Every October, the sound of jet engines fills San Francisco’s skies as the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels streak over the Bay. Their blue-and-gold fighter jets have long been the highlight of Fleet Week, but this year, the familiar roar was missing.
Due to the recent U.S. government shutdown, the Blue Angels were grounded, leaving the city’s biggest air show without its main act. Instead of canceling, organizers turned to the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, known for their red-and-white jets and nine-plane formations, to take their place.
Among the thousands who gathered along the San Francisco Bay waterfront was junior Molly Pipitone, who attended with her mom and family friends.
“My friend invited me to go to the city that day, so we decided to go watch,” Pipitone said. “The first time I went was when I was five, and I’ve gone many times since then with my family.”
While some spectators missed the Blue Angels, Pipitone expressed that the Snowbirds exceeded expectations.
“It was very entertaining, and better than I expected,” Pipitone said. “Everyone seemed so excited and astonished this year. I think the organizers made the right call to have the show because it was such a great experience. I’d definitely go again next year.”
