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 Smith’s attention: how to satisfy President Trump’s 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 Trump’s “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 Navy’s 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 ...
They could bring in Strykers from the PA National Guard BCT and uparmored Humvees from almost everywhere. That could increase the “cool” factor and be cost-conscientious.
A few tanks as show pieces would be cool, I think. My boys would absolutely love it.
On the mall? Why not on the boarder?
Was in DC for the Victory parade in 1991. They had everything in their, Abrams, Patriot carriers, every plane that flew in the war, F117, warthogs etc. And all armor was rolling down the street, not on static display. They had to take turns with the Abrams closing the bridge
e at a time near the Jefferson (?) Memorial, but they did it. It’s just hate Trump is the problem
Was in DC for the Victory parade in 1991. They had everything in their, Abrams, Patriot carriers, every plane that flew in the war, F117, warthogs etc. And all armor was rolling down the street, not on static display. They had to take turns with the Abrams closing the bridge
e at a time near the Jefferson (?) Memorial, but they did it. It’s just hate Trump is the problem
Isn’t that the one where he said July 2nd?
Was in DC for the Victory parade in 1991. They had everything in their, Abrams, Patriot carriers, every plane that flew in the war, F117, warthogs etc. And all armor was rolling down the street, not on static display. They had to take turns with the Abrams closing the bridge
e at a time near the Jefferson (?) Memorial, but they did it. It’s just hate Trump is the problem
The 4th of July is to celebrate a Declaration of Independence. Victory was still many years away.
I love our military troops in all branches, but I personally could do without celebrations turning into military displays like red square or Pyongyang.
I would rather see some army, navy, air force, and marine units marching in dress uniforms, along with maybe some reenactment units of colonial troops and muskets, each with the colors flying before them. A fly over by the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds would be fine as they already have a show budget anyway.
Would cost a heck of a lot less and still be appropriate.
Oh, and lots of BBQ :)
If the tanks are too destructive to the pavement maybe we can just roll some nukes along instead. We can even paint them with rainbows.
Wy are the dims getting their panties in a wad when the president wants to do it in DC?
The federal fovernment has jurisdiction over Washington D.C. D.C. Council has as much power as Uncle Sam would allow them to have.
Because President Trump is doing it. It doesn't matter what he does, they're going to claim it's horrible. Ignore them, other than paying enough attention to know your enemy.
The despots in D.C. will be shitting their pants if actual tanks with actual guns enter the Capital.
CNN: Trump To Intimidate Americans With Tanks.
Which differs from the Republicans how?
I have no problem with tanks. Gotta set the stage for a great 4th of July celebration!
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