As San Francisco gears up for its annual Fleet Week starting on Sunday, October 5, concerns arise over the potential impact of a looming government shutdown on the popular military event. This year’s Fleet Week, which features the highly anticipated performances of the Navy’s Blue Angels, could face significant alterations if a spending bill is not passed by midnight Eastern time.
The city’s Mayor, Daniel Lurie, expressed his commitment to monitoring the situation closely, acknowledging the event’s importance to the community. “We’re excited about Fleet Week; it’s always a great weekend here in San Francisco where we honor the men and women of our military. We’ll keep you posted,” he said.
In a statement from the event organizers, concerns were voiced regarding the possibility of reduced military participation in the event. They noted, “If a government shutdown takes effect, U.S. military participation—including ships, aircraft, and sailors—would be paused.” This could lead to a diminished Fleet Week experience, lacking key elements such as military ship tours at Pier 30 and 32, and the vibrant sounds of Army and Marine bands echoing throughout the city.
Local businesses, especially those near the waterfront, are bracing for potential losses. Allan Joyce, a bartender at Hi Dive, emphasized the stakes involved, saying, “A smaller SF Fleet Week would be bad. A big drop in business, a big hit. We just lost the Giants with no playoffs, so to double down would be huge.”
Despite these challenges, the Navy and Marine Corps remain hopeful for a resolution that would allow their participation. They released a joint statement indicating that if the government shutdown is resolved quickly, they will explore ways to salvage military involvement in Fleet Week. Currently, the Navy fleet is still scheduled to depart from San Diego for San Francisco later this week, but uncertainty looms over the upcoming festivities.
As the community awaits clarity on the government situation, there is a shared hope that Fleet Week will go on, continuing a cherished tradition that celebrates military service and fosters community spirit.