[quote]The US Air Force has begun grounding about a third of its combat aircraft in response to deep budget cuts that began to take effect in March. The move will affect units in the US, Europe and the Pacific. Air Force Gen Mike Hostage said aircraft would be grounded on a "rotating basis" to focus on "fulfilling critical missions". Separately, the US Navy said the cuts will force it to ground its Blue Angels air show team for the rest of the year. The Air Force's budget for the fiscal year ending in October is being reduced by $591m (£386m). "The current situation means we're accepting the risk that combat airpower may not be ready to respond immediately to new contingencies as they occur,'' Gen Hostage said in a statement on Tuesday.[/quote] Good timing on the brink of war but oh well, shit happens. Is it about time cuts started effecting the military being the biggest money sink.