Cuts to Navy won't only affect military

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - The Navy has been forced to operate at the same levels funded by last year's budget. The cuts set to begin Feb. 15 will be felt not just by shipyard workers but the businesses they frequent as well.

"Not knowing when out last day is going to be [is hard]," BAE Systems employee Sean Streets said. "We might work tomorrow and they might come in and say, 'Well, we got no work for you.'"

Clarine Bradley, owner of Hero's sub shop in Berkley, said shipyard workers make up a large chunk of her customer base.

"It would take 50 percent away of my business from me," Bradley said. "I would have to let some of my employees go because in that way, I wouldn't have the business I have now."

Jessica Sanford with SoNo Auto Sales said shipyard workers make up between 30 and 40 percent of their customer base.

"With the cutbacks and stuff, we're concerned," Sanford said. "We'd like to have them over here and buying cars from SoNo Auto Sales and you know, we don't want to see any cutbacks."

At this point in time, it seems as though the cutbacks are inevitable and the worst is yet to come.