On September 6 and 7, 2025, the Blue Angels returned to New Hampshire for the first time in 13 years to perform their iconic air show at the Pease Air Base in Portsmouth, NH. The Blue Angels performed as a tribute to an acrobatic pilot who tragically died earlier this year.
Over 60,000 people gathered at Portsmouth International Airport as Pease to watch military aircrafts perform an unforgettable show. However, the air show was cut short due to thunderstorms and rain. According to the DVIDS, The Blue Angels were supposed to perform for 45 minutes, but ultimately ended up performing for 15 minutes due to the rain. Skies cleared towards the end of the event, so the Air Combat Command F35-A Lightning II Demonstration Team extended their performance to make up for the lost time. Many other military groups also had performances in the air and on the ground throughout the day.
The show was a tribute to Rob Holland, a globally recognized acrobatic pilot from New Hampshire. “Rob was the kind of pilot who walked into a room, and the Blue Angels go over and shake his hand,” Air Force Capt. Jake Ricciotti, a pilot with the 157th Operations Group, said in a service news release. According to the AOPA, Holland was listed to perform alongside the Blue Angels for the Pease Air Show. Holland died on April 24, 2025, trying to land a civilian aircraft. In honor of Holland, the SOCOM Paracommandos displayed a flag of Holland’s signature quote, “Fly Good, Don’t Suck.” Holland got that slogan after telling another fellow pilot that piece of advice, who shared it with the internet.
Even though there was rain and thunderstorms, that didn’t stop the crowd and the performers from having fun. According to Stars and Stripes, two of the aircraft hangars had STEM exhibits so that people could explore the topics of aviation technology, robotics, and other hands-on learning. “This event is for our community and those that came out to enjoy this awesome experience,” said Col. Nelson Perron, commander of the 157th ARW.
