Fleet Week is off. Due to budget cuts from the sequestration, the U.S. military was forced to cancel New York City Fleet Week this year.
Fleet Week organizers released a statement on the decision and gave some hope for the future.
"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, said in a statement. "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!"
However that doesn't mean that Fleet Week will be a complete dud. There may still be some special Fleet Week events going on and military members are still allowed to take part in them.
According to NY1, "A spokesperson says any Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard members who happen to be in the city will be allowed to take part in any local events that still take place.". The city government issued a statement, "We understand the Navy's budgetary limitations and hope that the Fleet Week tradition can continue in 2014."
Fleet Week has been hosted nearly every year in New York City since 1984. During this week in May, more than 6,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen are welcomed into the city to be honored for their service.
Several events take place throughout the week. For instance, last year, a fleet of tall ships passed by the Statue of Libery, the Blue Angels flew past the Empire State Building and Katy Perry gave a special performance for the servicemen and women in Brooklyn.
The Navy spends about $7 to $10 million a year on the event, but it brings in roughly $20 million in business for New York.
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