Blue Angels Cancel Naval Academy Performance

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- A Naval Academy tradition is on hold. The Blue Angels canceled their performance during the academy's commissioning week.

Jessica Kartalija reports this comes after a major safety concern at a performance in Virginia.

A Naval Academy tradition on hold. The team's commanding officer called for a safety stand down after a lower than normal maneuver during a performance at the Lynchburg Regional Air Show.

"A time for everyone to take a step back, regroup and reflect, and make sure we are moving in the direction ahead," said Lt. Katie Kelly.

News of the canceled practice and performance saddens students and alumni.

"It's disappointing because it happens every year for the three years I've been here. It's our graduation finally, and I just found out it's not happening, so it's very disappointing," said midshipman Claire Miller.

"It's a shame. We love the Blue Angels," said Mike Kennedy, Class of 1979

Area businesses like Naval Bagels will also take a hit.

"We would normally do about double our numbers. We're probably just going to do a regular day," said store manager, Stephen Sanchez.

The possibility a make-up show may take place in Annapolis is highly unlikely. The Blue Angels are booked solid every weekend through November.

"It was obviously a very difficult decision, and one we didn't want to make to cancel the academy show, but obviously safety is our number one priority," said Lt. Kelly.

"I would much rather them cancel the air show and live then to possibly do a low pass and go a little too low and get more of a show than we wanted," said Kennedy.

It's still unclear whether they will do the fly-over in this Friday's ceremony. Next year's performance has already been scrapped due to scheduling problems.

There are six Naval Academy graduates on the Blue Angels team, including the commanding officer.