US Navy Blue Angels will bring their show back to Harrisburg. Here’s what to expect

U.S. Navy Blue Angels Blue Angel #8 (LCDR Lilly "Lunchbox" Montana) and Blue Angel #7 (LT Ronny "Downy" Hafeza) visit Harrisburg International Airport in Blue Angels yellow and a blue F/A-18 Super Hornet in preparation for the fourth stop on the 2026 Air Dot Show Tour, scheduled for May 23-24. Dec. 3, 2025. Joe Hermitt | [email protected]

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew into central Pennsylvania once again today to prepare for their upcoming return to the area as part of its 2026 Air Dot Show Tour.

Around 9:30 a.m., Blue Angels plane #7 came flying into the Harrisburg International Airport, bringing in Blue Angels #8 and Events Coordinator Lt. Cmdr. Lillian Montana, and #7 and narrator for the shows, Lt. Ronny Hafeza.

Montana shared that the two of them are visiting each of next year’s 32 show sites to meet with organizers and community leaders.

The Blue Angels work together to showcase one of the most critical aspects of their shows, precision, which Montana said comes from continued practice and strong relationships within the team.

“We spent about 300 days a year with each other, and it’s often on the road,” she said. “When we’re at home, we are practicing together, we are flying every day. So teamwork is something so integral to what we do, and there’s an incredible amount of trust and loyalty, and it’s something very special to this organization.”

Similar to the performance in May, the show will feature two of the Angels’ most notable aircraft: the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, known as “Fat Albert.”

The first half of the show will highlight precision flying, while the last 15 minutes will feature the “Blue Angel Delta,” showcasing precision aviation techniques. The 2026 show, however, will highlight two major milestones: America’s 250th anniversary and the 80th anniversary of the Blue Angels.

Hafeza shared more about what people can expect to see in just a few short months.

“First and foremost, they’re going to see the yellow flight suits, probably on Sundays,” Hafeza said. “And secondly, an amazing performance. We approach every year the same way we did the last year and the same way we hope to in the next [year].”

“So we hope to give you our best demonstration we can give and maximize that public outreach to pass on that good message and to inspire the next generation,” Hafeza said.

In the midst of all the high-flying, the Blue Angels will also make time for the community as they travel from state to state.

“Community outreach is a big part of our mission statement,” Montana said. “So we are in high schools, meeting with youth programs, executing social commitments out in the community, and getting to see folks all across America throughout our show season is a big part of this team.”

Hafeza relayed a similar message, and said he hopes their work inspires the next generation of the US Navy.

“It’s part of our mission to demonstrate the teamwork and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps through the flight demonstration,” Hafeza said. “We hope to inspire that culture of excellence and continued service to country.”