ANNAPOLIS, MD — Each May, the U.S. Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week not only celebrates the graduation of a new class of midshipmen but also welcomes the iconic Blue Angels.
Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, you’ll have two chances to see the impressive Super Hornet jets in action in just a few weeks.
According to the city’s schedule, a Blue Angels flight rehearsal is set for May 19, followed by the official flight demonstration on May 20, coinciding with the graduation ceremony.
Both events will commence at 2 p.m., with the jets soaring over the Severn River near the Naval Academy Bridge.
To ensure safety during the rehearsal on May 19, the bridge will be temporarily closed from 10:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. A second closure will occur for the demonstration on May 20 from approximately 1:45 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Maritime Restrictions
Boaters are advised to be aware of exclusion zones marked by red and green buoys in the Severn River during both days of the events.
These restrictions will be in effect from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 19 and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on May 20.
A notice from officials states, “Please look for public safety boats and follow their instructions promptly.” The recommended anchoring spots are off Greenbury Point by Carr Creek or on the opposite side of the flight box near the Rt. 50 Bridge.
A map detailing the restricted zones is available below.
Maritime patrols will be conducted in Spa Creek and the Severn River by various agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Natural Resources Police, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Annapolis Harbormaster, Annapolis Police, and Annapolis Fire Rescue boats.
Parking Information
Residents planning to drive into Annapolis for the Blue Angels events are encouraged to utilize the four city parking garages and take advantage of the new Magenta shuttle bus in downtown.
The available parking garages include:
- Hillman
Address: 160 Duke of Gloucester
Alternate entrance: 150 Gorman St.
Price: Starts at $3 for the first hour, with a daily maximum of $23.25. Sundays are free, but vehicles must enter after 6 a.m. and exit before 2 p.m. - Knighton
24-hour parking garage with a height clearance of 7’2″
Address: 1a Colonial Ave.
Price: Starts at $3 for the first hour, with a maximum charge of $10 for the day. Sundays are free, but vehicles must enter after 6 a.m. and exit before 2 p.m. - Park Place
24-hour parking garage with a height clearance of 6’10”
Address: One Park Place
Price: Starts at $2 for the first hour, with a maximum charge of $22 for the day. Sundays are free, but vehicles must enter after 6 a.m. and exit before 2 p.m.
- Gotts Court
24-hour parking garage with a height clearance of 6’6″
Address: 25 Northwest St.
Alternate entrance: 25 Calvert St.
Price: Starts at $3 for the first hour, with a maximum charge of $15 for the day. Sundays are free, but vehicles must enter after 6 a.m. and exit before 2 p.m.
