12:21 PM: We’re on Duwamish Head, near Luna/Anchor Park, as the Seafair Parade of Ships fleet approaches West Seattle’s shore, where the participating ships will turn eastward in Elliott Bay to “parade” past the downtown waterfront. Leading the way, as announced by the U.S. Navy this morning, is the amphibious-transport-dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), followed by the guided-missile destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), and U.S. Coast Guard ships we’ll ID as they come into view. SFD fireboat Leschi is headed westward in the bay to meet them, as usual.

(Fireboat Leschi, this photo and next two by Gary Jones)

(USS Somerset)

(USS Jack H. Lucas)

12:49 PM: The ships, led by Leschi with a festive spray show, are passing Duwamish Head now. … Sailors are lining the decks of both Navy ships. Helicopters are also in view on the Somerset’s deck. … The Navy tug YT801 Washtucna is between the Somerset and Jack H. Lucas. Unlike past years, they don’t appear to have Coast Guard vessels trailing the Navy ships – just one small USCG vessel in view alongside, so this is a short parade.

1:15 PM: The ships are now approaching downtown.

(Photo by Doug Eglington)

The Navy ships will be open for tours at Pier 46’s USCG facility 10 am-4 pm Thursday-Sunday – all the details are here.

ADDED 5:23 PM: Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos! The next four are from David Hutchinson – first, a USCG helicopter that flew over before the ships arrived:

Here are the helicopters we mentioned seeing on the Somerset’s deck:

Another full view of that ship:

And of the Jack H. Lucas:

Both of the Navy ships are now docked at the Coast Guard’s downtown facility, where the aforementioned tours will be held.