New York City Fleet Week
Nearly every year since 1984, New York City has celebrated some 6,000 sailors, Marines, and U.S. Coast Guard personnel during Fleet Week, a celebration that includes everything from tall-ship flotillas to flyovers by the Blue Angels.
This year, there will be no party. The Navy has canceled Fleet Week—which usually costs $7 million to $10 million—because of military budget cuts resulting from sequestration.
“Unfortunately, there will be no Navy ships in New York this year for Fleet Week and no additional sailors or Marines,” Beth Baker, Fleet Week director of public affairs, stated in a press release. “We look forward to the opportunity to participate in future Fleet Weeks and we greatly appreciate the city’s patience and understanding during these unusual times. Thank you NYC for what you do for our service men and women each and every day. Hope to see you next year!”
Fleet week usually generates about $20 million for New York City businesses. A press release from the city stated, “We understand the Navy’s budgetary limitations and hope that the Fleet Week tradition can continue in 2014.”
