MILITARY CANCELS AIRCRAFT FOR MIRAMAR AIR SHOW DUE TO SEQUESTRATION; EVENT AT RISK OF CANCELLATION

July 15, 2013 (San Diego)--The popular Miramar Air Show set for October 4-6 is at risk of cancellation, following Friday’s announcement that the Pentagon will not allow military flights in the annual air show at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar due to budget cuts caused by sequestration.  Marine officials have not yet confirmed if the show will be held, but if the show does go on, it will be with no military aircraft. Military planes such as the Blue Angels have comprised the majority of the show in the past.

“More than half a million visitors attend the Miramar event, which helps our local economy and showcases the skill of our armed forces. This is a tremendous disappointment across the region,” said State Senator Marty Block (D-39th District).  

He added, “While not as critical as cuts to federal education programs such as Head Start, college loan assistance or lost income due to furloughs, the cancellation again underscores that Congress must do its job and agree on a budget. Last fall I authored and sent Assembly Joint Resolution 46 to Congress which urged the President and Congress to adopt an alternative spending plan before January. Their continued failure to reach agreement is now causing a serious and indiscriminate impact to jobs, the economy and education. The ripple effects to recovering economies in California and across the nation can be prevented if they act quickly. I again urge our federal government to work together to resolve the federal budget situation.”

City Councilwoman Lorie Zapf called for the City Council to adopt a resolution urging the Defense Department to allow the show to be held. 

“It is not just a blow to the regional economy, but a serious threat to the funding for military wellness programs, on-base childcare and other quality-of-life programs that provide critical support for our military families," Zapf said of the budget cuts.