Blue Angels Will Return to SF Fleet Week in 2014

By Bay City News

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - The Blue Angels air show is set to return to San Francisco next year as part of the city's annual Fleet Week celebration, U.S. Navy officials announced.

The Navy's precision flight demonstration team will be performing over the Bay on Oct. 11 and 12, 2014. The Blue Angels had to cancel all of their 2013 shows because of the federal sequestration cuts.

San Francisco's Fleet Week typically features the air show, a Navy Parade of Ships, and disaster drills by local, state and federal first responders. 

All were canceled this year because of the budget cuts, and owners of waterfront shops and restaurants expressed disappointment that the crowds they depend on for business during Fleet Week didn't show up. 

The Blue Angels will be performing 65 shows at 34 locations around the country in 2014.

The shows are meant, in part, to drum up support for the Navy and pique the interest of future generations of military members. 

"Community outreach is key to connecting Americans to the military," Blue Angels Cmdr. Thomas Frosch said in a statement. "Our performances provide a unique opportunity to inspire millions to connect with and support our service members."

More information about the Blue Angels can be found at www.blueangels.navy.mil.

Copyright © 2013 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

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