NAF El Centro, NAS Lemoore Air Shows Cancelled Due to Security Concerns
Just one week prior to the start of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ 2026 show season, both NAF El Centro and NAS Lemoore have cancelled their 2026 air shows due to “increased security measure and evolving force protection requirements.” Officials from both air shows emphasized that cancellation is necessary to ensure the safety of personnel, performers, and the public.
The cancellations come amid Operation Epic Fury, commenced by U.S. Central Command, striking targets in Iran with the help of an entire fleet of assets, including the B-1, B-2, B-52, F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, F-35, A-10, C-130, C-17, and more. So far, over 1,700 targets have been struck, with the goal of dismantling the Iranian regime’s security apparatus.
While only two cancellations have been announced as of today, Operation Epic Fury seems far from over, and both the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds have additional shows on their March calendars hosted by military installations, making additional cancellations likely. The Blue Angels are currently scheduled to appear at NAS Meridian, Mississippi March 28-29, while the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are scheduled to kick off their 2026 show season at Luke AFB, Arizona followed by an appearance at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. It may very well be April before either team makes their first air show appearance of 2026.
With the Blue Angels’ first two shows cancelled on the west coast, the team is expected to make an early homecoming to Pensacola, Florida, although an exact date is uncertain at this point. The Thunderbirds returned to Nellis AFB, Nevada last week, following Winter Training stints at both Spaceport America in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico along with NAF El Centro, California. The team also made their first public appearance of 2026 February 15 at the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
For the latest regarding the 2026 air show season and any additional air show cancellations, stay tuned to our website and social media pages.
