Posted on 07/01/2019 10:14:58 AM PDT by ransomnote
National Park Service acting director P. Daniel Smith faces plenty of looming priorities this summer, from an $11 billion backlog in maintenance needs to natural disasters like the recent wildfire damage to Big Bend Park.
But in recent days, another issue has competed for Smiths attention: how to satisfy President Trumps request to station tanks or other armored military vehicles on the Mall for his planned Fourth of July address to the nation.
The ongoing negotiations over whether to use massive military hardware, such as Abrams tanks or Bradley Fighting Vehicles , as a prop for Trumps Salute to America is just one of many unfinished details when it comes to the celebration planned for Thursday, according to several people briefed on the plan, who requested anonymity to speak frankly.
Trump who has already ordered up a flyover by military aircraft including Air Force One is also interested in featuring an F-35 stealth fighter and involvement from Marine Helicopter Squadron One, which flies the presidential helicopter, two government officials aid. The Navys Blue Angels were supposed to have a break between a performance in Davenport, Iowa on June 30 and one in Kansas City, Mo. on July 6, but will now be flying in D.C. on the Fourth.
At least 300 service members were slated to participate, primarily from military bands and drill teams, but that number could rise as additional military aircraft and other flourishes are added to the event.
The Defense Department has not released any estimate for how much the celebration could cost. But the use of numerous aircraft could drive it well into the millions when counting fuel and maintenance.
The F-35 costs about $30,000 per hour to fly, according to Pentagon estimates. Each Blue Angel jet costs at least $10,000 per hour....
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
The Marines were in Charlotte last year for a good will tour. They showed up with Tanks, helicopters and Ospreys.
So, what’s the problem?
How much does it cost the government to feed and house illegals each day?
D.C. council weighed in, citing concerns about the massive weight of the tanks potentially damaging roads, infrastructure.
We have said it before, and we’ll say it again: Tanks, but no tanks. (PS: The @DeptofDefense agrees, see highlighted area below) pic.twitter.com/ock2EORKNz
— Council of DC (@councilofdc) July 1, 2019
Grandiose?
He should send the military tanks to Portland.
I like the spirit of the big bad tank but it really needs to be driven right into the front porch of Portland City Hall to symbolize that America does not have hollow balls.
I think I could do without the tanks.
This will keep our domestic enemies busy until the 5th.
I figure the fascists will climb on and harass them.
That number could rise as additional military aircraft
and other flourishes are added
**********
Well the flourishes don’t come cheap. LOL
It’s always quaint when someone in government is concerned with what things cost.
The only time the Democrats are concerned with cost is when it is for something they don’t like.
I want tanks, boats, jets, howitzers and blood-thirsty marines all pledging loyalty to our president for life, Donald J Trump!
and Rockets , lots and lots of Rockets
Its not that hard. A pretty routine operation, really.
Damage- insignificant.
“And the rockets red glare, lots of bombs in the air!”
They’ll have antifa on the Fourth, and Trump will have tanks. Sounds fair.
Hmmm; maybe we could start a rumor they intend to roll over the Rat opposition in the House.
Tanks, meh. I want to see the USS Abraham Lincoln pull into the Washington Naval Yard, get lifted onto a buttload of furniture dollies, and wheeled over to the Mall reflecting pool.
Surround the House of Representatives.
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