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Current Events => Politics => Topic started by: txradioguy on February 07, 2013, 02:13:58 PM

Title: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: txradioguy on February 07, 2013, 02:13:58 PM
As the sequester cuts Obama signed into law in August 2011 draw closer to implementation, the Navy is making plans to ground the Blue Angels during the latter half of 2013.

This was revealed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert last week, when he sent out a memo showing the Navy's plan for complying with the cuts.
Grounding the Blue Angels for half a year will entail canceling 30 shows and will save approximately $20 million.

Greenert says the Navy is already making cuts "because of Congress's failures to pass...spending bills last year," and if sequester hits it will cost them an additional $4 billion for 2013 alone.

Sequester was the risk Obama was willing to take to raise the debt ceiling in 2011. Now, it is posed to cost us the Blue Angels.


http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/02/06/Navy-Plans-To-Ground-Blue-Angels-When-Obama-s-Sequester-Cuts-Set-In
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Chris_ on February 07, 2013, 02:28:15 PM
$20 million?  Michelle spends that much on lobster.
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on February 07, 2013, 02:53:19 PM
As the sequester cuts Obama signed into law in August 2011 draw closer to implementation, the Navy is making plans to ground the Blue Angels during the latter half of 2013.

This was revealed by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert last week, when he sent out a memo showing the Navy's plan for complying with the cuts.
Grounding the Blue Angels for half a year will entail canceling 30 shows and will save approximately $20 million.
Greenert says the Navy is already making cuts "because of Congress's failures to pass...spending bills last year," and if sequester hits it will cost them an additional $4 billion for 2013 alone.

Sequester was the risk Obama was willing to take to raise the debt ceiling in 2011. Now, it is posed to cost us the Blue Angels.


http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2013/02/06/Navy-Plans-To-Ground-Blue-Angels-When-Obama-s-Sequester-Cuts-Set-In

I wonder if the Army is planning on cutting funding to AMU and the Golden Knights as well?
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Eupher on February 07, 2013, 03:11:32 PM
I wonder if the Army is planning on cutting funding to AMU and the Golden Knights as well?

Good question, but I'd seriously doubt the GK are anywhere near as expensive as the Blue Angels. The AF Thunderbirds may be cut, I'd think.

Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: JohnnyReb on February 07, 2013, 03:18:13 PM
$20 million?  Michelle spends that much on lobster.

Cut the Whitehouse budget.....no more $100 a pound steaks......and only that fake turkey bacon. 
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on February 07, 2013, 04:01:37 PM
Good question, but I'd seriously doubt the GK are anywhere near as expensive as the Blue Angels. The AF Thunderbirds may be cut, I'd think.


True, they may not be as expensive as the Blue Angels, but they still use an awful lot of aviation fuel. You can see each aircraft flying 2 or 3 times a day when they're back at Bragg. While they may not be carrying 64 combat equipped paratroopers, they are going up to 12,000 feet with 12 jumpers. some kind of cut probably will be made to them. 
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: 5412 on February 07, 2013, 09:03:54 PM
Hi,

Having lived in Pensacola, on the final approach to the runway where the blue angels reside, I am sorry to read the news.  The Blue Angels is one of the best recruiting tools going just as the Thunderbirds are for the air force. 

About 20 years ago my wife was driving our Mustang convertible with the top down on a nice summer day on Barrancas Blvd. which is on the other side of the fence from the Naval Air Station.  All of a sudden her chest starts vibrating and she looks up and there is a Blue Angel plane inverted, checking out the chick in the convertible.  They waved at each other and then he shot straight up into the air for several thousand feet.  Obviously that is a moment she will never forget.

Regards,
5412
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Lacarnut on February 07, 2013, 09:36:19 PM
Years ago, I autocrossed my car at Broson Field just west of Pensacola. They would have practice sessions at that airbase and I never got tired of watching them. Bought a condo at Perdido Key the first of the year and jets fly over it on a regular basis. Hate to see them cut back. 20 million is chump change to these dimwits in DC. Take it out of the funding for the UN or some shithole M.E. country. 
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Freeper on February 08, 2013, 11:05:38 AM
As much as this sucks I'd rather have things like this cut rather than cutting more important things.
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Gina on February 08, 2013, 11:44:13 AM
This sucks.  I love the Blue Angels and they are the only reason I do make it to the airshow every year.  :rant:
Title: Re: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: txradioguy on February 08, 2013, 11:55:11 AM
As much as this sucks I'd rather have things like this cut rather than cutting more important things.

Unless something happens between now and 15 April...the important things are gonna get cut too.
Title: Re: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Crazy Horse on February 08, 2013, 02:34:35 PM
Unless something happens between now and 15 April...the important things are gonna get cut too.

It's not a gonna get cut, they're already being cut.  No aircraft inducted for depot repair for March and April already done.  Broke, well park it and wait. 

1 day per week furlough starting on April 16, which equals approximately a 20% pay cut for the year.  Yay me :banghead:
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: 5412 on February 08, 2013, 04:14:43 PM
Years ago, I autocrossed my car at Broson Field just west of Pensacola. They would have practice sessions at that airbase and I never got tired of watching them. Bought a condo at Perdido Key the first of the year and jets fly over it on a regular basis. Hate to see them cut back. 20 million is chump change to these dimwits in DC. Take it out of the funding for the UN or some shithole M.E. country. 

Hi,

I knew you were thinking about doing something like Perdido Key.  We lived there, 1.5 miles from the Floribama Lounge on the FL side.  Is Lillian's Pizza still in business?

regards,
5412
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: ironhorsedriver on February 08, 2013, 04:30:29 PM
As much as this sucks I'd rather have things like this cut rather than cutting more important things.
You mean, like this.
http://news.usni.org/2013/02/08/navy-lincoln-refueling-delayed-will-hurt-carrier-readiness
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Lacarnut on February 08, 2013, 07:34:25 PM
Hi,

I knew you were thinking about doing something like Perdido Key.  We lived there, 1.5 miles from the Floribama Lounge on the FL side.  Is Lillian's Pizza still in business?

regards,
5412

My condo is further up the road towards Pensacola where the road starts to turn north away from the beach. The area is much more to my liking cause it is less crowded than Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Only downside is the FL property taxes are much higher than Alabama.

I am pretty sure it is still open. Never eaten there but have heard good things about it. When I go out to eat, I usually go to Live Bait in Orange Beach or Fishermans Corner in Perdido Key for seafood.
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: docstew on February 08, 2013, 08:10:30 PM
I wonder if the Army is planning on cutting funding to AMU and the Golden Knights as well?

Well, you know that Division cut the Freefall team to save money, right?

That, and there are discussions about significant budget cuts to the actual training budget.
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Crazy Horse on February 09, 2013, 05:17:30 AM
As much as this sucks I'd rather have things like this cut rather than cutting more important things.

You mean like the Harry S Truman and all its escorts not going on deployment, which was very close as the sailors had given up apartments, put cars in storage...etc.

Now I wonder if the boats they were relieving will stay on station.
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on February 09, 2013, 08:49:23 AM
Well, you know that Division cut the Freefall team to save money, right?

That, and there are discussions about significant budget cuts to the actual training budget.

I knew about that. They are just the division freefall team, not that important to big army so it was kind of expected. The Golden Knights and Army Marksmanship Unit? They are the Golden Children when it comes to this kind of stuff.

And I DEFINITELY understand how hard it is for Division to get training right now. I'm a X3 for god's sake!

Sad thing is, it's only going to get worse...
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: docstew on February 09, 2013, 08:56:56 AM
I knew about that. They are just the division freefall team, not that important to big army so it was kind of expected. The Golden Knights and Army Marksmanship Unit? They are the Golden Children when it comes to this kind of stuff.

And I DEFINITELY understand how hard it is for Division to get training right now. I'm a X3 for god's sake!

Sad thing is, it's only going to get worse...

x3? Damn, that sucks. Good thing there's a LPW coming up. I don't think they'll approve you for 12-month 4-jump rule.

And you're right about the AMU being golden children, which won't stop until they stop winning olympic medals.
Title: Re: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: NHSparky on February 10, 2013, 06:33:25 PM
Unless something happens between now and 15 April...the important things are gonna get cut too.

You mean like refueling carriers?
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Conservative Libertarian on February 10, 2013, 06:38:58 PM
Lots of deployed troops are going to go without the supplies that they need. This is because such cuts will occur aross the board from the deployed troops all the way back through the rear echelons. It takes lots of logistics to get deployed personnel properly equipped. This just shows how much the Commie-in-Chief hates the troops.
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on February 11, 2013, 06:08:46 AM
It was bad enough being in a place like Iraq when we were funded. I don't even want to imagine what it's going to be like for them right now down range. Care packages are probably going to be the only thing keeping soldiers alive at remote COP's. This is @#$%ING pathetic...
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: txradioguy on February 11, 2013, 06:12:41 AM
It was bad enough being in a place like Iraq when we were funded. I don't even want to imagine what it's going to be like for them right now down range. Care packages are probably going to be the only thing keeping soldiers alive at remote COP's. This is @#$%ING pathetic...

Given the fact taht they've stopped serving hot chow at Breakfast in RC-East...the care packages have become even more important.
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: RayRaytheSBS on February 11, 2013, 06:40:56 AM
Given the fact taht they've stopped serving hot chow at Breakfast in RC-East...the care packages have become even more important.

 I'd heard that. Given the choice though, I'd cut dinner. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and is generally the best meal of the day in a DFAC. This just makes it even more difficult on the troops in the fight right now. :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Conservative Libertarian on February 11, 2013, 06:59:24 AM
Thanks for highlighting the newly increased importance on care packages. That tells the rest of us where to focus our support of the deployed personnel.
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: RobJohnson on February 12, 2013, 02:17:11 AM
From the article comments: Hi, Jay.  $20 million cut!  I'm so confident!  Now we're well on our way to solvency!  The last thing we need is precision flying in our military!  Hideous waste of money!
Title: Re: SEQUESTER CUTS: NAVY TO GROUND BLUE ANGELS
Post by: Eupher on February 12, 2013, 08:21:07 AM
I see shit like this and I cringe at the idiocy.

On a slightly smaller and arguably less "intensive" scale on budget cuts (but this one gets close to my heart):

Quote
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — It will soon be the last curtain call for some stateside U.S. Air Force bands.

The Air Force announced Tuesday that it will eliminate three of its bands and downsize two more as part of broader force structure measures designed to meet current budget constraints.

The band reductions will eliminate 103 positions, the Air Force said. The bands will maintain current operations until about June 2013, when the staffing changes will begin. Personnel affected by the moves will be reassigned to other Air Force regional bands, with openings expected as a result of normal attrition, the Air Force said.

The bands planned for deactivation are the USAF Band of Liberty at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., The Band of the Air Force Reserve at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and the Band of the Pacific-Alaska, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, according to an Air Force news release. The Band of The Air Force Reserve, formed Oct. 1, 1941, at Mitchell Field, N.Y., as the First Air Force Band, is the service’s oldest band, active or reserve, according to the band’s website.

The two bands to be reduced by more than half their current members are the Band of Flight at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and The Heartland of America Band, at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., the Air Force release states.

The Air Force’s bands in the Pacific and Europe theaters appear to be safe from the current round of cuts. A U.S. Air Forces in Europe spokesman said Wednesday that the 45-member USAFE Band was not being trimmed.

The Air Force appears to be the first service to announce cuts to its bands program. But the Army, which lists 34 active-duty bands from Texas to Belgium on its website, could soon follow suit.

“The Army is currently considering a Force Design Update for bands that best allocates personnel according to the Army’s requirements and gains efficiencies,” said Paul Prince, an Army spokesman at the Pentagon, in an email to Stars and Stripes on Wednesday. “If any reductions are required among the Army’s total number of band personnel, this decision will be made in a careful and deliberate manner to preserve force readiness.”

Once thought untouchable, spending on the military’s 154 bands came under scrutiny by some in Congress last year who argued the Pentagon couldn’t afford to keep spending millions of dollars on military bands in the current austere budget environment. An attempt by some House members to reduce the Pentagon’s band funding by $120 million failed.

Though he never formally proposed reducing spending on bands, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates brought attention to the issue when he observed that more money was spent on military band members than on State Department diplomats.

The military says its bands serve as both a recruiting and public relations tool, inspiring patriotism and promoting the military mission both at home and abroad.

The Air Force has 12 active-duty and 11 Air National Guard bands, according to the service’s bands program website.

The Air Force in 2013 will reduce its overall end strength by 3,900 active-duty, 5,100 Air National Guard and 900 Air Force Reserve members.

svanj@estripes.osd.mil

Active Army bands number less than HALF of what they did in 1991. Don't tell me that there haven't been cuts in the active force.

Frankly, AF bands have been on a gravy train for a very, very long time. Their cuts during the Big BRAC of 20 years ago were almost nonexistent. So while draconian now, their cuts have been due for a long time.

Stripes (http://www.stripes.com/news/air-force-cutting-number-size-of-stateside-bands-1.170850)