Images by John 'K'

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Navy Cancels Blue Angels 2013 Performances

The Navy has cancelled the remaining 2013 performances of its Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. The squadron will continue to train to maintain flying proficiency until further notice at its home station in Pensacola, Fla.

Recognizing budget realities, current Defense policy states that outreach events can only be supported with local assets at no cost to the government. This is one of many steps the Navy is taking to ensure resources are in place to support forces operating forward now and those training to relieve them.

The Navy believes there is value in demonstrating the professionalism and capabilities of our Navy and Marine Corps Naval Aviation team, thus inspiring future generations of Sailors and Marines. The Navy intends to continue aerial demonstrations in the future as the budget situation permits.”

(from http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/media/news/20130409_001.pdf)

An unfortunate example of short-sighted knee-jerk economics. The Blue Angels are after all a great recruitment tool, and they draw a lot of visitors wherever they perform, and they are such a great morale boost to everyone who sees them it.

I wonder if the Navy was prepared to take this step if they’ll also cancel all not-essential fleet movements too. After all, if there is no representation from the US Navy at San Francisco’s Fleet Week, they might as well cancel the event… and then the negative knock on effect to the local economy will be even greater.