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-Editorial
The 2025 NAF El Centro Airshow is scheduled for March 15, bringing a full day of aerial performances and military displays to Southern California. This year’s event marks the 55th edition of the airshow and coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary.
The event will feature a variety of military and civilian aircraft demonstrations, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels headlining the show at 2:00 PM. The aerobatic team will showcase their signature high-speed maneuvers and precise formations.
General admission begins at 8:30 AM, allowing visitors to explore static displays and exhibits before the aerial performances begin at noon. Attendees will have the opportunity to see military aircraft up close and interact with pilots and crew members.
Admission to the airshow is free, with on-site parking available at no cost. Security protocols require a valid government-issued identification for all attendees aged 18 and older. Foreign nationals must present a valid passport for entry and undergo biometric enrollment during the screening process. Copies or photos of passports will not be accepted.
In the event of a lapse in federal funding, the airshow may be canceled. NAF El Centro will notify the public as soon as possible if such a decision is made, according to Kristopher Haugh, the base’s public affairs officer.
During their aerobatic demonstration, the six-member Blue Angels team performs in F/A-18 Hornets, dividing into two groups: the Diamond formation (Blue Angels 1 through 4) and the Lead and Opposing Solos (Blue Angels 5 and 6). The Diamond formation executes synchronized loops, rolls, and formation transitions at lower speeds, typically around 400 mph. Meanwhile, the Solo pilots highlight the aircraft’s high-performance capabilities with high-speed passes, slow passes, fast and slow rolls, and tight turns. The fastest speed reached during a show is 700 mph, just below Mach 1, while the slowest maneuver, Section High Alpha, is flown at 126 mph in the Super Hornet. Some maneuvers incorporate both Solos simultaneously, including opposing passes, which create the illusion of an imminent collision, and mirror formations where one aircraft flies inverted above or beside the other. The show concludes with all six jets joining in the delta formation for synchronized flight patterns.
Each airshow is adjusted based on weather conditions at the time of the performance. If visibility is clear, the team performs the high show, requiring an 8,000-foot ceiling and at least three nautical miles of visibility from the center point. In overcast conditions, they switch to the low show, which requires a minimum 4,500-foot ceiling. When visibility is further restricted, they perform the flat show, provided conditions meet the 1,500-foot minimum ceiling requirement. These adjustments ensure the safety of both the pilots and the audience while still delivering a thrilling performance.
For additional details, including the event schedule and security policies, visit www.elcentroairshow.com or follow the event on social media.
Located in California’s Imperial Valley, Naval Air Facility El Centro serves as a key training site for Navy aviators and allied forces. It is also the winter training home of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.