Did you know the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels have a long and storied connection to Key West? Not only are they today’s premier flight demonstration team, but from 1958 to 1962, they even honed their skills right here at NAS Key West. In March 2025, these legendary pilots will return for the NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular—a family-friendly event that offers breathtaking aerial displays while celebrating our island’s rich naval heritage. Today, we share details of the upcoming event and revisit the milestones that have woven the Blue Angels into the very fabric of Key West’s history.

NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular 2025

On March 29 & 30, 2025, Naval Air Station Key West will transform into an arena of aerial excellence. Presented by Key West International Airport and celebrating the U.S. Navy’s 250th Anniversary under the theme AIR | LAND | SEA, the event will feature the Blue Angels alongside a host of military and civilian aerial acts. The skies over Key West will come alive with breathtaking action, jaw-dropping stunts, and thrilling displays of power across air, land, and sea!

Highlights Include:

• Thrilling Aerial Displays: Watch the Blue Angels’ precision maneuvers in their advanced F/A‑18 Super Hornets.
• Interactive Exhibits & Static Displays: Explore both historic and modern military aircraft up close.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a dedicated Kids Zone with interactive, educational exhibits.
• Food & Merchandise Vendors: Sample local culinary delights and browse for unique souvenirs.
• Free General Admission: A day of unforgettable excitement for the whole family. (There are also reserved seating upgrade options!)

The show will take place at Boca Chica Field on Naval Air Station Key West. For more details on the upcoming event and to secure your tickets, please visit the NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular 2025 Key West Air Show. Photo courtesy of NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular.

Photo courtesy of NAS Key West Southernmost Air Spectacular

A Legacy Written in the Skies

The Blue Angels: From 1946 to Today

Since their inception in 1946, the Blue Angels—originally formed to boost Navy morale and showcase cutting‑edge aerial capabilities—have evolved from flying propeller‑driven fighters to operating today’s advanced F/A‑18 Super Hornets. A significant chapter in their storied history unfolded right here in Key West.

The Blue Angels at NAS Key West 1975. Ida Woodward Barron Collection., Florida Keys History Center – Monroe County Public Library.

Key West: A Strategic Training Hub

From 1958 to 1962, the Blue Angels held their winter training at NAS Key West. The island’s warm, year‑round climate and strategic coastal location provided the ideal environment for honing their legendary precision. In 1962, when Defense Secretary Robert McNamara revised the U.S. military aircraft designation system, the Grumman F11F‑1 Tiger used by the team was redesignated as the F‑11A Tiger. This milestone underscores Key West’s pivotal role in shaping U.S. Naval aviation.

The Key West Lighthouse with a Navy Blue Angels plane F9 on display C 1980. Ida Woodward Barron Collection., Florida Keys History Center – Monroe County Public Library.

Navy in Key West: A Rich Heritage

Key West’s naval legacy runs deep. As early as 1815, the Spanish governor of West Florida recognized the island’s strategic value, laying the groundwork for future U.S. interests. By March 1822, Lt. Matthew Perry, aboard the USS Shark, surveyed Key West as a potential Navy port. The following year, Commodore David Porter returned with “The Mosquito Fleet” and oversaw the construction of the first Navy buildings, officially establishing the U.S. Navy’s presence on the island. These early milestones have shaped Key West’s identity, underscoring the region’s lasting strategic importance and the Navy’s enduring role in safeguarding our nation. To learn more about the history of the Navy in Key West, visit NAS Key West History.

For additional details on the Blue Angels’ evolution and milestones, learn more about the history of the Blue Angels.

The return of the Blue Angels in 2025 celebrates decades of innovation, discipline, and pride in U.S. Naval aviation. As these elite pilots take to the skies over Key West, they carry with them the storied legacy of naval training and the enduring spirit of our island. #somolife