SEEN OVER WEST SEATTLE: Army helicopters with something extra

| Helicopter | West Seattle news

Thanks to David for sending the photo. We got questions about those helicopters when they flew past Alki this evening, but no visual down here, and they didn’t show on the flight tracker we use, so they were a mystery until the photo came in. Discussion on Twitter notes that not only are they U.S. Army Chinooks flying out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, they have booms in front for mid-air refueling, which means they’re MH-47 special-operations helicopters.

D. Fuller April 12, 2021 (11:38 pm)

With at least four active military airfields within a few minutes flying time of Seattle, why do people think seeing military aircraft such a big deal?

Trish April 14, 2021 (12:15 pm)

Everybody else seems to appreciate it, why knock it? I grew up in Mukilteo and the chinooks use to fly over my house every Tues. night. I loved them as a kid and still love it every time I’m lucky enough to see them. I have no military in my family. But that didn’t matter, I just grew up by an airport that would have air shows every summer, and I couldn’t wait for them to come back every summer! My point being, your post was the only negative one I saw and there was just no need for it. Try to enjoy life a little bit more, I think you would enjoy it.
johnny bocchetti April 14, 2021 (9:51 pm)

Brings back memories from 1969, drafted by Army did basic at Fort Lewis. Went airborne and jumped out of them, they have a heavy distinctive chopper frequency that can be heard for miles..

Paul Meyer April 13, 2021 (3:40 am)

I seen them over demoines and burien

Steve M April 13, 2021 (7:20 am)

Seen west of Lincoln Park around 7:30pm. We wondered about them, thanks for posting!

Nick April 13, 2021 (7:39 am)

They are from 160th SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Regiment) out of Ft Lewis.

Christina April 13, 2021 (9:30 am)

Nick, How did you arrive with this info? Are you in the military ? Take care, Christina

Theresa April 13, 2021 (10:50 am)

Steve April 13, 2021 (1:14 pm)

Great photo, Theresa!
- Theresa April 13, 2021 (4:37 pm)
  
  Thanks Steve, I heard them coming before I saw them and was wondering why they were at eye level and not higher like they usually are. Thought about the vets with PTSD in the area and how this must be affecting them as the whomp, whomp, whomp of the propellers was really loud. Right place, right time.
  - Really?!? April 14, 2021 (1:39 pm)
    
    Seriously?!?

AlkiWatch April 13, 2021 (1:35 pm)

They headed over downtown, past the Space Needle then northwest to UW. Lost them on the flight tracker after that.

Shaun April 13, 2021 (1:50 pm)

Saw them on Seatac – Angle lake also

Marcus Higbee April 13, 2021 (5:12 pm)

Got a couple quick pics of them down on Alki. From an airborne friend: Today is 37th anniversary of US army aviation. A couple MH-47s from buck 60 4th battalion in Ft. Lewis.