December 8, 2016 - The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, one of the world’s premier military jet teams, has included EAA AirVenture Oshkosh as part of its initial 2017 performance schedule. The 65th annual EAA fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The announcement was made at the annual International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) convention in Las Vegas. The Blue Angels’ initial schedule at Oshkosh includes flying on the event’s final weekend. The exact activities and schedule are still being finalized, as EAA will continue working on essential operation issues involved in the appearance. It would mark the first time the Blue Angels would perform its full show in front of Oshkosh audiences.

“We’re excited to be included on the Blue Angels 2017 schedule as a first step toward their inaugural performance at Oshkosh, and their team has indicated their excitement at coming to AirVenture,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs who coordinates features and attractions at AirVenture. “Oshkosh has attracted an unmatched lineup of incredible aircraft and personalities over the past six decades, and the Blue Angels add to that legendary roster.”

The Blue Angels were formed in 1946 and include aviators from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Based at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida, the Blues typically perform before an estimated 11 million people each year in their McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 fighter jets.

EAA’s air show planning team is at the ICAS convention this week to begin building the air show performer roster for AirVenture 2017. Along with long-standing favorites, the EAA team is always seeking exciting new acts to include on the schedule that usually includes more than 50 performers.