PHOTOS: Seafair Parade of Ships, as seen from West Seattle

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Photo by Long Bach Nguyen)

12:38 PM: The Seafair Fleet Week Parade of Ships is in view from West Seattle, coming from the north and heading east in Elliott Bay toward the downtown waterfront.

(Photo by Gary Jones)

The Seattle Fire Department fireboat Leschi is spraying to welcome them, off Alki.

(WSB photos from here unless otherwise credited)

In addition to the U.S. Navy’s USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), the Canadian ships HMCS Yellowknife (706) and HMCS Saskatoon (709) are participating, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s participants are USCGC Terrapin, USCGC Osprey, and USCGC Henry Blake. USCG helicopter flyby, too.

1:02 PM: Now passing Duwamish Head. (Added – ship photos:)

1:39 PM: Now along the downtown waterfront; the U.S. Navy ships will be open for tours at Pier 90 (Magnolia) starting tomorrow, while the Canadian and USCG ships will be at downtown piers – see the full schedule here.

Joan Mussa August 1, 2022 (1:02 pm)

Dress whites!

WSea555 August 1, 2022 (1:19 pm)

Love that you are on it! Was watching them come in and wondered about their details. Thank you WSB!

Gary Jones August 1, 2022 (2:38 pm)

John Paul Jones is an interesting guy – Scotsman, illustrious naval hero of the American War of Independence, officially a pirate per the Royal Navy and Rear Admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy fighting the Ottoman Empire in service to Catherine the Great. Apparently, he was better in battle at sea than the type needed to do well in the Imperial Court in St. Petersburg.

Led Zep August 1, 2022 (4:40 pm)

Not a bad bass guitarist as well!
- Chris August 2, 2022 (12:29 pm)
  
  And keyboard player as well.

Karen August 1, 2022 (2:54 pm)

Thanks WSB for all the details 👏🏴‍☠️⚓☸️🛳️

Confuzzled August 1, 2022 (3:21 pm)

I love Seafair but Ive never understood why the sailors come here for these few days? Is it vacation, is it advertising, is it a direct order? Im confused….

Anne August 1, 2022 (5:31 pm)

A signature event of Seafair is Fleet WeekSeafair Fleet Week. Takes place during the week leading up to the Seafair Festival. A Seafair tradition since 1950, Seafair Fleet Week celebrates the men and women who serve our country at sea. Ninety percent of the consumer products you use every day arrive in the U.S. by way of the ocean. With 70 percent of the earth’s surface covered in water, it takes state-of-the-art technology to protect the world’s waterways. It is all powered by the best and brightest young men and women from across the United States. Come say hello – you will be impressed! Come to the Seattle waterfront to see vessels and personnel from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian Navy. The celebration starts with the Parade of Ships through Elliot Bay, followed by a week of events where the public is invited to meet the sailors and guardsmen, enjoy free music, and take ship tours. All events are free and open to the public.

Peter August 1, 2022 (5:49 pm)

Honestly, before this year I was never a fan of the military, but the extreme threat that Russia and China have proven they pose to world security has given me a new appreciation for the critical need for the U. S. to have the strongest military in the world. Welcome to Seattle!

Linda August 1, 2022 (6:02 pm)

I’m curious about Coast Guard vessel 563, which has an unusual profile. What does it do?

Bill August 2, 2022 (12:49 am)

Probably a buoy tender
- WSB August 2, 2022 (11:11 am)
  
  Sorry to reply late. Yes, the Henry Blake is a buoy tender:
  https://www.pacificarea.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/District-13/Units/USCGC-Henry-Blake/
  It’s the one Coast Guard vessel that’s offering tours as part of Fleet Week – it’ll be at Pier 66 downtown.

Pepperdockgirl August 1, 2022 (7:19 pm)

I met my husband 48 years ago on Alki. I was working at the Pepperdock, and he was a sailor in for Seafair. Go figure…

Just wondering August 1, 2022 (7:54 pm)

My dad always took my brothers and I to see the ships that came for Seafair. One time we went on a submarine and they asked if there were any questions. I said how fast could it go? The reply was that information was confidential. My dad whispered that we would go to the library and look it up!