In a statement released by Wright Patt, Col. Cassie Barlow, commander of the 88th Air Base Wing, said the cancellation was driven by recent Air Force sequestration rules that restrict the use of appropriated tax dollars for things like military air shows, open houses and community outreach events. Sponsors’ donations covered much of the Tattoo's costs, but enough tax dollars were still required to complete the event, that officials decided to cancel it.

Base officials instead plan to stage a Fourth of July celebration with a fireworks display on the evening of June 28 of this year. The fireworks will be paid for with money generated from the Base Exchange, on-base restaurants and other recreational activities. Officials say they will not use tax dollars for that event will provide more details later in the year.

The Air Force Tattoo had been held each year since 2005 until storms cancelled it last year.