Seattle climate activists are protesting the upcoming U.S. Navy Blue Angels airshow, citing environmental concerns, pollution, and alleged harm to animals. The protest, organized by the Airshow Climate Action Coalition, includes a billboard and planned rally against the military stunt team. The coalition, made up of members from local climate groups as well as the radical global climate group, Extinction Rebellion, is planning to march and hold a rally on August 2 in protest of the Blue Angels airshow that weekend.
The billboard, which depicts people with hands over their ears and others raising their fists in protest of the jets, which they wrote cause ‘war trauma’ and pollution, was unveiled on Tuesday, with protesters holding signs reading ‘Demilitarize Seafair’ and ‘No military airshows.’ Aedan McCall, who designed the billboard, lived on Mercer Island for over 10 years before leaving due to the effects of the show. ‘The sheer amount of carbon emissions the Blue Angels create – 670 tons in one weekend – is immense and wasteful on top of being a big display of U.S. militarism,’ McCall told The Seattle Times.
Meanwhile, a Seattle woman has filed a lawsuit against Blue Angels officers in federal court, claiming the noise of the low-flying F/A-18 fighter jets caused her cat’s death. The case, filed by Lauren Ann Lombardi, alleges that her sickly, elderly cat experienced panic attacks due to the noise and that this resulted in her euthanasia in August 2024. Lombardi also accuses the Blue Angels of unconstitutionally blocking her profanity-laced comments criticizing the U.S. Navy squadron on their Instagram page, seeking a court order to unblock her account and to prohibit the Blue Angels from blocking other accounts on the basis of viewpoint.
The Blue Angels, the elite military aviation stunt team consisting of 140 active-duty Sailors and Marines, has been performing at Seattle’s Seafair festival since 1972. The squadron aims to showcase the excitement, precision, and power of naval aviation, as stated on their official website. However, the protest against the Blue Angels has gained traction, with over 5,000 signatures on a petition calling for the end of the airshow. The controversy over the Blue Angels has also drawn attention to broader discussions about the environmental impact of military activities and the role of such events in promoting U.S. militarism.
Environmental concerns have become a focal point for many climate activists, as they continue to press for more sustainable practices in both civilian and military sectors. The issue of carbon emissions from military aircraft is gaining more attention in the context of global climate change discussions. The actions of the Seattle climate activists are part of a larger movement that questions the environmental and social costs associated with large-scale military events and the broader military-industrial complex.
As the protest continues, the Blue Angels and their supporters remain divided on the issue. While some argue that the airshow is a valuable showcase of naval aviation and a source of pride for the military, others believe that the environmental and humanitarian costs outweigh these benefits. The ongoing debate highlights the growing tensions between national security interests, environmental stewardship, and public health concerns, all of which are increasingly being brought to the forefront of public discourse.
With the upcoming rally planned for August 2, the protest against the Blue Angels is expected to intensify. The coalition is hopeful that their efforts will lead to significant changes in how such events are organized and perceived. The outcome of the lawsuit filed by Lauren Ann Lombardi will also be closely watched, as it may set a legal precedent regarding the responsibilities of military organizations in protecting public health and civil liberties.
As these discussions unfold, the debate over the Blue Angels’ role in Seattle’s cultural and environmental landscape is likely to continue, reflecting the broader societal tensions surrounding the intersection of military activity, environmental impact, and public accountability.