▶ Watch Video: Video shows low Blue Angels flyover at event in Florida
The acting secretary of the U.S. Navy said the Blue Angels who conducted a low flyover at a beach in Florida won’t be reprimanded or fired after a flight debrief was completed.
“No reprimands. No firings. No problem. That’s the sound of Freedom!” Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao wrote on X.
Video shows people watching from Pensacola Beach, Florida, as jets soared above the Gulf — before one jet flew low over a crowd and banked sideways. It barreled so low that it sent sand, chairs and tents flying.
The Navy’s elite Blue Angels had said they were reviewing the circumstances surrounding the low flyover and conducting a safety review of the pass, which was lower than standard.
“During an arrival maneuver, an aircraft flew lower than standard profiles, resulting in a disturbance on the beach that affected civilian chairs and umbrellas,” the Blue Angels, formally known as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, said.
“The safety of our hometown community, spectators, and our pilots is our highest priority,” it said. “Team leadership is reviewing the circumstances surrounding the maneuver and conducting a thorough safety review to ensure all operations adhere to strict Navy and FAA safety standards.”
A Defense official appeared to comment on the incident Thursday. Sean Parnell, assistant to the defense secretary, said, “CARRY ON PATRIOTS,” as he posted a picture on social media of what appeared to be the flyover.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tweeted Thursday morning, in an apparent reference to the Blue Angels incident, “The flyovers will continue until morale improves.”
Earlier this month, four Apache helicopters conducted a controversial maneuver when they flew low over crowds gathered along the South Carolina coast on the Fourth of July. The pilots were suspended, which the South Carolina Army National Guard said was a “routine, non-punitive safety measure” and “not a disciplinary action.” Days later, the Pentagon said the suspensions were lifted.
In March, two AH-64 Army helicopters made a flyby of the Nashville home of singer Kid Rock during a training mission. The Army initially suspended the pilots pending investigation. The next day, Hegseth said the pilots’ suspension had been lifted and that there would be no investigation or punishment.
