Canadians save San Francisco Fleet Week during federal shutdown

San Francisco Fleet Week underway despite government shutdown

Organizers of San Francisco Fleet Week stressed that activities will persist despite a government shutdown.

SAN FRANCISCO - The Navy's Blue Angels are not performing their death-defying stunts during San Francisco's Fleet Week – as they are "technically on hold" because of the federal shutdown, organizers said.

Canada saves the day

And so, the Canadian Snowbirds, the acrobatic demonstration fleet from the Royal Canadian Air Force, are being brought in to save the day.

They arrive on Wednesday at the Oakland airport.

That's the latest from the organizers of Fleet Week 2025, where Navy ships from Canada and Colombia are expected to lead the procession of ships.

The Patriots Jet Team, a group of volunteer civilian pilots, will also take to the skies.

The Canadian Snowbirds in 2019. Photo courtesy: DVIDS

Other Fleet Week activities

On Monday, at least two events were canceled, including a basketball game and a band.

But there will be other Fleet Week activities through Oct. 13, such as live music, ship tours, car shows, and the Italian Heritage Festival and Parade, according to David Cruise, spokesman for San Francisco Fleet Week.

"Fleet Week is happening," he said. "We’ve been through shutdowns before. The big difference here, in comparison to 2013, is we are moving forward. We are going to have ship tours. The Canadian ship is coming, our Colombian ship is coming."

Fleet Week is usually marked by the Thunderbirds of the United States Air Force and the Blue Angels of the United States Navy, which is celebrating its 250th anniversary this year.

But both iconic, daredevil performers were grounded by the federal shutdown, which began on Oct. 1. All military personnel are barred from participating.

If, by a longshot, U.S. lawmakers end the shutdown, the Blue Angels will then be permitted to fly.

Canadians save San Francisco Fleet Week during federal shutdown

The Navy's Blue Angels are not performing their death-defying stunts during San Francisco's Fleet Week ? as they are "technically on hold" because of the federal shutdown, organizers said.

Canada-U.S. relations

It's not the first time the Canadian Snowbirds have flown during Fleet Week. They were also in San Francisco in 2017.

Currently, Canada and the United States are at an interesting point in their typically friendly relationship. President Trump has threatened to annex Canada and the two countries have been engaged in a retaliatory tariff battle.

Most recently, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wants to be included in Trump's future Golden Dome missile defense program.