Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said Thursday that no disciplinary action will be taken following the U.S. Navy Blue Angels' widely discussed low pass over Pensacola Beach during a practice event that attracted one of the largest crowds in recent years, as reported by Fox News.
The maneuver, which took place Wednesday morning during the annual "Breakfast with the Blues" event, generated widespread attention after videos circulated across social media showing two Blue Angels aircraft making a low flyover above cheering spectators gathered along the beach.
Cao announced that the Navy had completed its review of the flight and found no reason for reprimands or personnel changes.
According to Cao, the flight debrief had concluded, and there would be no reprimands or firings because there was "no problem" with the maneuver.
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He later posted on X, "That’s the sound of Freedom! Semper fi and Hooyah," after videos of the flyover spread online.
The Blue Angels' appearance sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Many users praised the display and said they wished they had witnessed it in person, while others questioned how close the aircraft flew to beachgoers.
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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also commented on the controversy by posting on X, "The flyovers will continue until morale improves."
The flyovers will continue until morale improves.
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 16, 2026
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell joined the discussion by sharing a photograph of one of the Blue Angels aircraft during the event and writing, "Carry on Patriots."
Carry on Patriots. pic.twitter.com/s79atyfgbh
— Sean Parnell (@SeanParnellASW) July 16, 2026
Eric Trump also weighed in after sharing an ABC News report about the incident on X.
He wrote, "Can't stand the manufactured outrage by the low-T mainstream media. This was undoubtedly the highlight of these people's day…"
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The ABC News report shared by Eric Trump stated that Navy officials confirmed Blue Angels leadership was "reviewing the circumstances surrounding the maneuver and conducting a thorough safety review."
The Blue Angels did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
The flyover occurred during the annual "Breakfast with the Blues," an event that opens Red, White and Blues Week on the Gulf Coast.
The gathering gives spectators an opportunity to watch the Navy's flight demonstration squadron rehearse before its public air show performances.
According to local television station WALA-TV, this year's event attracted one of the largest crowds in recent memory.
Casino Beach and Quietwater parking lots reportedly filled by approximately 7 a.m. as thousands of spectators lined Pensacola Beach to watch the demonstration team practice for about two hours ahead of the weekend performances.
Longtime attendee Brenda Bennett said the event has grown significantly over the years.
"I've been coming since 1997, and this is the best kept secret, but I think the secret's out because there's more people here than normally," Bennett said.
Theresa Smith and Sheri Marinovich also spoke about the large turnout, explaining they had to park farther away than in previous years because of the crowds.
Despite the longer walk, they said the experience remained worthwhile.
"They're showing out," the pair told the newspaper.
"They love to put on a show for the breakfast crowd. You feel like they're just so much closer, and we get to hear them talking on the radio, and they do different maneuvers than they do for the show."
Many attendees also told the local outlet that the event carried added significance following the recent America 250 celebrations.
Bennett said she hopes Americans continue celebrating "our freedom that we have here in the United States."
The Blue Angels are scheduled to continue practice flights on Thursday before holding public air show performances on Friday and Saturday as Red, White and Blues Week continues in Pensacola.
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