Update on Blue Angels canceled rumors: With sequestration in effect, NAF El Centro, which marks the beginning of the 2013 air show season, could be in jeopardy of being nixed. Because Obama and Congress failed to prevent the sequester from occurring Friday, the popular Blue Angles air show could be scrapped as part of mandatory spending cuts. However, at this time, no official word has been given. With April fast approaching, fans want clarity.
According to a Mar. 2 UPI report, it appears likely the U.S. Navy will cancel the Blue Angels air show for the 2013 season, at least for the month of April. An official was quoted as saying the department will try to salvage the season and put on a shortened schedule, but there are no guarantees.
"Blue Angel fans, Thank you for your continued support and patience. Unfortunately, we have not heard any official," read a tweet from @BlueAngels Friday, with a link to the group's Facebook page.
The so-called budget sequester went into effect Midnight Friday as part of a law passed in 2011 that mandates federal cuts in spending should Congress fail to come to terms on a budget.
While the $85 billion in federal spending cuts are across the board, from Medicare to Defense, the Pentagon got the lion's share of sequester cuts.
Ahead of sequestration, the U.S. Navy said the Blue Angeles would be canceled in compliance with the law.
Many politicians argued that the show was an area of "fat" that could be cut or thought of as discretionary income. This simply means it would be the first to get scrapped because lawmakers could not compromise on spending and revenue.
While the air shows are arguably not as important as, say, Medicare, Education and Social Security, fans marvel at the mystique of the military's aviation prowess and enjoy the hospitality afforded them during visits. It's become part of the fabric of American patriotism.
With the Blue Angels canceled, 28 shows in dozens of locations are scrapped just like that. NAF El Centro, which allows civilians up and close to the day-to-day operations, is scheduled to ring in the 2013 air show season. However, everything is still in the air.
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