The US Navy’s Blue Angels will start their 2026 season later than planned after two early West Coast air shows were canceled as military installations tightened security amid the escalating conflict involving Iran.
Naval Air Facility El Centro and Naval Air Station Lemoore, both in California, cited “increased security measures and evolving force protection requirements” in announcing the cancellations of their March events. El Centro’s show had been scheduled for March 14, while Lemoore’s show had been set for March 21-22.
NAF El Centro posted the decision on its official air show site. Commanding Officer Capt. Ryan “Mouth” Carstens said the base was disappointed but needed to prioritize safety and would shift its focus to the 2027 show.
NAS Lemoore also confirmed the cancellation on its official air show page, stating the 2026 air show “has been CANCELED” and advising that ticket refund information would follow. Local television station ABC30 cited a base spokesperson who said the installation made the decision because of increased security measures tied to the Iran conflict.
The cancellations came as bases moved to higher force protection postures, often referred to as FPCON. US military guidance describes FPCON as a Department of Defense system that standardizes preventive actions and responses to terrorist threats against personnel and facilities. Under that framework, FPCON “Bravo” applies when “an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists.”
The Blue Angels did not immediately issue a standalone statement about the cancellations, but the team’s published 2026 schedule shows the season now begins at NAS Meridian, Mississippi, on March 28-29.
Air show supporters on the Gulf Coast and in California have watched the early-season disruptions closely because winter training and the first public performances of the Blue Angels traditionally generate significant local economic activity and public interest.
