by Elizabeth RuizThe Air Force Thunderbirds are grounded and this year's San Antonio Airshow has been scrapped.
Joint Base San Antonio spokesman Brent Boller says the Air Force has cancelled aviation support to public events to save flying hours for support readiness needs.
"As much as we like to do airs hows and flyovers for the public, I think it's in the interest of public safety and security that we focus those dollars on the necessary flying missions," said Boller.
He says the Air Force is cancelling the Thunderbirds' entire 2013 season effective April 1.
Boller says they're not only dealing with sequestration, but the Department of Defense still doesn't have a 2013 budget.
"To compound matters, we're in the midst of a continuing resolution, which expires March 27, so at that point, we could be on the cusp of a government shutdown," said Boller.
The air show was scheduled in November at Randolph starring the Thunderbirds, but officials announced Tuesday the event is cancelled.
