San Francisco Fleet Week organizers say airshow will still happen, but with changes amid government shutdown

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — San Francisco Fleet Week is looking a lot different due to the U.S. government shutdown. But organizers say it’s not canceled – and the airshow show will go on.

New Bay Area recruits from several branches of the U.S. Military were being sworn-in Monday as the next generation of servicemembers during Fleet week in San Francisco.

SF Fleet Week 2025 schedule: Air show, performances and more

“Standing before us, men and women who have choses a path of service, a commitment to something greater than themselves,” said Commander Michael Malloy, U.S. Navy Recruiting Command, Golden Gate.

“I just wanted to be the best version of myself,” said Emeliia Johnson.

Johnson from Brentwood just enlisted in the Navy.

“I never thought of myself as going to college, i wanted to be realistic, there’s different paths. But i feel like the Navy would be a big accomplishment,” Johnson said.

RELATED: Blue Angels may not fly due to gov’t shutdown, but SF Fleet Week will go on with Canadian pilots

This recruiting ceremony is not impacted be the Federal Government shutdown. But most Fleet Week events involving the U.S. Military have been paused or grounded, like the Navy’s Blue Angels. But organizers say the show will go on.

“So the great thing is, we’re having a Fleet Week unlike in 2013 when we had a shutdown and Fleet Week was canceled – this year we are moving forward, we have an amazing airshow, visiting ships from Canada and Colombia,” said Fleet Week spokesperson, David Cruise.

Cruise says the Royal Canadian Airforce Snowbirds will now headline the Fleet Week airshow – other planes are scheduled to fly, too. The U.S. Military remains on standby to possibly return to San Francisco if the shutdown ends by midweek.

“I worry, last year there was lots of people,” said server Miclobio Gomez.

RELATED: SF business owners hope scaled down Fleet Week will still bring big crowds

Bars and restaurants like The Socialite Kitchen and Brewery on Fisherman’s Wharf are gearing up for fleet week with extra food, drink and lots of Patriotic flair. But there’s worry big crowds will stay away.

“The event is ever year you know, you know people are coming and you need to prepare but now, I don’t know,” Gomez said.

Many businesses are hoping for the best.

Back at the swearing in, Mayor Daniel Lurie wished new recruits good luck.

“Every single day, you will represent San Francisco and the Bay Area and when you finish, we want you to come back to us as leaders, mentors and as neighbors,” Lurie said.