U.S. Navy Blue Angels will return to the Milwaukee Air and Water show in July 2025
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — There may be snow in the forecast, but enthusiasm is already soaring for one of Milwaukee's most popular summer events.
The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are returning to the Brew City next summer for the 2025 Milwaukee Air and Water Show, and preparations are already underway.
"We're looking forward to having the Blue Angels this summer," said Paul Rogers, president of the Milwaukee Air and Water Show.
Six Blue Angel jets will perform a flight demonstration over Milwaukee's lakefront in July, for the first time since 2023.
"They represent the best of airmen and Navy aviators worldwide," Rogers said.
Blue Angels narrator, Maj. Scott Laux, and entertainment coordinator LCDR Lilly Montana stopped at the 128th Air Refueling Wing Wednesday for a winter visit.
"We are ensuring that we've got maintenance support, team support, a good plan in place," Montana said, "So when this travelling circus rolls into town, we can execute a safe and excellent flight demonstration."
Milwaukee is one of 32 show sites for 2025. They're visiting all of them through January, while completing the winter training program.
"We assess every maneuver with Blue Angel #1, our flight leader, kind of determining the path forward with our show sequence," Montana explained.
This is the fifth year the Angels are in F/A-18 Super Hornets, an upgrade from the Hornet that was flown for 34 years.
"The jet is noticeably bigger, especially when you're watching the diamond," Laux said. "A lot of the maneuvers are the same, but it will have a slightly different look to it."
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the last show. They're now alternating with the Blue Angels each year.
"It's wonderful to be able to showcase the teamwork and professionalism of the Navy and Marine Corps through our flight demonstrations," Laux said.
The Milwaukee Air and Water Show is scheduled for July 19-20 at the lakefront.
More acts will be announced in the spring.