PHOTOS: West Seattle military helicopter flyby, on the way to Snohomish County event

| Fauntleroy | Gatewood | Helicopter | West Seattle news

12:03 PM: Don’t know yet what it was about, but a group of military helicopters flew northbound over the west-facing West Seattle shore a short time ago. Anybody get a photo/video? We ran out the front door with the phone (resulting in this video, but they’re somewhat tiny-looking in the distance). One observer said via Twitter that it looked like four Chinooks and a Blackhawk.

12:24 PM: Thanks to James Bratsanos and to Joe for sending photos so far. The two above are from James – first the wide view of all five, then a closer look at two of the Chinooks and the (Blackhawk?).

12:28 PM: More info in comments – including Jim Clark spotting what might be the answer to the question of what this was about.

12:33 PM: Further verification of what Jim found – a program on that Facebook page says Special Forces from JBLM were to fly by/in (Paine Field in Snohomish County), with “Chinooks x 4.”

John sweetland June 9, 2015 (12:15 pm)

I didn’t get a picture, however, it was 4 chinook and a Huey. And there goes another Huey just now. The are headed to the NE of Alki.

Alki mom June 9, 2015 (12:16 pm)

1 more just flew over. This one was military but not a chinook.

Jim Clark June 9, 2015 (12:17 pm)

Saw this on the Historic Flight facebook page. They are at Paine field
“Eyes to the skies at noon today, JBLM Night Stalkers and British Special Forces will be heading our way”
I bet they were in choppers

WSB June 9, 2015 (12:28 pm)

Thanks, Jim! Meantime, two people sent photos and we’ve added two, plus a link to my lame-but-if-you-want-to-see-it-anyway phone video. – Tracy
- WSB June 9, 2015 (12:33 pm)
  
  Update, looks like Jim is correct – on that FB page, a program listing an event for today says JBLM Special Forces, Chinooks x 4

Eric June 9, 2015 (12:18 pm)

Just saw those same four fly directly over Fremont and up Phinney Ridge… really low, they were rumbling and shaking the Lighthouse coffee shop where I was at

Jay Koster, Hill Crest Manager June 9, 2015 (12:24 pm)

We didn’t get a photo, but we sure heard the commotion from 35th at Holden. Be interesting to see what they were up to (other than elevation).

highline teacher June 9, 2015 (12:28 pm)

They flew by my classroom window, making many of my students very excited to see them!

Fried June 9, 2015 (12:35 pm)

Flew through shoreline while I’m working I’ve been hearing hella sirens all day

smokeycretin9 June 9, 2015 (12:46 pm)

Cue “Flight of the Valkaries”

Louisa June 9, 2015 (1:20 pm)

I’m weary of the military theme that is too much with us these days.

MJ June 9, 2015 (1:22 pm)

It’s four chinooks and a Blackhawk.

jim Clark June 9, 2015 (1:50 pm)

Here is a link to see them
https://www.facebook.com/HistoricFlight/photos/a.385127910015.205697.359007635015/10153922227420016/?type=1&theater

617PSC June 9, 2015 (2:23 pm)

It’s the sound of freedom! Hooah!

Meagan June 9, 2015 (2:41 pm)

In response to Louisa’s comment: There is more going on in the world than we civilians know about. We should be grateful that the uniformed men and women in our country are required and willing to train and protect us and be present in our communities! Freedom is NOT free.

T Rex June 9, 2015 (2:57 pm)

Well said Meagan.

Our world is a troubled place these days and I do not see an end in sight.

ltfd June 9, 2015 (3:13 pm)

Actually, I think the helicopters were dispatched for the Shell protesters.

WSB June 9, 2015 (3:35 pm)

Maybe you’re joking. If not: No, they weren’t, and the links above verify it. There’ve been TV helicopters now and then, Guardian One and the Coast Guard the day the Polar Pioneer arrived, but no military…

John Dale June 9, 2015 (3:46 pm)

four Chinooks and a Blackhawk just flew over olympic peninsula Sequim at 3:07 pm headed West towards coast

WSB June 9, 2015 (3:49 pm)

Probably the return trip – thanks!

Meagan June 9, 2015 (5:05 pm)

WSB – the Coast Guard is military :)

wscommuter June 9, 2015 (5:36 pm)

I don’t think the choppers were dispatched to deal with the protesters, but I bet they filled up on Shell fuel before taking off.
.
’cause … ya know … all that bad juju …
.
Can we have a mass chant now?

Michelle June 9, 2015 (6:31 pm)

Please have respect. Our military (including the coast gaurd) are here to protect us. Please do your research.

tim June 9, 2015 (8:07 pm)

I’m kind of a Greenpeace save the trees kind of guy but I have nothing but respect for our military. Where would be without them?

Louisa June 9, 2015 (9:10 pm)

I’m still weary of the military theme that is too much with us these days.

robert June 9, 2015 (10:18 pm)

to louisa,,, if you ever had to scurry like a rat between buildings to go to the store in a war zone you would love the sound ,unless you were the bad-guys then you would have something to whine about …

blanchus June 10, 2015 (7:27 am)

Louisa, I agree – it’s completely reasonable to not be excited about fighting, violence and the resources expended to make those machines.

GenHillOne June 10, 2015 (7:18 pm)

BZ, Meagan, yes it is!

CL June 13, 2015 (7:12 am)

“…I have nothing but respect for our military. Where would be without them?” Probably in a lot less wars of aggression in service of our delusional corporate masters.

Sorry, comment time is over.