This is what it’s like to get a ride with the Blues…
As you watch this, look at how the nurse is reacting, then think about the fact that the pilot is talking the ENTIRE ten minutes in what is a pretty normal tone of voice…
However…
April 9, 2013
U.S. Navy Cancels Blue Angels 2013 Performances
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – 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.
And it’s NOT looking good for FY-14…
Damn politics!
I would love to ride with THE Blue Angels.
FWIW, the cost of operating Air Force One is pegged at approximately $180K per hour. Through July 2013 the estimated AF1 expenses were almost $25 million. Extrapolated, that’s $50 million per year. And that’s not including the other passenger and cargo aircraft that usually go along on the flights.
Granted, some or much of that was official business. But there’s a fair amount of political flights in there as well (vacation flights are categorized as official business – go figure). While flights for political purposes are supposed to be reimbursed, it’s a pretty large grey area.
In any event, cancelling just a few of those flights would fund a number of Blue Angels and Thunderbird shows.
Priorities…
It really does seem like the Government has been trying to tell us for sometime, that it just can’t do the job we laid out for it long ago. So of course the Blue Angels get grounded first, and then we shut the doors and turn out the lights.
Glad to see good people doing great things.
WSF- Concur!
Rick- You and a LOT of other folks!
Tim- All true…
Earl- OR they won’t LET us do the job… Just sayin…
Got to sit in the back of #6, while on the ground, at the one of the shows in CA. Long story how that happened but it was fun. I tried to get them to let me go up with them but I didn’t qualify as anyone special.
Way back, as a member of the San Diego Navy League, I sat in the cockpit of a Blue (before the 18) and could put my arms around the outside of the aircraft!
The pilot told me they lost 5 to 10 pounds per show and had very bruised hips afterword.
Those boys ‘clanked’.