All eyes will be on the skies in Annapolis this week as the Blue Angels, the Navy’s flight demonstration squadron, return for the Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week festivities. Six pilots will be flying in the popular air shows, including two academy graduates and the first female pilot to fly with the squadron.

Cmdr. Alexander Armatas, the Blue Angels’ flight leader and commanding officer, is a 2002 graduate of the academy. A native of New York, Armatas joined the squadron in 2022. Cmdr. Thomas Zimmerman, a former Owings Mills resident, is back for a second season with the Blue Angels. Zimmerman, who played lacrosse, graduated from the academy in 2009.

Lt. Cmdr. Amanda Lee, the squadron’s first female fighter jet pilot, is also returning for a second season. A native of Mounds View, Minnesota, Lee joined the Navy in 2013.

Lt. Cmdr. Griffin Stangel, who was selected in 2021, is the lead solo pilot. A Wisconsin native, Stangel was previously with the “Flying Eagles” of Strike Fighter Squadron 122.

For two pilots, this week will mark their first time performing over Annapolis.

Lt. Cmdr. Jack Keilty, an Oklahoma native and 2010 graduate of Virginia Military Institute, will pilot the right wing jet. Keilty was previously assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 211. Lt. Wes Perkins will serve as the left wing pilot. Born in Italy and raised in Texas, Perkins comes to the Blue Angels from Strike Fighter Squadron 122.

How to watch the Blue Angels

The Blue Angels show brings in thousands of spectators every year.

Public places along the banks of the Severn River, like the area near the Naval Academy bridge, World War II Memorial, City Dock and Spa Creek are popular spots for spectators.

For approved guests, the academy’s Ingram Field and parts of Farragut Field and Hospital Point might be the best locations of all.

There are also nice views from rooftops in the city, aboard a boat or on a lawn along the Severn.

Boaters are advised to pay close attention to markers that show exclusionary zones and temporary channels marked by red and green buoys. Public safety boats will be out.

The Annapolis Harbormaster operates on VHF 17. The area around Spa Creek and the Severn River will be patrolled by the U.S. Coast Guard, state Department of Natural Resources Police, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Annapolis Harbormaster, Annapolis Police and Annapolis Fire Rescue boats.

Navigating Annapolis

Traffic will be heavy throughout the week, especially Wednesday. Allow for additional time and exercise patience as there will be many drivers who are not familiar with the area.

On Tuesday, the Naval Academy, or Route 450, bridge will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., then again from 1:45 p.m. through the completion of the rehearsal at approximately 4 p.m.

The Severn River will be closed to unauthorized vessel traffic from the Naval Academy bridge to Spa Creek until an all-clear is given.

On Wednesday, the Naval Academy bridge will be closed to all traffic from 1:45 p.m. to 4 p.m. or until the conclusion of the flight demonstration. Those entering and leaving the city should plan to use Rowe Boulevard and U.S. 50 or alternate routes.

Parking will be limited in downtown Annapolis. For visitors coming for the Blue Angels, city parking garages, including Hillman, Gott’s, Knighton and Park Place, are the best bets.