Every October, San Francisco prepares for a familiar symphony of roaring engines and predictable choreography. Yet, when political gridlock in Washington silenced the U.S. military and grounded the Blue Angels in 2025, Fleet Week was up in the air. The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds did not just fill an empty slot in the schedule; they completely redefined the weekend's energy. Against the stark backdrop of a federal shutdown, their tight formations brought a distinct, vintage elegance. I photographed the event in color and in 850nm infrared.