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BlueAngels.jpg
The Blue Angels have more than 30 events scheduled for the latter half of 2013, including Seafair in Seattle the first weekend in August. Congressional budget inaction could ground them. (Peter Carnicelli/U.S. Navy, AP file photo)

Congress might shoot down Seafair's Navy Blue Angels

January 30, 2013 @ 3:30 pm (Updated: 3:43 pm - 1/30/13 )

The U.S. Navy is bracing for billions of dollars in cuts if Congress fails to agree on a budget by the end of March.

Without agreement on reducing the budget, mandatory cuts known as "sequestration" will be enacted.

Sequestration would force the Navy to cut all funding to the aerial demonstration squadron for the third and fourth quarters of 2013, according to a brief from Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert.

U.S. News and World Report obtained the budget brief.

That means no blue and gold F/A-18s screaming through the skies. The Blue Angels have more than 30 events scheduled for the latter half of the year, including Seafair in Seattle. The precision flying team is already committed to Seafair weekend, August 2 - 4, 2013.

The Navy needs to slash $4.6 billion from its operation and maintenance funds if Congress fails to come to a compromise.

Even if the sequestration is settled in Washington, the Department of Defense's budget will still decline, according to Greenert.

More from Linda Thomas

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Comments (42)


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  • jcc_engr1 wrote...
    This would be great!
    January 30, 2013 3:23 pm
    Does anyone even enjoy the blue angels anymore? I mean really? Seems they are more a nuisance, and a public hazard any more anyway. great way to save money. Give them the axe!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • avianartist wrote...
    dunderturds
    February 3, 2013 2:50 pm
    You want to talk "nuisance, and a public hazard" then talk the substandard air force dunderturds! I can't remember the last time the Blue Angles played follow the leader into the ground. Probably because the U. S. Navy & Marine Corps pilots could fly circles around the air force. air force can't land on carriers and that in itself should say it all!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • cigarfan wrote...
    Ending the glorification of war.............
    January 30, 2013 3:33 pm
    would not only make economic sense, but would save lives. Let's hope Congress slashes the BLOATED pentagon budget.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    sorry, cigar, I don't usually associate the Blue Angles with war -
    January 30, 2013 3:58 pm
    and I doubt 99% of the rest of hydro fans do either.

    Precision and stunt flying are of little use in the skies of modern battle fields anyway. So the Blue Angles is just thunder in the sky to go with the thunder on the water. They are FUN.

    And just why is it that leftists never enjoy anything for the sake of enjoymeny ? ... And are only willing to cut government funding when the military is involved ?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    Why are the Angels, T Birds,Golden Nights
    January 30, 2013 4:11 pm
    Still part of the Budget?In ONE accident in 1982 the T Birds lost 4 Jets and 4 Pilots.since the 90s the Angels have lost 6 F-18s and 3 pilots.Need I say more?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    no, messiah, don't say any more.
    January 30, 2013 4:15 pm
    Its way past your bed time, anyway.

    BTW, we just lost a jet and pilot over the Adriatic - should we stop flying in Italy ?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    ron p
    January 30, 2013 5:53 pm
    The pilot lost in Italy was training for his military mission not some air show or a fly over for the super bowl. And I bet you can't see the difference can you?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • avianartist wrote...
    Well Said...FTAF!
    February 3, 2013 2:59 pm
    I couldn't have said it better if I tried. When I was on WestPac...we flew circles around the candy A@* air force and our birds were 15 years older and subsonic. Until the ..."air force" starts landing on carriers, they can kiss my gonads!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Forrest wrote...
    Is that not the problem with the bloated federal budget Ron?
    January 30, 2013 4:43 pm
    Everyone wants to cut someone else's budget but not things in the budget that they use or enjoy. That's why across the board spending cuts is the way to go just to get the process started.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    And just what was the purpose of the president's trip to Nevada?
    January 30, 2013 5:04 pm
    HE enjoys Air Force One. I enjoy watching the Blue Angles. Why should there be a difference?

    But, Obama will never cur down on AF One flights . ... or on drones.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Forrest wrote...
    Again you prove my point Ron.
    January 30, 2013 5:47 pm
    Both you and Obama think your desires are more important than the general good of the country. That again is why we need across the board cutting so there is no choice.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    ron p
    January 30, 2013 6:01 pm
    No record of AF-1 going down but plenty of failed Angel and T Bird crashes (and deaths)And you have no clue about the POTUS doing his job and some stunt flyers doing expensive unneeded air shows.I love air shows and I love the Angels but draw the line on tax payers paying for skilled aviators putting on needless EXPENSIVE,Dangerous Air Shows that suit no purpose. THis type of B/S show exactly where you Rightys priority's are. You an inconsistent group of whiners who would rather see a person go hungry then do without that BONER a F-18 gives then streaking over their head 500 Ft above their heads,Grow up children
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Moose Pilot wrote...
    Waste- Blues or POTUS Travel?
    January 30, 2013 9:15 pm
    Well in 2011 the POTUS spent over $200 million on travel while the Blues budget was $37 million. The Blues budget includes everything (hotels, cars, enroute to shows, etc) while the POTUS figure was just Air Force One! I agree the POTUS needs to travel, but to fly to Las Vegas for 2 hrs or so to say something to a group of folks at $1.6 million is just wasteful at this time. But when you spend $5 or 6 trillion in 4 years, that is just a drop in the bucket! With that, I'd rather see the Blues and what they represent than some politician telling me more lies and how they are going to screw me. The example needs to start at the top and this administration along with the last couple have no interest in setting a good example. And for those that are bad mouthing the Blues, move back to San Francisco! Don't Tread On Me!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • avianartist wrote...
    POTUS
    February 3, 2013 3:11 pm
    POTUS can fly around the U S in a Beechcraft Baron and travel overseas on an aircraft carrier as far as I'm concerned. ...if that's what it takes to keep the Blues around, than so be it!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Mavila wrote...
    Let's face it...
    January 30, 2013 4:19 pm
    the Blue Angels are terrific and I've enjoyed their shows since I was a kid, but they're also a luxury that this country can no longer afford. Having the Chinese fund and indebt our children and grandchildren with a Seafair air show makes little sense. I know there is some recruitment value, but seriously, is the return on investment really there? I'd doubt it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Siriusly wrote...
    Thank god
    January 30, 2013 4:45 pm
    The Defense budget is bloated and obscene anyway. We spend more then the next 25 countries combined on defense, and something like 15 of those are official allies. This from a veteran.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Mavila wrote...
    "We spend more then the next 25 countries combined on defense"
    January 30, 2013 4:51 pm
    That's because we are providing for their defense. It's why European countries can afford their socialistic sytems, well, sort of (not really). They don't have to pay for their own defense. We provide it. The US is the last defense for liberty. Sad, but true nonetheless.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    Mavilla
    January 30, 2013 6:03 pm
    So the USA is paying for the defense of the next 25 countries against who? Each other? Mavilla you really need to think that idiotic statement out just a wee bit and then get back to us in about 4 yrs when you grow up a bit
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Mavila wrote...
    Messiah101
    January 30, 2013 6:12 pm
    We are, and have been all along, ensuring the security of our European allies against Russia and China. You must be pretty young not to know about the Cold War era. Honestly, don't they teach this stuff in public school anymore?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Mavila wrote...
    And
    January 30, 2013 6:23 pm
    Japan, the south Pacific nations (New Zealand and Australia, among others). I'm guessing you are still in school and haven't covered modern history yet.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • deltta wrote...
    Mavila
    January 30, 2013 11:54 pm
    Messiah 101 claimed to have carried the M1 carbine while protecting "nukes". He also claimed to have been carrying the m1 when DOD introduced the m16. He also calls magazines "clips"....... so my guess, if he's telling the truth is he's in his 60's.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • shark75 wrote...
    Hey cigarfan...
    January 30, 2013 4:45 pm
    You gonna give up all the other things that were invented for war? My guess is you have no idea some of the things you own that are on that list. Idiot.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • soo purletiv wrote...
    All cuts "hurt" someone...
    January 30, 2013 4:53 pm
    Cuts must be made, and I have to believe most agree this is one for starters. Although it does feel like it is kind of like the parks that politicians here, go after first, when they threaten cuts, due to the fact that voters tell them no more taxes (due to the fact that tax payers have no more money in the well, and are tired of seeing their hard earned money wasted). However, it is one that is necessary, like it or not.

    Along with this, it would be nice to see deeper cuts in bureaucracy, say like in the Department of Non Education, just to name 1.

    I have to wonder though: Why doesn't anyone (politician or voter) truly want to right the ship? Why does every discussion have to be political?

    Any cuts hurt, yes. That's why they call them CUTS! But if in the future they lead to more efficiency and more prosperity for the majority, why let a political bent get in the way of potential fiscal broadening?

    Think surgery. Very fearful going in. But in the end, if it corrects the problem, any anxiety or pain is worth the chance for a better, longer life.

    Politics suck! Politicians suck! Bent ideology sucks!

    I have never been one given to propaganda, but I sure see the power it holds over peoples minds and hearts... :-[

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Chuck Gould wrote...
    Somebody asked, "Why is it that libs are only in favor of cutting the budget when it comes to military spending"
    January 30, 2013 4:53 pm
    How in the world would anybody consider the Blue Angels any form of military spending?

    This is nothing more than an aerial circus act, funded by the US taxpayer. I don't believe we're one whit safer from terrorists because we spent $20,000 per minute to fly a fighter plane upside down over the Stan Sayres' pits.

    I guess there's a tactic I hadn't thought of, however. We put on a free air show over the terrorist training camps, and while they're all looking up in the air saying "Oooh! Aaah!" we can send in the serious assets and erase their base.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    Dang good plan, Chuck.
    January 30, 2013 5:06 pm
    An idea is only dumb if it doesn't work.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • messiah101 wrote...
    CG
    January 30, 2013 6:09 pm
    Don't underestimate the power of Jets,Guns and 4x4s to the uneducated Rubes of America.Did I leave out BUD? I sure did,Sorry RUBES.The combination of those 4 things might actually get some of you to the point where your able to satisfy one of your Barnyard pets,but don't over do the Bud nothing worse then seeing your hog or goat scowling at you the next day when you BOTH sober up
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • daveismenotyou wrote...
    Blue Angels =
    January 30, 2013 7:28 pm
    Recruiting tool. Wanti it or not, that is why they are around. I support them, but when times are bad.....
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Ricoli wrote...
    Blue Angels
    January 30, 2013 5:10 pm
    Why don't the Blue Angels shoot down Seafair????
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rangerhawk wrote...
    How about a substitution
    January 30, 2013 5:17 pm
    We can request a Muslim Brotherhood F-16 aerial demo! Would be a great way to test out those new fighters Obama's selling them. (might want to stay out of high-rise buildings that day)
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Jeff Schroeder wrote...
    Don't let the Door hit you on the Tailfin....
    January 30, 2013 6:42 pm
    ...on the way out of town....
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }