Blue Angels Flight Show Grounded Over 'Budget Realities'

SAN DIEGO (CBSLA.com) — The U.S. Navy has grounded its most popular air show.

All remaining 2013 performances of the Blue Angels have been cancelled due to "budget realities," the Navy announced Tuesday.

While there will be no public performances, the squadron will continue to train at its home station in Pensacola, Fla., to maintain flying proficiency.

Defense Department policy states that outreach events can only be supported with local assets at no cost to the government, leaving performances — including those slated for the annual Miramar Air Show — to be grounded until further notice.

"This is one of many steps the Navy is taking to ensure resources are in place to support forces operating forward now and those training to relieve them," spokesman Lt. Aaron V. Kakiel said in a statement.

The move may not be entirely permanent, however, as the Navy signaled it would "continue aerial demonstrations in the future as the budget situation permits."