For the first time since the event began, there will be no fleet at Fleet Week Port Everglades this year.
The organizers of the annual event, Broward Navy Days Inc., said Tuesday that the U.S. Navy waited as long as it could in the hopes that budget constraints associated with the federal government’s sequester cuts would change and enable its sailors to participate.
But the secretary of defense has said that because of the budget cuts, the Navy will not be sending any ships to Fleet Week or to any other American ports, except where the ships are based, organizers said at a news conference.
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Organizers said they’re disappointed but will still have a great weeklong event, with a focus on honoring local military personnel who are stationed in South Florida. Events will include a “Salute to Veterans,” golf and cooking tournaments, and a 5K run.
A smaller Fleet Week had been expected, with Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler saying late last month that the event would be scaled back.
The Navy has also canceled its Blue Angels air shows for the rest of the year because of budget constraints, though it said the squadron will continue to train in Florida to "main maintain flying proficiency until further notice."
Stay with NBC6.com and NBC 6 South Florida for updates.
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Photo Credit: Ari Odzer/NBC 6 South Florida