Drone Show Event on August 19, 2026, on behalf of the USS Midway at South Tuna Harbor breakwater Pier
Summary
SCH Number
2026070607
Public Agency
San Diego Unified Port District
Document Title
Drone Show Event on August 19, 2026, on behalf of the USS Midway at South Tuna Harbor breakwater Pier
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/16/2026
Document Description
The proposed project is for an approximately 10-minute drone show on August 19, 2026, on behalf of the USS Midway at South Tuna Harbor breakwater Pier (Pier) in San Diego, California. The drones would be deployed from and recovered in a cordoned area at the west end of the Pier and displayed west of the launch site directly over the water (Attachment A). The proposed event would have a duration of one (1) day, including set-up at approximately noon and clean-up in the evening.
A temporary safety perimeter would be established at the west end of the Pier using stanchions, caution tape and enforced by staff. Public access to the western half of the Pier would be restricted for approximately 2 hours before the drone show to allow for drone setup, while the remainder of the pier would remain open until approximately 30 minutes before and during the drone show. Access to the entire pier would be temporarily restricted during the drone show and would be restored once the drones are secured. No other closures of the walkways or road are anticipated to occur. The proposed event would be publicly viewable at no cost from various areas throughout the Embarcadero.
Staging for the proposed event would be within the safety perimeter and consist of approximately 300 drones. Additionally, event staff would ensure a safety zone within the flight area, including the area of water over which the show would be performed. A dedicated safety boat would be on site to maintain a safety perimeter on the water during the show. In the unlikely event a drone descends into the water, the safety boat would collect the drone immediately. The drone show operation would have staff assigned as visual observers. Visual observers are responsible for scanning and monitoring for any and all airborne activity, such as aircraft, failed drones, and activity involving wildlife, and reporting any relevant observations to the District. Additionally, the Applicant is required to comply with FAA regulations and obtain any applicable approvals.
Contact Information
Name
Ron Lee
Agency Name
Tactical Drone Solutions
Job Title
CEO
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Name
Betsy Viramontes
Agency Name
San Diego Unified Port District
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
South Tuna Harbor breakwater Pier, San Diego, CA 92101
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Sections 15304 (Class 4)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is determined to be Categorically Exempt pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) because it would consist of a temporary drone show event that would result in no permanent effects on the environment, and would not involve the removal of mature, scenic trees.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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