has disrupted numerous federal activities, is a significant concern for military events. The longest shutdown in U.S. history lasted 35 days, starting in December 2018 during the presidency of Donald Trump. The impact of the current situation has led to the cancellation of several military performances and has prompted event organizers to seek alternative arrangements.

As the situation develops, the Snowbirds will take pride of place in the San Francisco airshow, showcasing their skills and representing Canadian aviation on an international stage. For many, this performance offers a silver lining amid the uncertainties surrounding military participation in airshows across the United States.