Oakland International Airport will host the aircraft taking part in this week’s San Francisco Fleet Week 2023, which will bring increased air traffic and noise to the area.
The most well-known of the jets, the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels team, will join other military aircraft flying in and out of the airport’s North Field.
East Bay residents immediately to the north and east of the airport should brace for high noise levels during takeoffs, landings and demonstrations.
A Port of Oakland spokesperson said affected neighborhoods were expected to be in Alameda, Bay Farm Island and East Oakland.
A schedule shared in a Friday statement by the airport said the Blue Angels team would arrive Monday, with media flights taking off from and landing at a main airport runway taking place on Wednesday.
“We look forward to once again hosting SF Fleet Week air show performers at Oakland International Airport,” Port of Oakland Interim Director of Aviation Craig Simon said.
“OAK is proud to be the home base for these outstanding performers during this popular and celebrated annual event.”
Practice flights for the weekend air show will follow Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m., with the air show set to happen Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The Blue Angels team will leave the area Oct. 10 between 10 a.m. and noon.
The airport’s FlyQuietOak website says noise complaints may be filed by phone at a hotline at 510-563-6463 or online by signing up at this address. The organization shares advisories about noise and progress made by pilots and airlines toward limiting noise impacts on communities.
Concerned residents may also visit the airport’s WebTrak site which lets residents see how loud noise monitoring devices are recording the sound from the jets.
Advice for Pet Owners During Fleet Week
Deb Campbell, a spokesperson with San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control, told The Standard that sudden loud noises, like firework explosions and jet engine roars, can create stress for pets and other animal companions.
Campbell said she advised anyone attending Fleet Week events to leave pets at home in a safe and quiet space if possible.
“Some people have success using Thunder Shirts, playing white noise or even getting medication from a veterinarian, if you know your pet is going to be terrified,” Campbell said.
She also said the department recommends pets be microchipped but also registered and that collar tags are securely attached with up-to-date contact information.
“We usually take in a few lost dogs each year during Fleet Week and Fourth of July, and we get a few calls from owners looking for pets that may have bolted during events,” Campbell said.
Anyone with a missing animal may check the department’s regularly updated stray or found dogs site.
The Standard reached out to a San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care spokesman for a statement about any effects caused by Fleet Week impacts at sites like the Veterans Administration hospital complex at 42nd Avenue and Clement Street in Outer Richmond.
That spokesman directed questions to Fleet Week organizers, saying the event was not under their control.
Fleet Week spokespersons did not respond to requests for comment on noise Monday.