Politics & Government
Thunderbirds Grounded from Jones Beach Air Show
Federal budget cuts caused by a congressional sequestration deal force U.S. Air Force to cancel its 2013 performances including scheduled Wantagh appearance.
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will not be flying at this year’s Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach.
The U.S. Air Force was forced to cancel performances by its Thunderbirds precision flying team for the remainder of 2013 as a result of $85 billion in federal budget cuts forced by a congressional sequestration deal put in place last month. The Thunderbirds were scheduled to perform at the 10th Annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach in Wantagh Memorial Day weekend.
"Because of the federal budget cuts [the Thunderbirds] have cancelled their season," said George Gorman, deputy director of the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
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Gorman said that the air show scheduled for May 25-26 will still take place as scheduled with civilian performers as well as a second-time appearance by the Royal Canadian Air Force Supersonic F18 Demo Team.
The 2012 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach attracted nearly 400,000 spectators.
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