The U.S. Navy will not issue reprimands or firings following a low flyover by the Blue Angels over Pensacola Beach, Florida, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced Thursday. Cao stated that the flight debrief was complete and that there was "no problem" with the maneuver.
Videos of the incident, which occurred Wednesday during the annual "Breakfast with the Blues" event, circulated widely on social media. The footage showed two Blue Angels jets flying at a low altitude over beachgoers, who cheered in response. The event marks the start of Red, White and Blues Week and allows spectators to observe the flight demonstration squadron's practice sessions over the Gulf Coast.
Reactions to the flyover varied online. Some praised the demonstration, while others criticized it as unsafe. However, allies of former President Trump, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Eric Trump, defended the action. Hegseth tweeted, "The flyovers will continue until morale improves," while Eric Trump stated that the mainstream media was engaging in "manufactured outrage" and that the flyover was a highlight for attendees.
Navy officials had initially confirmed to ABC News that Blue Angels leadership was reviewing the circumstances and conducting a safety review. The Blue Angels did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This year's "Breakfast with the Blues" drew one of its largest crowds in recent memory, with parking lots filling early and thousands lining the beach. Attendees noted the unusually large turnout and the excitement of seeing the planes perform maneuvers closer than during the official air show.
Brenda Bennett, a long-time attendee, told local media she had not seen such a large crowd since she began attending in 1997. Others, like Theresa Smith and Sheri Marinovich, noted that while they had to park farther away due to the crowds, the experience was worth the extra walk.
Spectators expressed that the event felt particularly meaningful following recent America 250 celebrations, with some hoping for continued public acknowledgments of American freedom.
The Blue Angels were scheduled to practice again on Thursday, with public performances planned for Friday and Saturday.