Navy's Blue Angels to take flight again in 2014

2013 Getty Images

The Navy''s Blue Angels Perform Over Key West, Fla.

The Blue Angels are seen as a key community outreacheffort for the military, but they were grounded for much of 2013 by federal budget cuts.

The renowned Blue Angels precision flying team will return to the skies next year for a full air show season after being grounded for much of 2013 because of federal spending cuts, the U.S. Navy said.

The flight demonstration squadron is scheduled to perform 65 shows at 34 locations across the United States, with the first show set for March 15 at the Naval Air Facility in El Centro, Calif., the Navy said.

Related: Budget cuts end Blue Angels' 2013 season

The 2014 season will wrap up on Nov. 8 at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, where the 130-person team is based.

"Our performances provide a unique opportunity to inspire millions to connect with and support our service members," said Commander Thomas Frosch, flight leader for the Blue Angels.

The group said it would discuss its return for the 2014 season at a news conference Tuesday afternoon in Pensacola.

The flying team is seen as a key community outreach effort for the military, but active-duty troops were given priority amid $85 billion in automatic budget cuts that began taking effect last spring.

Launched in 1946 to enhance recruiting, the Blue Angels program costs about $40 million a year.

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