Budget cuts affect New York City's Fleet Week

Fleet Week, New York City's annual ode to the sea, will be virtually devoid of white-capped sailors and tall ships this year thanks to federal budget cuts that have severely curtailed spending by the Navy.

The Navy won't be sending any ships or sailors to the festive spring event, which inundates the city streets with about 6,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel every year. Only local reserve units will be able to attend, said Beth Baker, director of public affairs for the Navy's mid-Atlantic region.

There won't be any Coast Guard cutters or helicopters performing search-and-rescue demonstrations, either. The budget cuts are affecting every branch of the military.

"It's very clear that no branch of the armed forces may participate in community relations or outreach events that come at an additional cost to the government," Baker said.

The Navy spends $7 million to $10 million on average for the annual event, a sum that includes docking fees, fuel costs, security, hotel rooms and transporting large ships and aircraft to New York.

The week features parades, ship tours, impressive displays of military aviation prowess and other events intended to educate the public about the Navy. Fleet Week, which dates to 1984, is scheduled to begin May 22. -- AP