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4h ago

Snowbirds Headline Scaled-Back San Francisco Fleet Week as Shutdown Grounds U.S. Military

A federal shutdown paused U.S. military participation, leaving international teams to headline.

The Canadian Snowbirds, formally known as the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, fly over San Francisco as part of Fleet Week on Friday. The Canadian team replaced the Blue Angels amid the U.S. government shutdown.
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Overview

  • The waterfront air show drew steady but smaller crowds Saturday, with another Snowbirds performance scheduled Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
  • U.S. Navy and Marine Corps demonstrations, including the Blue Angels and ship visits, were sidelined by the lapse in federal funding.
  • Canadian and Colombian contingents filled gaps, with the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds flying nine-jet formations and a Colombian military band performing on the ground.
  • Several Fisherman’s Wharf businesses reported sharply lower sales versus past Fleet Weeks, with some estimating a 40% to 50% decline.
  • Organizers emphasized community programming such as a classic car showcase, Fleet Fest at the Wharf, live music, and local military recruiters to keep the event festive.