Blue Angels grounded for San Francisco Fleet Week amid shutdown

State of play: While Fleet Week — which runs from Oct. 5-13 — hasn't been cancelled, Congress's inability on Tuesday to pass a government funding measure ahead of a midnight deadline triggered an automatic suspension of all nonessential federal operations.

• The Blue Angels, under the Navy's budget, were immediately benched.

What they're saying: If the shutdown lifts before Fleet Week is over, Blue Angel shows may resume, the Blue Angels' public affairs chief, Conor Minto, told Axios.

• "If the shutdown ends today, there's a high chance that we continue onto Fleet Week," Minto said Wednesday. "If the shutdown ends this weekend, I know the team would probably try their hardest to try and still make any air shows possible."

By the numbers: The annual event draws about 1 million visitors and delivers a $200 million economic boost to the city, including more than $10 million in tax revenue.

• The U.S. Defense Department has called San Francisco the model for Fleet Weeks nationwide.

Catch up quick: The federal government shut down Wednesday for the first time since 2019 as lawmakers clashed over health care and other spending priorities.

• With no compromise in sight, it's unclear when operations will resume.

What's next: Many Fleet Week festivities, including musical performances, ship tours, and expositions, are expected to proceed.

• The Canadian air force's Snowbirds will headline the air show for the first time since 2017, Fleet Week spokesperson David Cruise told The Mercury News.