The U.S. Navy Blue Angels took to the skies Thursday for a practice session ahead of three straight days of San Francisco Fleet Week air shows.

The Blue Angels are known for extreme aerobatics precision, flying as close as 18 inches apart in formation and reaching speeds of up to 700 mph. Thursday’s practice flights provided a chance for the pilots to get familiar with the area and for the team to make sure every move was dialed in before they perform in front of the Fleet Week crowd.

“We are looking at all the visual checkpoints that we will use throughout the entire weekend, seeing how our maneuvers will fit into those so we can do them safely and make them look good,” Blue Angels Flight Leader/Commanding Officer Capt. Adam Bryan said.

Fleet Week air shows, headlined by the Blue Angels, are scheduled to take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“We are constantly striving to get better in everything that we do and reaching for that perfect flight demonstration squadron and that perfect flight demonstration,” Bryan said. “Hopefully we get it this weekend.”

The Blue Angels did not perform during last year’s Fleet Week due to a federal government shutdown, so this year’s return feels extra special for the team.

“It’s something that our team marks on our calendar every single year,” Bryan said. “It’s great to see all the landmarks and feel the energy of the city and the entire area.”