Most U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Are Now Unable To Fly

FOX News: Budget cuts leaving Marine Corps aircraft grounded

EXCLUSIVE: Since 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps has prided itself on being “The Few" and "The Proud." But while the Corps takes pride in doing more with less, senior Marine officers are warning that the Corps' aviation service is being stretched to the breaking point.

Today, the vast majority of Marine Corps aircraft can’t fly. The reasons behind the grounding of these aircraft include the toll of long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the fight against ISIS and budget cuts precluding the purchase of the parts needed to fix an aging fleet, according to dozens of Marines interviewed by Fox News at two air stations in the Carolinas this week.

Out of 276 F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters in the Marine Corps inventory, only about 30% are ready to fly, according to statistics provided by the Corps. Similarly, only 42 of 147 heavy-lift CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters are airworthy.

Read more ....

Update #1: US military aircraft in decay, over half of fleet unable to fly – Marine Corps (RT)
Update #2: Budget cuts grounds most Marine Corps aircraft (Rick Moran, American Thinker)

WNU Editor: The White House is blaming the Republicans .... U.S. Marines Say They’re at ‘Breaking Point’ After Obama Administration Budget Cuts — Here’s How the White House Responds (The Blaze), What's my take .... both sides in Washington are responsible for this mess.