Related Articles
-Editorial
The 19th Annual Air Show Gala brought together community leaders, business partners, and residents for an evening celebrating service, leadership, and local connections. The event, held in support of Naval Air Facility El Centro, honored the facility’s Sailors of the Year and highlighted the ongoing partnership between the base and the surrounding community.
Attendees had the opportunity to connect with military personnel, local officials, and regional business leaders while supporting the mission of the naval air facility. Organizers noted that the gala serves as an important platform to recognize service members’ dedication and to strengthen community ties.
The gala was made possible through the support of numerous sponsors. Burgers & Beer served as the presenting dinner sponsor. Rolex-level sponsors included BHE Renewables, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, and Imperial Printers. Breitling sponsors were Prince & Associates REALTORS®, Les and Terri Rogers, and Corazo Credit Union, while Omega sponsors included Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse, Walter Clark Legal Group, ACME Safety Supply Corp., and United Toyota Imperial.
Organizers expressed gratitude to all attendees and sponsors, emphasizing that their participation was key to the event’s success and to fostering continued collaboration between the military and the local community.
Each year, the Blue Angels relocate to the Imperial Valley during the winter months, using the region’s clear weather, expansive airspace, and military infrastructure to refine their aerial maneuvers, flight formations, and safety procedures. The training period typically includes daily practice flights, maintenance operations, and coordination with air traffic and base personnel.
NAF El Centro serves as a major hub for military aviation training, supporting operational and training squadrons from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and allied international partners. Base officials say hosting the Blue Angels aligns with the facility’s mission to support combat readiness and air operations while providing opportunities for community engagement.
The Blue Angels are expected to headline the 2026 NAF El Centro Air Show, scheduled for March 14, 2026. The air show will be open to the public, with gates opening at 8:30 a.m. Organizers anticipate thousands of spectators from across Imperial County and the surrounding region.
The winter training period at NAF El Centro allows the team to integrate new pilots and support personnel, refine their routines, and prepare for a nationwide performance schedule. Training flights over the Imperial Valley are expected to continue through early March.
