Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao announced Thursday that no disciplinary actions would be taken against the Blue Angels pilot involved in a low-altitude flyover during a practice run over Pensacola, Florida, earlier that week. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, caused beachgoers to dive for cover as a fighter jet roared overhead at high speed.
Videos of the event showed umbrellas and hats being swept away by the force of the jet, with individuals seen holding their ears and falling to the ground. While hundreds were observing a standard flight path over the Gulf of Mexico, a second aircraft unexpectedly descended, flying low over the water behind the first jet.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth alluded to the event on X Thursday, stating, "The flyovers will continue until morale improves." This sentiment was echoed by other high-ranking officials. Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell shared photos of similar close flyovers on X, captioning them, "Carry on Patriots." The White House also weighed in on X with an image of beachgoers capturing the moment on their phones, accompanied by the message, "It's okay to love America."
The Blue Angels had initially stated that the flyover was under review by their leadership team, emphasizing that "the safety of our hometown community, spectators, and our pilots is our highest priority."
The Pensacola incident follows two other recent military flyovers that have drawn public attention. On July 4, South Carolina National Guard pilots flew dangerously low over a crowded beach, leading to them being grounded by the military. This echoed a prior incident in the spring where the Army suspended two helicopter crews for flying over the Tennessee estate of musician Kid Rock during a nearby rally.
Pilots are typically required to maintain an altitude of 500 feet above people, according to aviation experts. Cao's announcement of "No reprimands. No firings. No problem," and his accompanying remark, "That's the sound of Freedom!" suggests a lenient stance from leadership regarding these displays.